Senior Clinical Program Manager

• Location: Foster City CA:
  Hybrid work from home 2 days a week. (Open to those willing to relocate at own expense to be onsite)
• Salary range
  :
  Based on experience ($120-140k + bonus, benefits, and equity options) Might flex for experienced Program Managers in the area.

Kelly Science and Clinical is hiring a Sr Clinical Program Manager for one of our clients who is a growing clinical-stage biotechnology company. This would be focused on early-stage ( phase I & II) development and operations. Our client offers the opportunity to wear many hats, think strategically, provides the ability to contribute beyond traditional expectations and help advance innovative therapies for patients with serious unmet medical needs.

To be considered, you should have experience working for a small or midsize biotech or pharma company as well as start-up environment mantaility that is looking for an onsite presence.

The Senior Program Manager will support the planning and execution of Phase 1 and 2 clinical development programs and play a key role in cross-functional coordination across clinical, regulatory, CMC, and external partners. In addition to core program management responsibilities, this role will support contract execution and vendor management activities, working closely with legal, finance, and functional leads. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and comfortable operating in a hands-on startup environment.

• Support and manage cross-functional planning and execution of Phase 1 and 2 clinical programs, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain integrated program plans, risk registers, and issue tracking tools.
• Coordinate cross-functional team meetings and ensure follow-up on action items and decisions.
• Track program budgets and forecasts in collaboration with finance and functional leads.
• Support preparation of program-level updates for senior leadership and governance forums.

• Support the selection, onboarding, and ongoing management of CROs, vendors, and consultants.
• Coordinate contract-related activities, including statements of work (SOWs), change orders, and amendments, in collaboration with legal and procurement.
• Track vendor deliverables, timelines, and performance against contractual obligations.
• Serve as a liaison between internal teams and external vendors to facilitate efficient communication and issue resolution.

• Identify, track, and escalate program risks and mitigation plans.
• Support cross-functional decision-making and governance processes.
• Ensure alignment across clinical operations, regulatory, CMC, and quality teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of clinical research experience
• Over 5 years of actual program management experience within clinical operations directly supporting biotech or pharma companies. Not accepting all CRO experience at this time.
• Direct experience supporting Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Experience managing CROs and external vendors; familiarity with contract and SOW processes strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional and external-facing environments.
• Comfortable working in a startup setting with evolving priorities and limited infrastructure.
• Willing to work flexible schedules to accommodate global meeting times twice a week as needed.
• Ability to speak Mandarin is preferred but not required.
• Ability to travel globally 1-3 times a year for week-long period.
• Ability to travel nationally if needed up to 25%.

• Exposure to both program strategy and operational execution in a growing biotech.
• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits.
• Opportunity to play a highly visible role in advancing early Phase (through Phase
  2) clinical programs.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with meaningful impact on company success.