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Principal Program Manager - Labs - Biopharma - Job Opportunity at Thermo Fisher Scientific

Athlone, Ireland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: May 24, 2025
On-site
EUR 75,000 - 95,000 annually, with potential for total compensation reaching EUR 110,000+ including performance bonuses. This estimate reflects the senior-level responsibilities, 8+ years experience requirement, and Ireland's competitive pharmaceutical sector market rates for principal-level program management roles.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package that positions candidates above market standards for pharmaceutical industry roles
Annual incentive plan bonus structure tied to performance metrics and company success
Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, and wellness programs
Extensive employee benefits package encompassing retirement planning, insurance options, and work-life balance support
Access to innovative career development programs within a Fortune 500 biotechnology leader
Professional growth opportunities through exposure to cutting-edge laboratory technologies and global pharmaceutical partnerships

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic program management initiatives for high-value pharmaceutical development programs worth millions in revenue, serving as the primary executive liaison between major pharmaceutical sponsors and internal delivery teams
Drive business development and client relationship management for pivotal clinical trial accounts, directly impacting company revenue growth and market position in the competitive CRO landscape
Orchestrate cross-functional project coordination across laboratory operations, IT systems, and regulatory compliance teams to ensure seamless delivery of complex bioanalytical services
Execute critical decision-making and real-time negotiation with pharmaceutical clients to resolve operational challenges and maintain project timelines for drug development programs
Establish and maintain comprehensive study documentation systems including master files, contracts, and regulatory compliance records that withstand FDA inspections and audits
Deliver technical expertise and training to investigational sites through protocol-specific presentations, directly influencing the success of multi-million dollar clinical trials
Collaborate with finance and business development teams on proposal development and feasibility assessments that determine company competitiveness in RFP processes

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification

Experience

Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 8+ years') or equivalent combination of education, training, & experience

Required Skills

Knowledge and proficiency in analytical chemistry technologies as well business acumen Knowledge and understanding of all aspects of lab study project management to include the areas of stability, QC and method development and validation Excellent problem solving, judgment and decision-making skills Strong verbal, written and presentation skills Proven organizational and negotiation skills Extensive knowledge and proven leadership in project management Understanding of basic budgeting and forecasting terms and definitions Superior time management, planning, and organizational skills Full understanding of laboratory requirements, ICH guidelines, USP requirements and FDA guidance Ability to multitask and effectively prioritize workload Ability to work effectively with multi-level teams Ability to work in a fast-paced undefined environment Strong client relationship management skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical CRO (Contract Research Organization) market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by increasing outsourcing of clinical trials and bioanalytical services as pharmaceutical companies seek to reduce costs and accelerate drug development timelines. This trend has created high demand for experienced program managers who can navigate complex regulatory environments while managing multi-million dollar client relationships. Digital transformation in clinical trials is reshaping the industry, with decentralized and hybrid trial models becoming standard practice. Program managers with expertise in both traditional laboratory operations and digital clinical trial technologies are increasingly valuable as companies adapt to new regulatory frameworks and patient-centric trial designs. The biopharma industry is witnessing a surge in personalized medicine and companion diagnostics development, requiring program managers who understand both analytical chemistry and regulatory compliance across multiple global markets. This specialization commands premium compensation due to the complex intersection of technical expertise and business acumen required.

Role Significance

Typically manages matrix teams of 8-15 professionals across laboratory operations, data management, regulatory affairs, and client services, while coordinating with external investigational sites and sponsor organizations on global clinical trial programs.
This is a senior-level position with significant autonomy and decision-making authority, evidenced by responsibilities for managing high-value client accounts, real-time negotiation authority, and serving as the primary liaison between major pharmaceutical sponsors and internal teams. The role sits at the intersection of technical expertise and business leadership.

Key Projects

Multi-phase pharmaceutical clinical trials with budgets ranging from $2-20 million involving bioanalytical method development and validation Regulatory submission support for FDA and EMA filings requiring comprehensive documentation and compliance oversight Cross-functional technology implementation projects for laboratory information management systems and digital trial platforms

Success Factors

Deep understanding of FDA, ICH, and USP regulatory frameworks combined with practical experience navigating complex approval processes for pharmaceutical products. Success requires staying current with evolving regulatory guidance while maintaining operational efficiency. Exceptional client relationship management skills that build long-term partnerships with pharmaceutical sponsors, often involving negotiation of contract modifications worth millions of dollars and resolution of complex technical challenges under tight timelines. Strategic business acumen that balances client satisfaction with internal profitability targets, requiring the ability to identify upselling opportunities while managing cost overruns and scope changes in dynamic project environments. Technical leadership in analytical chemistry and bioanalytical sciences that enables credible consultation with both internal laboratory teams and external pharmaceutical scientists on method development and validation strategies.

Market Demand

High demand driven by Ireland's position as a major European pharmaceutical hub and the global expansion of clinical trials requiring experienced program managers with regulatory expertise.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Regulatory compliance expertise (FDA, ICH, USP guidelines) is absolutely essential as any compliance failures can result in clinical trial delays costing millions of dollars and potential regulatory sanctions that damage both client relationships and company reputation. Client relationship management and negotiation skills are critical differentiators in the competitive CRO market, where contract renewals and expansions often depend on the program manager's ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and resolve conflicts effectively. Project management expertise with financial acumen enables successful delivery within budget constraints while identifying profitable growth opportunities, directly impacting both client satisfaction and company profitability in a margin-sensitive industry. Analytical chemistry knowledge provides the technical credibility necessary to consult effectively with pharmaceutical scientists and laboratory teams, ensuring scientifically sound decision-making in complex bioanalytical challenges.

Beneficial Skills

Digital clinical trial technologies and data management systems expertise would enhance career prospects as the industry continues its digital transformation, particularly in decentralized and hybrid trial models. Business development and proposal writing skills could accelerate progression to senior commercial roles, given the increasing importance of integrated service offerings in competitive CRO markets. Additional therapeutic area specialization (oncology, immunology, CNS) would increase market value as pharmaceutical companies seek CRO partners with deep therapeutic expertise. International regulatory knowledge beyond FDA/EMA (such as Asia-Pacific markets) would be valuable as clinical trials become increasingly global in scope.

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines technical laboratory expertise with high-level business relationship management, requiring fluency in both analytical chemistry concepts and pharmaceutical business operations - a relatively rare skill combination that commands premium compensation.
The position offers direct exposure to cutting-edge pharmaceutical development programs across multiple therapeutic areas, providing exceptional learning opportunities and industry network development that can accelerate long-term career growth.
Integration within Thermo Fisher's global network provides access to advanced analytical technologies and methodologies not typically available at smaller CROs, enhancing professional development and technical credibility.
The role's focus on 'pivotal' and 'high-value' client accounts suggests involvement in breakthrough therapies and blockbuster drug development programs that shape industry direction.

Career Growth

3-5 years to director-level positions with demonstrated success in revenue growth and client retention, potentially accelerated by additional regulatory or business development certifications.

Potential Next Roles

Director of Program Management or Client Services, overseeing multiple principal program managers and strategic account portfolios Business Development Director focusing on pharmaceutical partnerships and contract negotiations Regional Operations Director managing laboratory services across multiple geographic markets Regulatory Affairs Director specializing in bioanalytical and clinical trial regulatory strategy

Company Overview

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific stands as the world's largest life sciences company with over $40 billion in annual revenue, operating across 50+ countries with a dominant position in analytical instruments, laboratory equipment, and contract research services. The company's PPD division, acquired for $17.4 billion in 2021, represents one of the largest clinical research organizations globally.

Industry leader in the CRO space with significant competitive advantages through integrated laboratory services, global regulatory expertise, and comprehensive clinical trial capabilities spanning Phase I through IV studies across all major therapeutic areas.
Ireland serves as a strategic European hub for Thermo Fisher's pharmaceutical services, leveraging the country's favorable regulatory environment, skilled workforce, and proximity to major European pharmaceutical markets. The Athlone location specifically supports the company's laboratory services expansion across Europe.
Known for scientific rigor and innovation-driven culture with strong emphasis on compliance and quality standards. The company promotes collaborative work environments while maintaining the precision and attention to detail required in regulated laboratory settings.
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