Kincell Bio is seeking a dynamic and hands-on Associate Director of Program Management to lead and mature our client-facing program management function and drive internal execution excellence. This individual will establish scalable tools, systems, and best practices for program delivery and alliance management, while also leading the cross-functional initiative for PAI and commercial readiness. As we continue to scale our advanced therapies CDMO business, this leader will play a critical role in balancing strategic leadership with direct program ownership in a lean, fast-paced environment.

This role offers the opportunity to build and shape the PM and alliance management functions from the ground up, with direct oversight of program managers and ownership of high-impact initiatives that are central to the company’s growth and client success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. This list contains the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform role-related duties other than those contained in this document.

PM & Alliance Management Leadership

• Design and implement PM infrastructure including tools, templates, workflows, and governance models aligned with best practices for client-facing program management in a regulated CDMO environment.
• Establish a structured alliance management approach that strengthens strategic client relationships, facilitates business expansion opportunities, and enables joint steering committee (JSC) discussions.
• Partner with Commercial, Quality, and Operations leaders to ensure a seamless and transparent client experience from onboarding through long-term supply.
• Drive consistency in stakeholder communication, risk escalation, and issue resolution across all client programs and alliances.
• Develop and monitor portfolio-level metrics, dashboards, and KPIs to ensure operational transparency, client satisfaction, and strategic alignment.

Strategic Program Execution

• Lead the multi-year, cross-functional programs such as PAI / commercial readiness, including planning, execution tracking, and integration across operations, quality, regulatory, IT, and facilities.
• Serve as the internal program lead to drive alignment, remove obstacles, and maintain focus on key milestones and deliverables.
• Facilitate senior leadership and cross-functional steering meetings related to strategic programs.

Client Program Management

• Serve as the program manager for at least one high-priority client program, providing direct oversight, coordination, and communication across internal stakeholders and the client.
• Act as the main point of contact for the client, ensuring transparency, timely updates, and proactive issue resolution.
• Maintain rigorous timelines, risk logs, and decision documentation in accordance with program governance standards.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor a growing team of program managers supporting early- and late-phase client programs.
• Drive a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the program management function.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and development of future PM and alliance management talent as the company scales.

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully.

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, engineering, business, or related field; advanced degree or PMP certification preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in program or project management, including 5+ years in a biologics or cell and gene therapy CDMO or biopharma environment.
• Proven success leading complex cross-functional initiatives, ideally including PAI readiness or late-phase/commercial scale-up projects.
• Experience establishing PM structures and client alliance management processes in a high-growth or startup environment strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of GxP environments and regulatory expectations for clinical and commercial programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and manage both internal and external stakeholders in a matrixed organization.

Key Attributes:

• Hands-on leader who thrives in both strategic and tactical domains.
• Strong relationship builder with a client-focused mindset and ability to navigate executive-level discussions.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity while creating structure and clarity for others.
• Excellent communicator with strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• High degree of ownership, initiative, and execution focus.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Management Responsibilities:

• Hire, recruit, coach, and train employees within the Program Management group
• Continuously assess and ensure the appropriate Program Management structure is in place to support growth. Identify gaps and ensure the proper hiring and development of employees with the support of Human Resources.
• Set expectations, provide feedback and coaching, and take necessary action to ensure appropriate performance and goal attainment.

Travel Requirements

• N/A

Location

• This is a 100% site-based position located at the Durham, NC site. This position requires some non-standard working hours, including early morning or late evening.

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