Director, Program Management

At Kailera, we are bold, authentic and committed to our mission of developing therapies that give people the power to transform their lives and elevate their overall health. Rooted in an entrepreneurial spirit and a team-oriented culture, we are working together to advance Kailera’s mission to advance novel therapies for obesity and related conditions.

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes collaboration, integrity, and excellence. As we expand, we seek the most talented individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to join our team.

The Director, Program Management will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including Clinical, Regulatory, Non‑clinical, and Technical Operations, and Commercial to drive the overall program and several others forward. This individual will oversee the development and execution of project plans from initiation to completion, ensuring the plan is completed on time, in scope, and within budget. Additionally, they will work closely with teams to proactively identify potential risks and implement effective solutions.

A successful candidate must have experience managing drug development projects in a fast‑paced environment, with a strong willingness to build relationships with cross‑functional teams, dive into details, and address gaps as needed to ensure program success.

Required location:
Waltham, MA (hub‑based, onsite 3‑4 days per week).

• Support the Program Leader with planning, execution, and delivery of multiple projects across asset development
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (e.g. Clinical, Regulatory, Non‑clinical, and Technical Operations, etc.) to ensure alignment with company and program objectives
• Collaborate with Program Leader to ensure agenda topics and outputs are aligned with the overall strategic development plan for the program
• Develop and own detailed integrated project plans, including goals, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements
• Identify and manage project risks, issues, and dependencies, and proactively implement mitigation strategies
• Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to Program Leader and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and transparency
• Create and own program reports to executive and other governance teams

• Strong understanding of drug development & commercialization and how biotech functions integrate
• Experience in managing cross‑functional teams and complex projects, with late‑stage drug development (phase 3 experience required)
• Experience in strategic planning for NDA filing, post‑approval commitments and US commercialization strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience and strong working knowledge of cross‑functional areas - including clinical development, commercial, regulatory, and technical operations/CMC - and an understanding of how these functions operate and integrate across the drug development lifecycle
• Demonstrated project management and interpersonal skills
• Excellent problem‑solving and organizational skills, attention to detail, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity
• Responds to changing priorities and uncertainty by maintaining composure, resilience, and an open mind while embracing change in an evolving environment
• Proven record of collaboration and excellent communication
• Proficient in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Excel, think‑cell, One Pager)
• Experience spanning both pharma and biotech environments, including time at larger organizations and lean, high‑growth biotechnology companies
• Prior experience in general medicine therapeutic areas (cardiovascular, diabetes, endocrinology, metabolic disease, or similar) is preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a related field with 10+ years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree with at least 8 years of project management experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry
• Masters in life sciences, PMP certification preferred

Salary Range: $196,000 –…