Sr. Client Facing CMC Program Manager

Sr. Client Facing Cmc Program ManagerLooking to join a passionate team dedicated to developing and manufacturing life-saving biopharmaceuticals? Avid Bioservices is a leading clinical and commercial biologics CDMO focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients and improve patient outcomes. Your role: The Sr. Client Facing CMC Program Manager is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing complex, high value drug substance (DS) CMC programs within a CDMO environment. This role serves as the senior day-to-day partner for external clients, accountable for execution against contractual commitments while shaping delivery strategy, risk posture, and long-term client relationships across early and late phase biologics programs. As a senior representative of the organization, this role balances client advocacy, operational reality, and enterprise priorities, driving predictable outcomes, trusted partnerships, and sustainable company growth.Key Responsibilities:Serve as the senior program lead and primary escalation point for assigned DS CMC client programsOwn the overall client relationship post contract, ensuring delivery aligns with scope, timelines, financial commitments, and quality standardsLead executive level client governance, including program reviews, risk discussions, and long-range planningBuild credibility as a strategic thought partner, providing forward looking recommendations and scenario-based optionsPartner closely with Business Development on:Program transitions from pursuit to executionScope expansion, amendments, and future phase planningLong term account and portfolio strategyDrug Substance CMC Program LeadershipProvide program leadership across end-to-end drug substance CMC activities, including:Process development strategy and lifecycle planningTechnology transfer from client or internal development into GMP operationsScale up strategy and manufacturing executionGMP DS manufacturing oversightProcess validation, PPQ, and commercialization readinessDefine and drive phase appropriate execution strategies:Early phase: flexibility, assumption management, and speed to dataLate phase: schedule discipline, risk containment, and supply assuranceEnsure integrated execution plans reflect client intent, regulatory strategy, and internal capacityCross Functional Leadership & Complex Decision FacilitationAct as the senior integrator across Process Development, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and external partnersLead alignment on priorities, resourcing, and tradeoffs for complex or high-risk programsFacilitate critical decision-making forums where quality, schedule, cost, and capacity must be balancedDrive disciplined governance, escalation, and resolution of cross functional conflictsCoach functional and program teams on client centric execution and accountabilityRisk, Change & Contract OptimizationOwn program level risk strategy for technical, operational, regulatory, and schedule exposureLead proactive mitigation planning and transparent escalation with executive stakeholders and clientsOversee change control for scope, timeline, and cost, ensuring:Clear impact analysisClient alignment and documentationProtection of company and client interestsMaintain strong financial awareness, including budget oversight, forecasting, and margin considerationsPortfolio Contribution & Organizational LeadershipContribute to portfolio level prioritization, capacity planning, and governance discussionsServe as a mentor and escalation resource for mid-level CMC program managersSupport development and refinement of CDMO CMC program management standards, tools, and best practicesRepresent Program Management and CMC execution perspectives in internal leadership forumsMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline (advanced degree preferred)7–10+ years of experience in biotechnology or pharmaceutical CMC program or project managementDemonstrated leadership of drug substance CMC programs across development phasesExperience operating in a CDMO or client service delivery model with external accountabilityStrong understanding of GMP manufacturing, validation, regulatory expectations, and commercialization readinessProven ability to influence senior client and internal stakeholdersAdvanced proficiency with scheduling and program management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project)Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This role is a full-time onsite position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm PST unless otherwise stated by Supervisor. The employee must also have the ability to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary.Compensation: We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. The compensation range for this role is $153,600 - $192,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.Who you are:A confident senior leader comfortable representing the organization with external clientsSkilled at navigating ambiguity, tradeoffs, and high stakes decision making to drive program resultsStrategic, solutions-oriented, and commercially awareAble to mentor others while maintaining hands on accountability where neededMotivated by building trusted partnerships and delivering consistent, high-quality outcomesPhysical Demands & Work Environment:In this dynamic role, expect a blend of regular activities like sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional physically engaging tasks such as lifting objects up to 25 pounds. The work environment might expose you to electrical shocks, toxic chemicals, vibrations, or loud noise levels occasionally. However, reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with different abilities to perform effectively, ensuring a supportive and adaptable work setting. Your visual acuity, including close, distance, and color vision, will be essential in navigating through the diverse day-to-day demands of this position.