Program Manager III Gene Therapy Program Management
Location: Research Triangle Park, NC (Contract, 182 days)

Role Impact & Expectations
The Program Manager III (Associate Director, Program Management) is pivotal in accelerating gene therapy products through clinical development. This role directly supports the Integrated Product Team (IPT) by building and maintaining comprehensive development plans, driving cross-functional execution, and ensuring alignment from pre-clinical studies to BLA submission. The position offers visibility across CMC, regulatory, clinical, and medical functions, serving as a key partner to senior leadership and governance bodies.

Skills What Matters Most

- Bachelor s in technical or life science discipline
- 5+ years in pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry
- 5+ years project/program management experience
- Strong written and verbal communication across all levels
- Cross-functional biopharmaceutical development expertise
- Proficiency with SmartSheets or project management software
- Matrix leadership and mentoring capability
- Budget and resource management experience

Key Responsibilities

- Collaborate with IPT Lead to define program scope, objectives, and deliverables across clinical stages
- Develop and maintain integrated end-to-end plans (timelines, stage gates, budgets, resource needs) for multiple clinical programs
- Coordinate and track key activities to progress programs into clinical studies
- Provide operational support: risk management, contingency planning, problem-solving
- Prepare teams for stage-gate reviews and governance interactions (content, stakeholder management, pre-reads)
- Deliver timely program updates to leadership, stakeholders, and governance boards
- Document meetings, key decisions, risks, issues, and action items
- Foster effective team communication and build high-performing teams
- Facilitate creation of program budgets, resource models, and long-range plans
- Ensure organization, accessibility, and archiving of all critical documentation
- Champion program management best practices in partnership with PM Center of Excellence
- Support implementation of stage-gates and IPT operating model across the organization

Recruiter Insights

- High-impact role supporting late-stage gene therapy programs
- Visibility and partnership with executive leadership and cross-functional teams
- Competitive contract rate ($125.74/hr) in a leading biotech hub
- Strong focus on program management, cross-functional leadership, and operational excellence
- Preferred, but not required: advanced degree, PMP, cell/gene therapy experience, global team exposure

Candidate Insights

- Opportunity to directly influence the advancement of innovative gene therapies
- Work with top-tier experts across scientific, clinical, and regulatory functions
- Mentorship and leadership opportunities in a collaborative, matrixed environment
- Enhance skillset in project planning, risk management, and operational strategy
- Attractive contract terms in a renowned research center location