Senior Manager, Program Management (Drug Development)

Ellison Medical Institute • Los Angeles, CA

6d • $166,000 - $190,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager, Program Management (Drug Development) to drive the execution of our lead program as it advances toward IND filing. This role will be critical in establishing operational excellence, shaping cross-functional program planning, and ensuring timely and high-quality regulatory submissions. The Senior Manager will initially serve as the primary operational leader coordinating across functions and external partners, and will evolve to manage a growing project management team as the company expands.

Why You Should Join Us:
Shape the Future of Oncology: Drive the operational path of our first oncology program into the clinic, with the chance to directly impact patient outcomes in an area of high unmet need.
Science Meets Patients: Work at a Institute with an on-site clinic, where translational science and patient care are tightly connected.
High Visibility: Collaborate directly with scientific founders, executive leadership, and clinical partners; no layers of bureaucracy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in life sciences, pharmacy, or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of biotech/pharmaceutical industry experience, with at least 5 years in program/project management roles.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams through IND-enabling studies and at least one IND filing.
• Strong understanding of drug development processes, including preclinical, CMC, regulatory, and early clinical operations.
• Experience in a start-up or lean environment strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional program planning and execution for the Institute’s first development candidate through IND filing and early clinical development.
• Develop and manage integrated project plans, timelines, and budgets across R&D, preclinical, CMC, regulatory, and clinical functions.
• Anticipate and resolve program risks, bottlenecks, and interdependencies to ensure milestones are achieved on time and within budget.
• Partner closely with regulatory affairs to drive high-quality IND-enabling study packages and regulatory submissions.
• Establish scalable, fit-for-purpose project management processes, tools, and reporting that enable efficiency and transparency in a start-up environment.
• Serve as the primary point of operational alignment for internal teams, consultants, and CRO/CDMO partners.
• Provide clear communication of program status, risks, and mitigation strategies to senior leadership as appropriate.
• Build, mentor, and eventually lead a small team of project managers as the portfolio grows.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level