Senior Director/Vice President, Program Management (Cambridge)

Beam Therapeutics is a biotechnology company committed to establishing the leading, fully integrated platform for precision genetic medicines. To achieve this vision, Beam has assembled a platform with integrated gene editing, delivery and internal manufacturing capabilities. Beam’s suite of gene editing technologies is anchored by base editing, a proprietary technology that is designed to enable precise, predictable and efficient single base changes, at targeted genomic sequences, without making double-stranded breaks in the DNA. This has the potential to enable a wide range of therapeutic editing strategies that Beam is using to advance a diversified portfolio of base editing programs. Beam is a values-driven organization committed to its people, cutting-edge science, and a vision of providing life-long cures to patients suffering from serious diseases.

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 Project Management function. In this role, you will manage a team of PMs, whose role is to partner closely with the Program Leads, who act as the single point of accountability for the programs, to ensure seamless alignment on strategy, execution, and delivery of key milestones. As the leader of the PM function, you will play a key role in harmonizing best-practices in project management and operational execution across the organization and will work closely with the Development Review Board (DRB) chair to device and implement portfolio-level resources and strategy optimization approaches. 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, with direct experience of leading programs through the different phases of development and, ideally, to commercial launch. Though this is a hybrid role, candidates must live locally and be able to visit our Cambridge location 1-3 days per week as needed.

Responsibilities

Overall accountability for program operations:

• Lead the Project Management function by managing a team of PMs, whose role is to partner closely with the Program Leads.
• 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) across the overall portfolio of programs, in line with corporate goals, working closely with the DRB chair.
• 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 fora.
• 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 and establish best practices:

• 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

• 15+ 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. Experience of taking programs all the way to commercial launch is strongly preferred.
• 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.