Program Manager, Drug Product CMC (Short Term, Contract)

Centessa Pharmaceuticals is a new kind of pharmaceutical company focused on data-driven decision-making within a deconstructed R&D environment. The Program Manager will lead and support the development and manufacturing of small molecule programs, ensuring effective execution of CMC deliverables and fostering collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the main point of contact for all CMC project-related communications especially focused on drug product development, manufacturing, release, packaging, labeling, and stability coordination
• Foster strong relationships with internal teams, and external partners including CDMOs
• Participate in regular telecon meetings with CDMOs to maintain the business relationship, progress, meeting notes and action items
• Monitor timelines and contracts for accuracy and follow up on any discrepancies with contractors and/or internal personnel
• Support CMC activities including tracking relevant GMP and Regulatory documentation
• Interfaces with drug substance, drug product, analytical, non-clinical, clinical, Regulatory, supply chain, and Quality colleagues to ensure all projects are delivered on time, within scope and budget
• Work with CMC team members to identify resource constraints, risks, and conflicts that could impact the team’s bandwidth and/or company timelines
• Cover all other project management requirements including shipment/logistics coordination, inventory, and production planning
• Drive the development and management of detailed and integrated development plans for CMC projects that account for all phases of drug development across functions with timelines, work plans including interdependencies, gating items, budget, and risk management strategies
• Oversee the delivery of project objectives per the program strategy, with a strong focus on meeting critical milestones, and managing scope changes while integrating project constraints
• Facilitate effective collaboration across CMC functional teams, ensuring alignment on project goals and priorities
• Communicate project updates consistently to various stakeholders, about strategy, adjustments, and development progress
• Experience utilizing project management tools and best practices to support CMC activities
• Excellent attention to detail, communication, time management, organizational skills, and flexible attitude to work assignments and new learning with proven ability to interact in a team environment
• Comfortable in a fast-paced small company environment with the ability to manage a variety of projects simultaneously and handle rapidly changing information

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in scientific or related field; advanced degree in a scientific discipline preferred
• 10+ years of pharmaceutical industry experience, including 7+ years leading CMC project/program management activities
• Proven experience in small molecule drug development, with emphasis on drug product development and manufacturing
• Strong understanding of the end-to-end drug development process, including CMC, non-clinical, clinical, and regulatory activities
• Demonstrated knowledge of CMC requirements across all phases of clinical development
• Thorough understanding of cGMP regulations for pharmaceutical products
• Experience coordinating and managing CDMO activities supporting development and commercialization
• Strong project management, organizational, and prioritization skills to manage multiple, evolving programs
• Excellent decision-making, analytical, and resource management skills in dynamic, global environments
• Effective communicator with the ability to clearly convey complex scientific information both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently while collaborating cross-functionally and with stakeholders at all organizational levels
• Self-motivated, results-driven, adaptable to changing priorities, and willing to travel domestically and internationally
• Project management professional (PMP) certification preferred
• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline preferred
• Experience utilizing project management tools and best practices to support CMC activities
• Expert MS Office skills including Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, and other PM timeline software (e.g. Smartsheet)