Program Manager

As a result of the combination of the BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), by applying to this role, you will be applying for a position with Waters. Waters is a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, Waters’ innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across biology, chemistry, and physics. Waters collaborates with analytical laboratories around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, assure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combatting growing antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, Waters’ passionate team of approximately 16,000 colleagues partner with customers to turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.

We are the people who give possibilities purpose

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

Job Description

The Program Manager will lead New Product Introduction (NPI) programs under the Biosciences Reagents & Assays Segment and collaborate with cross-functional Core Team and Extended Team members to drive excellence in product development and commercialization. This role is responsible for managing large-scale, multi-year product roadmaps involving the launch of hundreds of SKUs while ensuring alignment, risk management, efficient decision-making, and successful execution in a fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will apply program management best practices, scale project rigor appropriately, and drive continuous improvement across the product development lifecycle. 

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Execution

• Lead cross-functional Core Teams and Extended Teams through the full product development lifecycle, from concept through commercialization.
• Manage large-scale NPI programs and product expansion initiatives involving high-volume SKU introductions. 
• Align stakeholders on program objectives, priorities, timelines, risks, resources, and trade-off decisions. 
• Drive successful execution of programs within multi-year product roadmaps. 

Decision-Making & Stakeholder Management

• Influence and facilitate timely, data-driven decisions across functions without direct authority.
• Balance technical, commercial, regulatory, quality, and operational considerations in program execution. 
• Partner with functional leaders and executive stakeholders to manage resources, priorities, risk mitigation, and issue resolution. 

Governance & Compliance

• Lead technical reviews, design reviews, phase-gate reviews, and executive program reviews.
• Ensure adherence to the company's Global Product Development System and Design Control requirements. 
• Support internal and external audits by maintaining appropriate program documentation and records. 
• Ensure compliance within regulated environments, including Design Control and ISO requirements. 

Risk & Portfolio Management

• Identify, assess, mitigate, and communicate technical and program risks.
• Conduct program risk assessments and escalation activities with leadership teams. 
• Support portfolio management processes and continuous improvement initiatives. 

Continuous Improvement

• Promote project and program management best practices.
• Drive initiatives that improve development cycle times, launch predictability, and team effectiveness. 
• Contribute to process improvements across product development, commercialization, and portfolio management. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical discipline.
• Hands-on laboratory experience. 
• 6–8 years of experience in life sciences, biotechnology, medical device, or diagnostic industries. 
• 2–5 years of project or program management experience.
• Proven success leading New Product Development (NPD) teams. 
• Proven success delivering products through commercialization. 
• Experience working within Design Control, Change Management, and ISO-regulated environments. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Biological Sciences or a related field.
• Cross-functional team leadership experience (2+ years preferred). 
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. 
• Experience in regulated product development environments such as research, clinical diagnostics, medical devices, or life sciences. 

Required Skills and Competencies

Program & Project Management

• Strong program and project management expertise.
• Ability to manage complex, multi-year product portfolios and roadmaps. 
• Experience scaling project management rigor based on program complexity. 

Leadership & Influence

• Ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority. 
• Strong stakeholder management and organizational alignment capabilities. 
• Proven ability to influence decision-making across diverse functions. 

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

• Strong analytical, risk assessment, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to identify issues, evaluate trade-offs, and develop practical solutions. 
• Data-driven approach to program management and execution. 

Communication

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership and technical teams. 
• Strong facilitation and meeting leadership skills. 

Business Acumen

• Results-oriented with a strong focus on business outcomes.
• Ability to balance customer, commercial, operational, and technical priorities. 

Preferred Experience

• Experience managing large-scale NPI programs involving hundreds of SKU introductions (including reagents, kits, panels, assays etc.)
• Experience within life sciences, biotechnology, diagnostics, or medical device industries.
• Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives across product development processes. 
• Experience representing programs during internal or external audits.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 10%. 

At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Remote or field-based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting.

For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.

Why Join Us?

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.

We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.

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Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Required Skills

Optional Skills

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Primary Work Location

USA CA - San Diego (BDB)

Additional Locations

Work Shift

At BD, we reward, support and develop our associates through our comprehensive Total Rewards program. We are committed to attracting and retaining high quality talent by providing reward and recognition opportunities that promote a performance-based culture, as well as a competitive package of compensation and benefits programs. You can learn more on our career site under "Our Commitment to You."

Our salary or hourly rate ranges reward associates fairly and competitively. We regularly review these ranges and factors, such as location, contribute to the range displayed.

Our pay is based on the role and the necessary skills and education to perform it successfully. The salary or hourly rate offered is determined by the role's specific requirements, including any applicable step rate pay system at the work location. Salary or hourly pay ranges are influenced by labor laws and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requirements applicable to the work location which may also affect the workplace arrangement of the role.

Salary Range Information

$115,000.00 - $183,900.00 USD Annual