Director Project Management Office

Position Summary

The Director, Project Management Office (PMO) is responsible for leading the PMO function for the Syracuse Bio Campus and ensuring effective portfolio governance, project execution, and cross-functional alignment across client programs and strategic internal initiatives. This role establishes and drives PMO operating standards, governance processes, performance metrics, and execution disciplines that enable visibility, predictability, and delivery excellence across the project portfolio.

As a senior leader within the site and a key member of the Global PMO network, this role translates site and business priorities into PMO strategy, governance, and execution frameworks that support operational performance, client satisfaction, and business growth. The Director serves as a strategic business partner to site leadership and a senior point of contact for clients, providing leadership across Manufacturing Operations, Development (PD, AS&T), MSAT, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Business Development to drive outcomes across complex biologics programs.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in biologics and CDMO operations, strong business and financial acumen, and demonstrated success leading project management organizations, complex technical transfer and cGMP programs, and cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the PMO function for the Syracuse Bio Campus, including functional priorities, governance standards, operating mechanisms, and talent development.
• Translate site, functional, and business objectives into PMO strategies, priorities, and execution frameworks that support successful delivery of client programs and internal strategic initiatives.
• Partner with the VP, Global PMO to align site PMO objectives with global PMO strategy, governance standards, reporting expectations, and continuous improvement priorities.
• Establish and sustain PMO frameworks, processes, tools, and performance measures that improve consistency, transparency, predictability, and decision-making across the project portfolio.
• Serve as a strategic partner to site leadership, helping to identify risks, opportunities, resource needs, and operational tradeoffs that impact project delivery and business performance.
• Influence and help shape PMO best practices across the broader global network through active partnership, knowledge sharing, and adoption of scalable standards.

Project Oversight & Governance

• Provide leadership and oversight for the execution of Syracuse client projects and key internal initiatives, ensuring delivery against scope, timelines, financial commitments, quality requirements, and customer expectations.
• Direct portfolio governance processes, including project reviews, milestone assessments, escalation management, portfolio reporting, and decision-support mechanisms for site and global leadership.
• Ensure risk management, issue escalation, and mitigation planning are embedded within project execution and aligned across cross-functional stakeholders.
• Drive portfolio visibility through clear governance, KPI reporting, lessons learned, and performance reviews that support timely and effective decision-making.
• Lead PMO engagement in the planning and execution of complex client-facing programs, including end-to-end CDMO projects involving cell line development, linker-payload, drug substance, drug product, and technical transfer activities as applicable.
• Identify and implement improvements to PMO effectiveness, including governance, reporting, prioritization, resource planning, and organizational capability.

Client Relationship Management

• Serve as a senior PMO representative and trusted liaison for client stakeholders, ensuring strong communication, transparency, responsiveness, and alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead or participate in Joint Steering Committee (JSC) meetings and other governance forums with clients, providing clear updates on program status, risks, financials, scope changes, and milestones.
• Partner closely with Business Development, Development, and Operations to support new business opportunities, project onboarding, technical transfers, change controls, and ongoing client program success.
• Ensure project scope, change order management, and program communications are managed effectively and in alignment with contractual, operational, and financial objectives.
• Support business growth by helping to create delivery models, governance approaches, and cross-functional plans that enable successful execution of new and expanding client programs.

Financial & Operational Accountability

• Lead PMO financial oversight for client programs and the function, including forecasting, budget management, invoicing alignment, change impact visibility, and cost control.
• Provide site and senior leadership with clear visibility to project financials, milestones, risks, constraints, and operational implications.
• Partner with site leadership and cross-functional stakeholders on strategic capacity planning, prioritization, and resource allocation to support portfolio execution and business commitments.
• Drive operational discipline and accountability across the PMO by linking project performance to business, financial, and customer outcomes.
• Support the resolution of highly complex project and portfolio challenges by coordinating across functions, balancing competing priorities, and identifying pragmatic solutions.

People & Culture

• Lead, develop, and coach a team of project managers responsible for client project execution at the Syracuse Bio Campus.
• Set clear expectations, performance standards, and development priorities for the PMO team to ensure high levels of accountability, engagement, and effectiveness.
• Build PMO organizational capability through mentoring, succession planning, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional development.
• Foster a high-performing team culture grounded in collaboration, inclusion, ownership, client focus, and continuous improvement.
• Lead through both direct people management and matrix influence to align teams, resolve conflict, and drive execution across functions and stakeholders.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Requires 12+ years of relevant experience, including significant experience in the biopharma and/or CDMO industry.
• Significant leadership experience in project management, program/alliance management, PMO leadership, and/or related operational leadership roles supporting complex biologics programs.
• Demonstrated success leading complex cGMP manufacturing, technical transfer, and/or end-to-end client programs within a contract development and manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience establishing, leading, or enhancing PMO governance frameworks, portfolio management processes, and performance reporting mechanisms.
• Experience leading direct reports and developing talent within a matrixed, cross-functional organization.
• Demonstrated success influencing senior leaders, clients, and cross-functional stakeholders to drive decisions, alignment, and business outcomes.
• Strong experience managing client relationships, governance forums, and complex project communications at a strategic level.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Deep knowledge of project and portfolio management methodologies, risk management practices, and governance models within a biopharmaceutical or CDMO environment.
• Strong understanding of biologics manufacturing, process and analytical technical transfer, cGMP operations, and regulatory requirements in GxP settings.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including understanding of project forecasting, cost management, invoicing processes, change impact assessment, and client financial visibility.
• Ability to translate business strategy and operational priorities into PMO governance, execution plans, and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders, clients, and cross-functional stakeholders across a matrixed organization.
• Strong people leadership skills, including coaching, performance management, organizational development, and capability building.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity, manage competing priorities, and drive resolution of complex operational and portfolio issues.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, including executive-level communication.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Power BI, and other project and portfolio management tools.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with appropriate operational involvement to support execution and business outcomes.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk, participating in meetings, and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of standard office equipment (computers, monitors, telephones, printers, projectors).
• Occasional movement throughout the site to attend meetings, observe project activities, or interface with operations teams in manufacturing or laboratory areas.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering controlled manufacturing or lab environments (e.g., safety glasses, lab coats, shoe covers).
• Visual acuity to review project data, timelines, and technical documentation in both electronic and printed formats.
• Occasional lifting or carrying of materials (up to 15 lbs.), such as binders, laptops, or presentation materials.

Work Environment

• Onsite role based at the Syracuse Bio Campus (cGMP manufacturing facility), requiring regular presence and engagement with cross-functional teams.
• Partner closely with global counterparts across regions and time zones to maintain clear communication and alignment across projects.
• Work is primarily performed in an open or shared office environment, requiring a high degree of collaboration, communication, and adaptability.
• Frequent interaction with internal departments (Manufacturing, Development, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Business Development) and external clients.
• Occasional entry into GMP manufacturing and laboratory spaces, which requires adherence to gowning and safety procedures.
• May involve extended hours or flexibility during critical project phases, client audits, or leadership meetings.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Leads, develops, and manages PMO team members, including hiring, performance management, and coaching.
• Oversees resource planning and allocation to ensure effective program and project delivery.
• Establishes clear goals, accountability, and performance expectations aligned to organizational priorities.
• Promotes a high-performing, collaborative team culture and adoption of PMO standards and best practices.
• Provides guidance and mentorship to strengthen project management capabilities across the organization.

Travel

• Up to 10–15% travel for client meetings, global PMO forums, training, client site visits or cross-site/corporate meeting collaboration.

Target Bonus

23%

Work Location:

East Syracuse, NY

New York Pay Range 155000 - 220000 USD