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