Director/Senior Director, Program Management

Position Overview:

As an experienced Program Manager, you will play a critical role in achieving outcomes for our innovative next-generation gene editing programs, with a primary focus on leading the BEAM-302 program, a top strategic priority for the company. In this role, you will serve as the COO of the program, partnering close with the Program Lead who acts as the CEO, to ensure seamless alignment on strategy, execution, and delivery of key milestones. You will manage and integrate drug discovery and development activities, organize core program functions, and drive operations across manufacturing, clinical development, CMC, regulatory, and other cross-functional areas. You will influence and drive team performance, integrate perspectives, enable flexibility, streamline operations, and accelerate progress. Your leadership will directly impact the advancement of Beam’s pipeline and the realization of transformative therapies for patients. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual that is extremely driven, detailed, and has a track record of proven success managing therapeutics programs and cross-functional projects in the biotechnology industry. Though this is a hybrid role, candidates must live local and be able to visit our Cambridge location 1-3 days per week as needed.

Responsibilities:

Overall accountability for program operations:

• Drive the BEAM-302 program team by partnering closely with the Program Lead and cross-functional program team members to manage all operational aspects of the program.
• Lead and operationalize program activities across manufacturing, clinical development, CMC, regulatory, and other cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment with BEAM-302 objectives.
• Manage and integrate program plans and cross-functional deliverables (e.g., timelines, budgets, resource allocation, identification of risks and barriers, identification of mitigation plans, development of scenarios, and integration of key documents like TPPs and IDPs).
• Ensure cross-functional alignment and organizational support for the program plan by facilitating internal and external stakeholder management, as well as communicating program updates at internal forums.
• Provide strategic input into program objectives and ensure alignment with corporate goals.
• Drive scenario planning and trade-off discussions to enable informed decision-making at governance forums.
• Establish proactive risk management frameworks and ensure timely escalation of critical issues.
• Develop contingency plans for high-impact risks and communicate mitigation strategies to leadership.

Drive cross-functional initiatives that support operational excellence:

• Support identification of areas for improvement, as well as facilitate feedback on potential strategies to achieve successful outcomes.
• Support governance and other key leadership forums by developing agendas, dashboards, and other supportive content to drive productive conversations.
• Support key portfolio activities such as long-range planning and budgeting by partnering with functions on portfolio plans and resourcing.
• Lead operational excellence initiatives and drive adoption of best practices across the organization.
• Continue to leverage new technologies and AI to drive consistency, improve efficiency, and accelerate execution across the Program Management group.

Qualifications:

• 12+ years of experience in the life sciences industry, with at least 5 years of demonstrated program management experience leading cross-functional teams in biotechnology.
• BS required, with preference for candidates holding an advanced degree (MS, PhD, MBA, etc.).
• Experience driving cell and/or gene therapy programs is strongly preferred.
• Candidates must live locally and be able to visit our Cambridge location 1–3 days per week as needed.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, influence and integrate diverse teams, identify barriers, and manage budgets, timelines, and meeting plans.
• Demonstrated strategic leadership skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive decision-making in complex, matrixed environments.
• Experience managing multiple programs or contributing to portfolio strategy and governance.
• Expertise in risk management, scenario planning, and contingency development.
• Thorough understanding of the R&D phases within a fast-moving biopharmaceutical organization, including regulatory requirements and clinical development processes for advanced therapies.
• Must demonstrate strong leadership and team-building skills, including experience with conflict resolution and real-time problem solving.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and proficiency with project management tools.
• Comfort with leveraging new technologies and AI-driven tools to improve program management efficiency and consistency.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment and adapt to evolving priorities.