Program Manager

WHAT YOU OWN


You will be fully accountable for program outcomes across two dimensions:


Project Performance & Financials

• Scope integrity and change control
• Schedule performance vs. baseline
• Gross margin protection and forecast accuracy
• Revenue recognition timing
• Risk identification and mitigation

Project Execution & Relationships

• Client satisfaction and trust
• Integrated project planning
• Cross-functional alignment
• Phase gate ownership

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership

• Serve as the primary client interface throughout program execution, maintaining clear communication and trusted relationships.
• Manage programs from initiation through closure, including planning, feasibility, development, verification, and manufacturing transfer phases.
• Lead cross-functional teams spanning R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations.
• Navigate complex stakeholder environments and maintain alignment internally and externally.
• Facilitate project kickoffs, phase-gate reviews, design reviews, and recurring client and internal status meetings.
• Monitor scope, schedule, and resources; escalate issues and develop response plans to address proactively.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage detailed project plans, schedules, and deliverables with clear milestones and dependencies.
• Own program financial performance, including revenue, gross margin, change order management, and cash flow.
• Develop and analyze monthly forecasts, proactively communicating risks and applying lessons learned to improve accuracy.

Client Engagement

• Provide proactive, transparent communication to clients on technical progress, schedule, budget, risks, and mitigations.
• Build client trust through follow-through and accountability — deliver on commitments.
• Collaborate with Business Development to ensure continuity from sales into execution, supporting scope and budget change conversations.
• Support Business Development in scoping new client projects across requirements, assumptions, deliverables, schedule, and budget.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure project execution aligns with the company Quality Management System (QMS), design controls, and applicable regulatory standards (FDA, ISO).
• Identify and actively manage risks and opportunities, implementing mitigations proactively.
• Participate as a program representative in client and regulatory audits.

PMO & Continuous Improvement

• Operate as a pillar of the PMO: go beyond execution to recognize patterns, improve processes, and share best practices.
• Use Smartsheet as the central source of truth for project schedules, milestones, risks, and status updates.
• Report regular project health updates to Leadership.
• Drive standardization of tools and processes, using metrics to guide improvement.
• Incorporate post-mortems and lessons learned into future project planning.

PMO Core Values


Every program manager at Ascential is expected to operate by these core principles:

1. Ownership
2. Transparency
3. Discipline
4. Partnership
5. Integrity
6. Continuous Improvement

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field (advanced degree a plus).
• PMP certification highly preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of program or project management experience in a CDMO, medical device, biotech, or regulated manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience owning program financials, including revenue, gross margin, and change order management.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional teams through complex, multi-phase product development programs.

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong leadership presence — able to drive decisions and lead with authority, not just influence.
• Deep knowledge of standard project management processes, methods, and best practices.
• Ability to create and manage complex schedules with detailed work breakdown structures.
• Ability to build and manage program budgets; financial acumen is essential.
• Excellent interpersonal skills for collaboration with both technical teams and executive clients.
• Clear, confident communicator — written, verbal, and in formal presentations.
• Skilled at risk identification: able to predict key risk areas and define actionable mitigations.
• Comfort with ambiguity — able to assess complex situations and chart a path forward with incomplete data.
• Willing and able to have direct, professional conversations with clients and colleagues when needed.
• Proficient in Smartsheet or equivalent project management platforms; comfortable with dashboards and reporting.
• Knowledge of NPI processes, design controls, and regulated product development (FDA, ISO 13485).
• Calm under pressure — able to lead with clarity and composure in high-stakes situations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset — willing to fill gaps, wear multiple hats, and help build something great.

OUR VALUES

We succeed when our customers succeed — Client outcomes drive everything we do.


We win with people and teamwork — Great results come from great collaboration.


We are entrepreneurs — We take initiative and own our decisions.


We own our future — We invest in ourselves and each other.


COMPENSATION & LOCATION


This is a full-time, on-site position based in Corvallis, Oregon. Compensation is expected to be $108,000-135,000 annually commensurate with experience, skills, education, and job-related knowledge. In addition to a competitive base salary, Ascential offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.