Strategic Program Manager – Research & Development

Location: Remote
Department: Program Management Office, Research & Development

Position Overview

We’re seeking a Strategic Program Manager to join the Program Management Office managing complex Research & Development programs. In this role, you’ll lead cross-functional programs that drive the launch of new clinical diagnostic products and enhance existing ones. You’ll apply structured project management practices to foster collaboration across scientific, business, operational and engineering teams; manage dependencies and risks; and deliver clear, data-driven updates to leadership.

This role is pivotal in ensuring that high priority company initiatives are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality and regulatory standards—directly supporting Natera’s mission to bring cutting-edge diagnostics to patients worldwide.

Primary Responsibilities

• Drive cross-functional programs that bring new clinical products to market and enhance existing ones, with a strong focus on Design Control and New Product Introduction in a regulated environment.

• Partner across teams—including R&D, business, operations, and engineering—to define goals, milestones, and plans that balance resources, risks, and priorities.

• Lead all phases of product development, from early concept through commercialization and post-launch, ensuring alignment, transparency, and momentum.

• Develop and maintain key program documentation, such as project plans, protocols, and reports, to keep teams informed and accountable.

• Track progress and communicate results through clear, data-driven reports and regular updates to senior leadership.

• Champion Design Control excellence, managing gate reviews, design freezes, technical assessments, change control, and regulatory deliverables.

• Facilitate productive team meetings that drive decisions, surface and mitigate risks, and maintain focus on program objectives.

• Guide trade-off and risk decisions to balance technical, business, and regulatory considerations and challenge assumptions while adapting to evolving priorities.

• Foster collaboration and problem-solving, helping teams overcome challenges, resolve conflicts, and deliver high-quality results on time.

• Coordinate joint development efforts with external partners to ensure seamless integration and progress.

• Manage up to 3 dynamic programs simultaneously, anticipating challenges and maintaining progress in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience) required; Master’s degree or higher preferred.

• Minimum 3 years of program management experience in biotech, life sciences, or another regulated technical industry.

• Project management certification or training (e.g., PMP or equivalent) preferred.

• Background in research, assay development, systems engineering, lab operations, or software development is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with laboratory informatics systems and processes such as LIMS, sample accessioning, sequencing pipelines, and results reporting preferred.

• Minimum 3 years of project budget management experience preferred.

• Experience with software development lifecycle principles, data architecture patterns (e.g., SOA), and agile tools (e.g., Jira, GitLab) a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must Have:

• Proven experience creating and maintaining complex Gantt charts, project plans, and risk/RAID logs.

• Skilled proficiency with project management and scheduling tools such as SmartSheet (or equivalent).

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams, including functional management.

• Highly organized, resilient and adaptable, with strong time-management and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Must understand and be able to model a growth mindset in the midst of challenging day-to-day interactions.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to cross-functional teams.

Desirable:

• Understanding of product development under FDA Design Controls, including documentation standards and relevant regulations (e.g., 21 CFR, ISO 13485, ISO 15189, EU IVDR and Section 524B for Cybersecurity).