Program Manager

Made Scientific is a Biotechnology Contract Development Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in Cell Therapy. Our team of expert scientists, engineers, operations, and quality professionals work with our clients to translate groundbreaking treatments into the clinic. The novel therapeutics we focus on require constant innovation and creative thinking for the development, clinical translation and subsequent GMP manufacturing to be successful. The Made Scientific state-of-the-art facility includes Development labs as well as clean room space to support clinical manufacturing projects of our clients.

Position Summary

The Program Manager (PgM) is responsible for overseeing and leading the successful execution of complex projects while collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to track program progress and mitigate potential risks. The PgM will drive and own the creation, maintenance, and oversight of project schedules, manage project budgets, and will serve as the primary point of contact with our clients and internal stakeholders. It is the PgM’s role to integrate contracted scope into the project plan and communicate this information to all members of the cross-functional team. This scope includes the management of both customer and enterprise programs. The PgM will also play a key role in implementing the vision of the future state of the PMO by leveraging their previous experience to develop best practices across the organization.

This role will be primarily located in Newark, NJ, with flexibility to support Princeton as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead by example in utilizing best practices in project management, specifically in the areas of timeline/critical path management, risk management, and budget management

• Demonstrate excellence in proactive client communication through both formal presentations and informal 1:1 interactions, building trustworthy relationships

• Conduct detailed end-to-end program planning with project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Microsoft Project) from initiation through closure

• Drive accountability within cross-functional teams to meet deliverables, timelines, and business (revenue) goals

• Develop and implement enterprise-wide tools, systems, and processes, including driving training and change management

• Ensure dissemination of approved work scope to team members

• Provide project management leadership to cross-functional teams to ensure successful execution of project scope

• Manage client and stakeholder relationships, communications, requirements, and expectations

• Anticipate and proactively manage changes in project scope through the change order process

• Ensure excellent communication within the team, to site leadership, relevant stakeholders, and to clients

• Serve as primary point of contact with the client post-signature, in partnership with Sales & BD

• Prepare and conduct program reviews and presentations across internal teams, clients, and senior management

• Coordinate development of subcontractor Statements of Objectives and Statements of Work

• Maintain project lessons learned and best practices, ensuring dissemination within the PMO and functional leadership

• Apply financial acumen in developing revenue forecasting models

• Assist with new business proposal preparation as required

• Manage project risk registers and implement mitigation strategies as appropriate

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Head of Portfolio and Program Management

Required Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry, with exposure to CDMO operations

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or related discipline

• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet)

• Experience supporting customer programs from development through clinical manufacturing and release

• Strong financial acumen with understanding of CDMO business needs

• Familiarity with time-tracking tools, processes, and systems

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cell therapy modalities

• PMP certification