Senior Program Manager (Princeton)
About Made Scientific Made Scientific is a leading U.S.-based cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in the development, manufacturing, testing, and release of autologous and allogeneic cell therapy products for clinical and commercial supply. Headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, we combine deep scientific expertise with agile, client-focused execution to deliver reliable and scalable manufacturing solutions. Backed by GC Corporation, a global leader in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, Made Scientific is committed to advancing innovative therapies that improve patient lives. Position Summary The Senior Program Manager (Sr. PgM) is responsible for the strategic leadership and successful execution of complex customer and enterprise programs across the organization. This role serves as a senior point of contact for clients and internal stakeholders and is accountable for ensuring programs are delivered in alignment with contracted scope, timelines, financial objectives, quality expectations, and business priorities. The Senior Program Manager provides end-to-end program leadership from initiation through closure, integrating contractual requirements into comprehensive program plans and driving accountability across cross-functional teams. The role proactively identifies and manages program risks, dependencies, scope changes, and competing priorities while ensuring clear communication and timely escalation to senior leadership. In addition to direct program ownership, the Senior Program Manager will contribute to the continued development and maturity of the Program Management Office (PMO), establishing scalable processes, tools, governance, and best practices. The role will serve as a resource and mentor to Program Managers and cross-functional teams while helping strengthen program management capabilities across the organization. Key Responsibilities Lead complex, high-visibility customer and enterprise programs from initiation through successful completion, ensuring alignment with contractual commitments, business objectives, timelines, quality requirements, and financial expectations. Serve as the senior day-to-day point of contact for assigned clients following contract execution, partnering closely with Sales, Business Development, Operations, Technical Operations, Quality, Finance, and other functional stakeholders. Develop and maintain integrated program plans, including critical paths, milestones, dependencies, resources, deliverables, risks, and financial objectives. Provide strategic program leadership to cross-functional teams and drive accountability for execution against established commitments and business priorities. Anticipate program risks, constraints, and potential barriers to execution; develop mitigation and contingency strategies and escalate significant business risks to leadership as appropriate. Establish and maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication, effective expectation management, transparency, and timely resolution of program issues. Lead internal and external program governance meetings, executive reviews, client presentations, and other key program communications. Maintain oversight of program financial performance, including budgets, revenue forecasts, resource assumptions, change orders, and other financial commitments. Partner with Finance and functional leadership to develop and maintain accurate revenue forecasting and identify potential financial risks and opportunities. Identify changes or expansion in program scope and lead the change control/change order process in partnership with Commercial, Finance, and functional stakeholders. Translate approved contractual scope into executable program plans and ensure cross-functional teams understand program requirements, deliverables, assumptions, and responsibilities. Coordinate the development and management of subcontractor Statements of Objectives, Statements of Work, and associated program deliverables as required. Support new business opportunities through proposal development, program planning, timeline development, resource assumptions, and assessment of operational feasibility. Develop, implement, and continuously improve PMO tools, systems, governance processes, reporting standards, and program management methodologies. Lead or support enterprise-wide initiatives designed to improve program execution, operational efficiency, visibility, and cross-functional collaboration. Establish and maintain program metrics and reporting that provide leadership with visibility into program health, financial performance, risks, milestones, and resource needs. Capture lessons learned and translate program experience into scalable best practices and continuous improvement opportunities across the PMO and broader organization. Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to Program Managers and other team members to strengthen project management capabilities and promote consistent application of PMO standards. Influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders to resolve competing priorities, remove barriers, and maintain program momentum. Support the Head of Portfolio and Program Management with portfolio-level planning, prioritization, resource discussions, and strategic PMO initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline. Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or CDMO industry, including demonstrated program or project management responsibility. Demonstrated experience independently leading complex, cross-functional customer programs within a regulated life sciences environment. Experience supporting customer programs across development, technology transfer, clinical manufacturing, testing, and/or product release. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex programs, priorities, stakeholders, and deliverables simultaneously. Strong understanding of CDMO business models, client relationships, contractual scope, revenue recognition considerations, and program financial management. Demonstrated financial acumen with experience managing program budgets, forecasts, revenue projections, and change orders. Advanced proficiency with project and program management tools such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or equivalent platforms. Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, communicate, and mitigate program risks. Experience presenting program status, risks, financial performance, and recommendations to clients and senior leadership. Strong leadership, influencing, negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across technical, operational, commercial, and executive audiences. Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment while balancing customer expectations and organizational priorities. Preferred Qualifications Experience within a CDMO supporting cell therapy, gene therapy, biologics, or other advanced therapeutic modalities. Experience with cell therapy development, technology transfer, manufacturing, testing, and/or release activities. Experience developing or implementing PMO governance, processes, systems, and best practices. Experience mentoring or developing Program Managers or project management professionals. PMP, PgMP, or equivalent project/program management certification. Advanced degree in a scientific, engineering, business, or related discipline preferred. Physical Requirements Ability to perform the essential job functions consistent safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards. Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards. Must be willing to be gown qualified and work in BSL-2 lab/CNC/ISO7/ISO8 facility. Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 lbs. Must be willing to bend, stoop, carry, reach, climb or stand on an elevated bench or step stool. Must be willing to sit or stand for extended periods. Must be willing to work with cell-based products, chemicals or hazardous materials. Work Environment Work is performed in a combination of manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, mechanical, and office environments. May work around manufacturing equipment, mechanical systems, chemicals, and hazardous materials. Required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow applicable safety and GMP requirements. May require occasional work outside of normal business hours to support maintenance needs or facility emergencies. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Made Scientific is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We make employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, business needs, and job requirements without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related m
