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

Athlone, Ireland
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 25, 2025
On-site
EUR 85,000-110,000 annually based on senior-level program management role in Ireland's growing pharmaceutical sector, with total compensation potentially reaching EUR 130,000+ including performance bonuses and benefits

Benefits

Competitive remuneration package positioning above market median for similar roles in the pharmaceutical sector
Annual incentive plan bonus tied to performance metrics, providing additional earning potential of 15-25% of base salary
Comprehensive healthcare coverage including medical, dental, and vision benefits that exceed standard Irish statutory requirements
Extensive employee benefits package including pension contributions, life insurance, and wellness programs
Access to innovative work environment with cutting-edge laboratory technologies and research facilities
Outstanding career development prospects with internal mobility opportunities across global operations
Professional development support including training, conferences, and certification programs

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic program management services for high-value pharmaceutical development programs, directly impacting drug development timelines and market entry success
Serve as executive-level client account lead and primary liaison, managing relationships worth millions in contract value and ensuring client retention
Orchestrate complex multi-departmental project coordination across laboratory, clinical, and regulatory teams to deliver integrated solutions
Lead cross-functional teams in delivering critical project deliverables that meet stringent pharmaceutical industry standards and regulatory requirements
Negotiate real-time decisions with clients during pivotal clinical trial phases, requiring executive judgment that impacts study outcomes
Facilitate strategic flow of technical and clinical laboratory information across global investigational sites, sponsors, and regulatory bodies
Develop and maintain comprehensive study master files with version controls ensuring FDA and GCP compliance across international markets
Drive revenue optimization through accurate invoicing coordination and financial oversight of client project portfolios
Lead investigator education initiatives through protocol-specific presentations that directly impact study quality and data integrity
Collaborate with IT and data management teams to design and validate new software functionalities that enhance operational efficiency

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 contract research organization (CRO) market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with laboratory services representing one of the fastest-growing segments as pharmaceutical companies increasingly outsource specialized testing and development activities to reduce costs and accelerate time-to-market for new therapies. Digital transformation in clinical trials is driving demand for program managers who can bridge traditional laboratory operations with emerging technologies, particularly in decentralized clinical trial management and real-time data integration across global study sites. Regulatory complexity is intensifying globally, with harmonized ICH guidelines and evolving FDA requirements creating strong demand for experienced program managers who can navigate multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements while maintaining operational efficiency. The shift toward personalized medicine and complex biologics is creating need for program managers with deep understanding of specialized analytical chemistry technologies and method development processes, particularly in the biopharma sector.

Role Significance

Typically manages matrix teams of 8-15 professionals across laboratory, regulatory, and project coordination functions, with indirect leadership over external vendor relationships and client-facing teams
Senior leadership position with significant autonomy and strategic decision-making authority, serving as the primary executive interface between high-value clients and internal operations while managing complex pharmaceutical development programs worth millions in contract value

Key Projects

Management of pivotal Phase II/III clinical trial laboratory services for major pharmaceutical launches Implementation of new analytical methods and validation protocols for novel drug compounds Strategic client relationship management for multi-year pharmaceutical development partnerships Cross-functional integration projects linking laboratory operations with digital clinical trial platforms

Success Factors

Ability to balance client relationship management with internal operational excellence, ensuring both customer satisfaction and profitability in a highly competitive CRO market environment. Deep understanding of pharmaceutical regulatory landscapes across multiple jurisdictions, enabling proactive identification of compliance risks and strategic positioning of services to meet evolving regulatory requirements. Strong financial acumen combined with scientific knowledge, allowing for accurate project scoping, budget management, and identification of revenue optimization opportunities while maintaining technical quality standards. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills that enable real-time problem-solving during critical clinical trial phases, maintaining client confidence while protecting organizational interests and study integrity.

Market Demand

High demand driven by Ireland's position as a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub and the critical shortage of experienced program managers who can manage complex biopharma development programs across regulatory jurisdictions

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Regulatory knowledge (ICH, FDA, GCP guidelines) forms the foundation of credibility and risk management in pharmaceutical development, directly impacting study success and client confidence while ensuring organizational compliance in a heavily regulated industry. Client relationship management skills are essential for retention and growth in the competitive CRO market, where personal relationships often determine contract renewals and expansion opportunities worth millions in annual revenue. Project management expertise enables coordination of complex, multi-stakeholder pharmaceutical development programs where delays can cost millions and regulatory failures can derail entire drug development programs. Financial acumen ensures profitability while delivering competitive pricing, critical in an industry where margins are under constant pressure and accurate scoping determines project success.

Beneficial Skills

Digital health and technology familiarity positions the role holder for leadership in emerging decentralized clinical trial models and integrated data management solutions that are transforming the industry. Advanced analytical chemistry knowledge enables deeper client consultation and identification of innovative service opportunities that differentiate Thermo Fisher from competitors in increasingly commoditized markets. International regulatory experience expands opportunities for global client service and positions the incumbent for senior roles managing worldwide pharmaceutical development programs. Business development skills create opportunities for portfolio expansion and cross-selling of Thermo Fisher's broader service offerings, directly contributing to revenue growth and career advancement.

Unique Aspects

Integration of laboratory services with clinical trial management through PPD's comprehensive platform, offering clients a single-source solution for complex pharmaceutical development programs that smaller CROs cannot provide.
Access to Thermo Fisher's broader technology portfolio, including analytical instruments and reagents, creating unique value propositions for clients and opportunities for integrated service delivery that competitors cannot replicate.
Position within Ireland's pharmaceutical ecosystem, providing access to European regulatory pathways while serving as a bridge to global markets, particularly valuable for companies seeking EU-US regulatory harmonization.
Role combines traditional pharmaceutical development expertise with emerging digital clinical trial capabilities, positioning the incumbent at the forefront of industry transformation and technological innovation.

Career Growth

3-5 years to executive director level with demonstrated success in client portfolio growth and operational excellence, 7-10 years to C-suite positions with additional strategic leadership experience

Potential Next Roles

Senior Director of Laboratory Services with P&L responsibility for regional operations Vice President of Client Services overseeing multiple therapeutic areas and client portfolios Global Program Director managing international laboratory networks and strategic partnerships Chief Operating Officer roles within specialized CRO organizations or pharmaceutical companies

Company Overview

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in serving science with over $40 billion in annual revenue, representing one of the world's largest and most diversified life sciences companies with significant presence in pharmaceutical services, laboratory equipment, and diagnostics markets.

Market-leading position in the CRO space through its PPD division, with the scale and resources to compete directly with industry giants like IQVIA and Labcorp while offering integrated laboratory and clinical services that smaller competitors cannot match.
Ireland operations represent a strategic hub for European pharmaceutical services, leveraging Ireland's favorable regulatory environment, skilled workforce, and proximity to major pharmaceutical manufacturing centers to serve both EU and global markets.
Science-driven culture emphasizing innovation and quality, with strong emphasis on employee development and career progression, supported by the resources and stability of a Fortune 100 company while maintaining the agility needed to compete in the dynamic CRO market.
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