Senior Program Manager (R&D)

Overview

The Senior Program Manager leads a variety of high complexity, duration tactical projects/programs spanning across multiple functional area(s), laboratory(s), system(s) or application(s) managed by the PMO organization. (e.g.,R & D, CF Reporting, Order to Cash, Operations, IT etc).  Typically manages a combination of one to three projects/programs.  Projects are normally high complexity considering total cost, financial impact, systems impacted, performing labs, software development, test code complexity and outside entities/third parties. This position applies Quest Management System (QMS) principles and tools in their daily work to ensure Quest Diagnostics is efficient and effective in the delivery of its services, solutions, and processes while improving customer and employee satisfaction. Embeds to use continuous improvement, risk management and change management tools. 

The Senior Program Manager consults with the Research & Development, Clinical Franchises, Commercial, IT, Quality & Regulatory Affairs, and Operations organizations to design the rollout of optimized solutions that meet program tactical goals while collaborating with the aforementioned organizations to ensure seamless transition of products, tests and offerings from inception to commercialization. Examples for high complexity, duration tactical projects/programs are new In Vitro Diagnostic assays, new Laboratory Test Development, Commercial Test Launches, standardization efforts, IT functionality/connectivity/software development and updates. 

The Senior Program Manager provides comprehensive written and verbal status updates to senior leadership, project/program sponsor and key stakeholders for key projects and programs. They will be responsible for collaborating and managing process improvement(s) at a department level and across functional areas that impact project/program execution as a part of the product lifecycle management process. 

This is a hybrid position at SJC. We are open to remote candidates. (Expectation: 25% travel)

Schedule: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days work from home)

Responsibilities

• Assignments will focus on product launches; working with both the internal product development core team, cross functional teams, device manufacturer, consultants
• Programs will begin during the concept and feasibility phase, through delivery of the contracted product/service
• Performs root cause analysis using CI tools (e.g., 5 whys, lessons learned). Documents and communicates project shortfalls. Drives corrective action, analyzing at the project level, trending across projects/programs.
• Coaches other employees on the use of various tools, concepts, and practices foundational to QMS in order to embed the tools and methodologies into our normal way of doing things.
• Responsible for project performance, risk management, administration and issue resolution for the functional team.
• Manages projects/programs and cross functional working teams to effectively initiate, plan, execute, monitor, and close projects. Acts as the primary liaison at the project and program level for all related information.
• Develops and executes project plans, milestone charts, project/program documentation and scorecards according to requirements defined by and approved by sponsor.
• Facilitate intra- and inter-organizational meetings and projects to help teams quickly achieve strategic objectives.
• Manages project deliverables in accordance with approved schedules. Analyzes critical path, proactively identifying issues and raising/facilitating resolution with cross-functional team. Drives visibility to gaps impacting overall schedule. Guides roadblocks to resolution, escalating to leadership as appropriate.
• Proactively communicates with executive sponsors, project sponsors and stakeholders in order to manage expectations.
• Manages changes to project and/or program scope, cost and schedule via formal change management process for R&D product management
• Utilizes risk management tool to identify project/program risks. Proactively guides team members, key stakeholders and sponsor through issues and constraints.
• Acts as a change agent to drive teams, key stakeholders and project/program sponsor towards success.
• Tracks cost, budget, resources, plan and schedules and manage changes at project/program level as appropriate. Ensures project artifacts are collected, documented and stored for audit and lessons learned purposes.
• Collaborate with external vendors as indicated to plan and execute project/program requirements. Ensure open line of communication in place for timely updates.
• Actively participates in the QMS IVD PM Community​​​​.
• Partners with functional leaders to develop and communicate current business process documentation which impact project/program planning and execution.
• Understands the business functionality to delivery program benefits and if needed, be able to plan and make changes to individual projects/workstreams.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading programs from initiation to completion in a matrixed organization (8 years’ experience)
• Experience in IVD product development lifecycle and familiarity with Quality Management System Design Controls preferred 
• Demonstrated competency in Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), including agile and waterfall methodologies, and production systems maintenance e.g, LIMS systems.
• Perform job duties with frequent interruptions or distractions
• Adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictate.
• Ability to interact professionally with colleagues and/or customers for different purposes in different contexts.
• Maintains composure under pressure
• Performs a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another
• Ability to comprehend and follow verbal or written instructions
• Using effective verbal communication
• Using effective written communication
• Concentrate on tasks
• Ability to making decisions
• Examine/observe details
• Advanced planning and organizational skills; results and process-oriented
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results in a matrixed organization
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills across multiple formats: formal presentations, facilitation of virtual meetings using conference calls and computer-based presentation tools, e-mails, and memos 
• Skilled with MS office applications (Project, Word, PowerPoint, Visio, Excel)
• Composed when faced with conflict or difficult issue. Able to independently manage conflict/difficult issue to conclusion
• Advanced negotiation and decision-making skills
• Advanced interpersonal skills. Skilled with building relationships with others
• Accountable, creative and flexible
• Able to independently learn new concepts rapidly
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Ability to operate in a dynamic environment and quickly adapts to change; must have ability to promote and build teamwork; exhibits assertiveness, solid leadership and commitment to meeting project/program goals and objectives
• Basic understanding of continuous improvement, process management, or system thinking
• Developing experience leading change
• Developing ability to influence business leaders
• General knowledge of Hoshin
• Established analytical skills
• Established use of program/project tools and methodology
• 0-10% travel expected (expectations shown are targeted ranges; actual travel required will vary by project and can exceed or go below targeted amounts)
• Some evening and weekend work hours may be required, depending on project needs

 Physical and Mental Requirements:  

• The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects 
• Frequent walking and/or standing.   

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree required (BS/BA)

LICENSECERTIFICATIONS

• PMP Certified Project Management desired
• Formal training in project management or continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Total Quality Management, Lean) preferred

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume. 

EEO

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets