Director, Client Program Management

Role overview

This senior leadership opportunity is based in the United States and supports a partner organization that manages the recruitment process. The role sits at the crossroads of client success, program governance, and pharmaceutical operations within a tightly regulated CDMO setting.

You will guide complex, multi-stage client programs from early development through commercialization, making sure client expectations stay aligned with what internal teams can deliver. The position calls for broad strategic oversight across development, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and supply chain groups, along with strong client-facing leadership to handle escalations, manage senior relationships, and deliver against technical, regulatory, and commercial commitments.

Because this is a high-visibility role, your leadership will have a direct effect on program outcomes, client satisfaction, and future business growth.

Key accountabilities

• Oversee a portfolio of client programs spanning pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, keeping business goals and client needs aligned.
• Create and maintain governance models, reporting tools, and KPI dashboards that support performance tracking and executive decision-making.
• Direct integrated planning, resource allocation, and prioritization across development, quality, regulatory, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.
• Keep complex programs on track against milestones, budgets, timelines, and regulatory obligations.
• Act as the main strategic contact for important client relationships, including issue resolution, governance reviews, and executive business meetings.
• Identify risks early, build mitigation plans, and remove operational or staffing bottlenecks across the portfolio.
• Lead efforts to improve program delivery, operational performance, and client experience.
• Coach and develop strong program management teams while reinforcing accountability and disciplined execution.
• Contribute to business growth and client retention through strategic engagement, expansion opportunities, and proposal review support.
• Ensure all program activity follows quality, regulatory, and internal compliance standards.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in a scientific, engineering, business, or related field is required.
• An advanced degree such as PharmD, PhD, MS, MBA, or an equivalent qualification is preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in program or project management in pharmaceutical, CDMO, or similarly regulated life sciences environments.
• Proven success managing complex, cross-functional portfolios across development, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and commercial teams.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capability, including influence with senior executives and external clients.
• Experience building and implementing governance frameworks, reporting structures, and proven project management practices.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills, with experience leading high-level client reviews and meetings.
• Strong analytical and strategic judgment, with the ability to anticipate issues and make data-driven decisions.
• Experience handling client escalations and resolving complicated operational or contractual issues in a matrixed environment.
• Working knowledge of project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, Excel, PowerPoint, and modern AI-supported planning tools.
• PMP certification or a similar project management credential is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive annual compensation comparable to senior leadership positions in the pharmaceutical CDMO sector.
• A comprehensive benefits offering that includes health, dental, and vision insurance.
• The chance to work in a fast-growing, innovation-led life sciences environment.
• A leadership position with strong visibility and direct influence on client success and portfolio results.
• Exposure to full-cycle pharmaceutical development and commercialization programs.
• Strong emphasis on professional development, continuous improvement, and leadership growth.
• A collaborative, cross-functional environment with regular interaction with senior executives.
• The opportunity to shape strategic client relationships and contribute to long-term business expansion.

Application and privacy information

This opening is being shared on behalf of a partner company, which will handle applications and the next stages of the hiring process. The selection workflow uses an AI-assisted matching approach to review applications quickly, consistently, and fairly against the role’s core requirements. A shortlist is then forwarded to the hiring company, while final decisions and interview steps are managed internally by that employer.

By submitting an application, candidates acknowledge that personal data may be processed to evaluate candidacy and share relevant details with the hiring employer under applicable data protection laws, including GDPR where relevant. Applicants may exercise rights such as access, correction, deletion, and objection. AI tools may also support parts of the recruitment workflow, such as resume review, response analysis, and inconsistency checks, but these tools do not replace human judgment, and final hiring decisions are made by people.