Job Summary
The primary purpose of a Program Manager is to drive differentiated patient solutions by
transforming strategy into program and project delivery. A Program Manager’s role is
to initiate, plan, execute, monitor/control and ultimately close a program to successfully
realize the intended benefits. This includes overseeing any sub-programs and projects.
Program Managers will partner with the Project Sponsor. They are a standing member of the
project core team. They are responsible for proactively ensuring program goals and strategies
are appropriately framed, scoped and delivered in line with company standards and processes,
including oversight of the sub-projects, so that the governance bodies and stakeholders can
make the most informed and timely decisions.
Program Managers need to ensure there is strong communication amongst team members and
with multiple stakeholders in different regions including external partners, ideally managed
through a comprehensive communications plan. Effective program communication and
managing the culture in line with the company values is an essential leadership component of the
Program Managers role in working with cross-functional, diverse teams.
Program Manager assignments can vary in terms of program scope, size and complexity and
may also include project management of specific deliverables within the program. Program
Managers act as champions for PM Management techniques and processes, educating
colleagues in these areas and sharing best practices across the organization.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES
Framing program goals and objectives
● Drive the accomplishment of projects by using project and program management standards and
processes where applicable.
● Determine the program requirements (goals, objectives, ..) based on the project charter or
Target Patient Value Profile (TPVP) and on the guidelines from the project sponsor. These
program requirements should be in line with the long term strategy and vision.
Setting program planning baseline
● Ensure appropriate program strategies are in place to meet the overall goals including a baseline
plan (such as resources, work breakdown structure, scope and scheduling) in a SMART business
case (when applicable).
Program budgeting and resourcing
● Partner with Finance to set, oversee and monitor the program budget, with appropriate change
controls for key program and project milestones. This includes negotiating and driving the
partnership agreement and financial cycle process.
● Design a clear resource management plan regarding future resourcing needs and monitor the
budget.
● Apply project management processes throughout the project/program duration (e.g. planning
update, roadmap, governance, data repository, ...)
Executing programs and projects
● Responsible for project and program execution through the team and overseeing sub-projects.
This includes managing program performance against the end to end lifecycle process, stage
gates and interacting with governance bodies.
● Proactively identify, troubleshoot, and escalate risks and issues as well as realize the benefits of
project-related opportunities.
● Use project processes, reporting and technology such as INTEGRATE, SharePoint, Launch
Tracker and SAP.
Measuring program performance
● Define and monitor program and project quality and performance including KPIs, feedback-based project reviews and transition management in line with company processes and standards.
● Identify opportunities for improvement through project reviews, ultimately managing the
transition to steady state or next stage gate.
Communicating program information
● Partner with sponsors, stakeholders, and teams to establish a safe, collaborative environment.
● Manage the program communication plan to identify the key messages, audiences, interfaces,
timings, and mechanisms for effective communication at all levels including externally to the
organization.
● Act as delegate (e.g. for the Development Lead or Program Sponsor) when needed.
Project learning
● Designs optimal program strategies and scenarios through identifying, developing, and employing the right methods and frameworks based on clear goals, benefits and business cases to inform timely, quality decision-making, avoiding confirmation bias.
Apply relevant knowledge
● Build, apply and share knowledge and skills across the organization. The knowledge and skills can include biopharma and healthcare industry-knowledge, or rather function-specific skills (e.g.
commercial, engineering, research, quality, …).
Best practices
● Drive industry best practices (initiate, plan, execute, monitor/control, close) by contributing
lessons learned, challenges, solutions and involvement in process improvement projects.
● Train colleagues on project and program management best practices and processes as needed.
● Participate in the Project Management Community.
Other accountabilities
● The PM Competency framework provides a clear overview of the different accountabilities for a
Program Manager
Education and Qualification
Education Level Minimum level: Bachelor’s degree
Preferred: Post graduate qualification in relevant discipline
Certification Project management certification required (e.g. PMP, APM, Prince 2, Agile)
Other initial experience required:
● Microsoft Office
● Project Management tool
● Working with global, multicultural, diverse teams, with demanding timelines
and complex deliverables, ideally within the Pharmaceutical Industry is
preferable.
● For Asset Program Managers, experience with working in cross-functional
teams focused on the research, development, and commercialization of a
product, including Regulatory Affairs, Safety, Medical Affairs, Manufacturing
and Access is required
- Biopharma and healthcare industry-knowledge
Skills
Examples of preferred hard skills
● Budget and resource allocation procedures
● Project and program methodologies
● Prioritization and goals setting
● Project planning
Examples of preferred soft skills
● Leadership and managerial skills
● Troubleshooting
● Solution-driven mindset
● Being able to work with a wide range of individuals
