Programme Manager
Location: Remote (UK) – occasional face-to-face meetings
Start: ASAP
Reports to: CEO
Status: Full-time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead and coordinate an accelerated development programme through CMC, preclinical, and IND-enabling phases. This is a unique opportunity to join a fast-moving biotech start-up in its build phase, driving execution across multiple CROs and workstreams.
The role is remote, requiring a highly flexible, hands-on approach and the ability to operate beyond rigid functional boundaries.
Key Responsibilities:
Programme Leadership:
* Maintain and drive the integrated development plan (CMC → PK → tox → IND).
* Own critical path, dependencies, risks, and mitigation strategies.
* Lead weekly operational cadence across internal teams and CROs.
* Adapt execution structure as the programme scales.
Vendor & CRO Management:
* Manage interactions with CROs across CMC, enzyme engineering, PK/PD, and in-vivo studies.
* Oversee SOWs, change orders, deliverables, budgets, and issue escalation.
* Ensure structured communication and alignment across all vendors.
CMC & Preclinical Coordination:
* Coordinate execution across analytics, linker/payload activities, formulation strategy, biodistribution, PK studies, and GLP tox planning.
Timeline, Budget & Documentation:
* Own Gantt charts, budget tracking, and deliverable logs.
* Ensure complete documentation and data-room organisation.
* Prepare operational materials for investors, advisors, and Board.
Regulatory Readiness:
* Coordinate packages and timelines supporting IND-enabling activities.
* Liaise with regulatory consultants to ensure programme alignment.
Build-Phase Flexibility:
* Operate effectively in a lean, high-intensity start-up environment.
* Contribute to establishing processes, templates, and operational cadence.
* Comfortable working outside narrow functional boundaries when needed.
Candidate Profile:
Essential Experience:
* 5+ years as a Programme/ Project Manager in biotech or CRO environments.
* Proven experience coordinating CMC and/or preclinical development programmes.
* Strong CRO/vendor management across multiple concurrent workstreams.
* Experience managing complex development timelines and budgets.
* Familiarity with biologics/ADC/large molecule workflows.
Desirable Experience:
* Exposure to ADCs or antibody-based therapeutics.
* Experience in early-stage or lean biotech settings.
* Contribution to IND-enabling packages.
Personal Attributes:
* Highly structured, delivery-focused, and operationally rigorous.
* Independent, proactive, and comfortable with ambiguity.
* Strong communicator with excellent organisational discipline.
* Thrives in a remote-first, high-accountability environment.
Ready to take ownership of a high-impact development programme and help bring first-in-class therapeutics to patients?
Apply now by sending your CV today!