Associate Director, Program Management (Early Pipeline)

About the role

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 Associate Director, Program Management will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including clinical, regulatory, non-clinical, and technical operations, to drive the overall program and several ad-hoc projects 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.

The Associate Director, Program Management, will support Kailera’s mid-stage assets, which are in Phase 1 and Phase 2 development. These include KAI-4729 (tri-agonist injectable) and Safiglipron (oral GLP-1)

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, nonclinical, 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 program risks, issues, and dependencies, and proactively implement mitigation strategies

Monitor project progress and provide regular updates to Program Leader and other stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and transparency

Own program reports / dashboards to executive and other governance teams

Demonstrated high learning agility, curiosity and experience in highly competitive therapeutic areas is preferred

Required Qualifications:

10+ years of relevant project management experience in the biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences industry

Strong understanding of drug development and how biotech functions integrate

Experience in managing cross-functional teams and complex projects, with early to mid-stage drug development experience preferred (prior to EOP2)

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)

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred

Salary Range $159,000—$195,000 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.

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