Manufacturing Program Manager Pharmaceutical Biotech

Manufacturing Program Manager – Pharmaceutical / Biotech Location:
Worcester, MA Work Schedule:
Hybrid – Onsite Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (minimum)
Contract Duration:
18–24 Months Industry:
Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology / Medical Devices $94-$98/hr based on benefit selection Position Overview Orion Group is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Program Manager to lead complex, global manufacturing programs within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. This highly visible role will oversee cross-functional initiatives involving drug product fill/finish, medical device manufacturing, and drug-device combination product assembly, labeling, packaging, testing, and commercialization.
The ideal candidate brings a strong background in pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing, extensive global program management experience, and demonstrated success leading product industrialization, qualification, and technology transfers from development into commercial manufacturing operations.
This position requires a strategic, hands-on leader who can translate business objectives into actionable execution plans, manage complex timelines and competing priorities, and collaborate effectively with global Manufacturing, Engineering, Science & Technology, Supply Chain, Quality, and Regulatory teams.
Key Responsibilities Global Program & Project Management Lead large-scale, global manufacturing programs spanning multiple manufacturing, testing, storage, and distribution locations.
Develop comprehensive program charters, execution strategies, project plans, milestones, timelines, resource allocations, and deliverables.
Establish program governance structures, work breakdown structures (WBS), RACI matrices, integrated project schedules, and stakeholder communication plans.
Manage multiple competing priorities while ensuring programs remain aligned with business objectives, budgets, and timelines.
Facilitate global cross-functional meetings, document key decisions and action items, and ensure accountability for deliverables.
Manufacturing Industrialization & Product Transfers Lead programs supporting the industrialization and qualification of drug product fill/finish, medical device manufacturing, and combination product assembly, labeling, and packaging operations.
Coordinate product and design transfers from development into manufacturing and commercial operations.
Support manufacturing readiness, regulatory submission activities, product launches, and commercial supply planning.
Partner with technical and operational teams to resolve complex manufacturing, engineering, scientific, and analytical challenges.
Coordinate material demand planning, sourcing, allocation, and distribution across global manufacturing networks.
Cross-Functional Leadership & Stakeholder Management Serve as a central point of coordination across Manufacturing, Engineering, Science & Technology, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and other business functions.
Communicate program strategies, progress, risks, milestones, and deliverables to senior leadership and global stakeholders.
Drive alignment across geographically dispersed teams and influence decisions without direct authority.
Proactively identify project barriers, facilitate issue resolution, and implement risk mitigation and contingency plans.
Promote collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency across global programs.
Financial & Risk Management Manage program budgets and financial plans, monitor expenditures, and address financial variances.
Identify opportunities to accelerate execution, improve operational efficiency, and reduce or avoid costs.
Maintain comprehensive risk registers, contingency plans, and program performance reporting.
Ensure appropriate technical and financial program closeout and transition of ongoing responsibilities.
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent qualifications.
10+ years of combined professional experience in manufacturing, engineering, science and technology, or technical operations within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device industry.
5+ years of global program and/or project management experience, managing complex, cross-functional initiatives.
5+ years of experience working within a drug product fill/finish, medical device manufacturing, or combination product packaging plant environment.
Demonstrated experience with industrialization and qualification of drug product fill/finish, device manufacturing, and combination product assembly, labeling, or packaging operations.
Proven experience leading or supporting product transfers from development into manufacturing operations.
Strong experience developing program charters, execution strategies, Gantt charts, milestone plans, work breakdown structures, RACI matrices, risk registers, and material demand and supply plans.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, MS Project, PowerPoint,