Director, Project Management Office

Lifecore Biomedical Inc•Chaska, MN

18h•$175,000 - $220,000•Onsite

About The Position

It's not what we make it's what we make possible. And the possibilities at Lifecore are endless! This full-time position offers incredible benefits and a company culture focused on development and growth which include promotion opportunities. Lifecore has a Director, Project Management Office (PMO) opportunity based onsite in Chaska, Minnesota. The Director, PMO leads and optimizes the PMO function to ensure consistent, high-quality execution of client programs across development, technical transfer, and GMP manufacturing. This role provides strategic leadership over the project portfolio, establishes governance and standardized project management practices, and ensures strong cross-functional alignment in a regulated, client-driven environment. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director, PMO serves as a strategic partner to internal stakeholders and external customers, with full P&L responsibility for the project portfolio. This position is accountable for accurate forecasting, cost control, risk management, and the on time execution of critical milestones that support business growth and client success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required; Life Sciences or Engineering preferred
10+ years of project or program management experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role within a CDMO, pharmaceutical, biotech, or GMP manufacturing environment
Extensive PMO experience managing complex technical transfers and cross-functional development and manufacturing programs
Proven success leading teams in a fast-paced, client-driven, regulated environment
Strong experience with project management tools and systems to support standardized workflows and reporting
Demonstrated ability to manage and communicate effectively with external clients
Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills with the ability to simplify and streamline complex processes
Strong capability in project scheduling, resource loading, budgeting, and critical path analysis
Advanced negotiation, stakeholder management, and influence skills
Strategic mindset with the ability to influence and lead at all levels of the organization

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred
Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification or equivalent strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and oversee the full project portfolio, ensuring effective capacity planning, resource allocation, and alignment with business priorities.
Partner with the executive leadership team to define and execute strategic initiatives, support growth, and drive cost and efficiency improvements.
Ensure PMO alignment with organizational strategy, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
Hold P&L responsibility for all projects within the portfolio, including forecasting, budgeting, and financial performance.
Build, lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Project Management team.
Develop, implement, and continuously improve scalable PMO frameworks, standards, methodologies, and best practices.
Drive standardization across scheduling, reporting, risk management, resource planning, and governance processes.
Leverage digital tools and project management systems to enhance visibility, efficiency, and decision-making.
Ensure consistent, high-quality project execution across development, technical transfer, and GMP manufacturing programs.
Establish and communicate clear project timelines, milestones, financial impacts, and risks to stakeholders and executive leadership.
Review project scopes, development contracts, and client obligations to ensure commitments are clearly understood and delivered.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, internal policies, and Quality Management System (QMS) documentation.
Serve as a senior point of contact for key clients, providing transparent communication, proactive issue resolution, and exceptional program delivery.
Lead cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced, regulated, and customer-focused environment.
Influence and engage stakeholders at all organizational levels to drive alignment and results.

Benefits

Opportunities to learn and grow with a well-respected company
Competitive compensation with annual reviews and a company-wide incentive bonus
Benefits that start the first of the month after you join Lifecore as a full-time employee:
3 medical insurance plans to fit your needs and budget including an HSA Plan with a generous company contribution.
Low cost dental and vision insurance
Short term disability, long term disability and life insurance all 100% company paid
4 weeks PTO in the first year (increases to 5 weeks after just 2 years!)
9 paid company holidays plus 2 personal holidays
Paid family leave
Tuition reimbursement
401k plan with company matching contribution