Kailera Therapeutics

Clinical-stage obesity and metabolic drugs developer

Director of Program Management

Program ManagementConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeWaltham, MA, USA

About the Job

Requirements

Strong understanding of drug development and commercialization and how biotechnology functions integrate.
Experience managing cross-functional teams and complex projects, including required Phase 3 late-stage drug development experience.
Demonstrated experience and working knowledge across clinical development, commercial, regulatory, and technical operations/chemistry, manufacturing, and controls, and how these functions integrate across the drug development lifecycle.
Demonstrated project management and interpersonal skills.
Problem-solving, organizational, attention-to-detail, and analytical skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity.
Ability to respond to changing priorities and uncertainty with composure, resilience, and an open mind.
Record of collaboration and communication skills.
Proficiency with project management tools such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, Excel, think-cell, and OnePager.
Experience in both pharmaceutical and biotechnology environments, including larger organizations and high-growth biotechnology companies.
A bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or a related field with at least 10 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with at least 8 years of project management experience in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry.

Responsibilities

Support the Program Leader with planning, execution, and delivery of multiple projects across asset development.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Clinical, Regulatory, Non-clinical, and Technical Operations, to ensure alignment with company and program objectives.
Collaborate with the Program Leader to ensure agenda topics and outputs align with the program's overall strategic development plan.
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 the Program Leader and stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and transparency.
Create and own program reports for executive and other governance teams.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Clinical, Regulatory, Non-clinical, Technical Operations, and Commercial, to drive the overall program and other projects forward.
Oversee development and execution of project plans from initiation to completion, ensuring completion on time, in scope, and within budget.
Work closely with teams to identify potential risks and implement solutions.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in strategic planning for NDA filing, post-approval commitments, and U.S. commercialization.
Prior experience in general medicine therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular, diabetes, endocrinology, metabolic disease, or similar.
A master's degree in life sciences.
Project Management Professional certification.

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.

What You’ll Do:

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).

Responsibilities:

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

Required Qualifications:

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, OnePager)
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

Education:

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—$240,000 USD

For Full Time Roles: This range represents the company’s good-faith estimate of the salary at the time of posting. Actual pay may vary based on experience, skills, qualifications, location, and internal equity. We also offer comprehensive health coverage, flexible time off, paid holidays, and a year-end shutdown. Enjoy a monthly wellness stipend, generous 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance, plus annual bonus opportunities and equity grants—because your well-being and future matter to us.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY INFORMATION:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age (40 and over), sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, reproductive health decisions, domestic victim status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

E-Verify:

Kailera Therapeutics, Inc. uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

#LI-Hybrid

Salary Range 196000 - 240000 USD

About the Company

Kailera Therapeutics

Clinical-stage obesity and metabolic drugs developer

Kailera Therapeutics focuses on obesity and related metabolic conditions by acquiring and developing clinical-stage drug candidates and moving them toward commercialization. Its lead asset, KAI-9531, is an injectable dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP receptors for obesity and type 2 diabetes, and the pipeline includes an oral GLP-1 agonist (KAI-7535), an oral tablet form of KAI-9531, and an injectable tri-agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors (KAI-4729). The company differentiates itself by sourcing assets outside of early research, pursuing a mix of injectable and oral therapies, and leveraging a high-profile leadership team and substantial funding to progress a broad portfolio under external licenses. Kailera’s goal is to advance multiple metabolic disease therapies from clinical development toward commercialization to improve outcomes for patients with obesity and related conditions.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Waltham, MA
Founded: 2024

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