Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren't words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You'll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.
Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us .
Position Summary
Partners with the Global Program Lead (GPL) and Global Project Manager (GPM) to co-lead the strategic and operational planning and decision-making process with a BMS Global Program Team (GPT) in late development, and may partner with the GPL as the lead GPM on early stage assets. The Associate Director PM will provide content expertise to the timing, costs, and resources required for development programs and be able to successfully deliver their program(s) milestones and goals. As the strategic partner and operational lead for development and lifecycle management programs, the Associate Director GPM works to ensure that cross-functional teams operate effectively, fostering positive team dynamics and championing BMS' operating model.
General expectations of a Drug Development Project Manager (PM) at BMS:
The PM partners closely with the Global Program Lead (GPL) and Global Project Manager (GPMT) to lead sub-teams of the Global Program Team (GPT) to drive the development of integrated, efficient, and cross-functional program execution plans.
Coordinates and plans the activities for the GPT, including milestone setting, budget forecasting, resource planning, scenario planning, and developing an integrated program plan based on cross-functional inputs and assumptions.
Facilitates team goal setting and tracking to ensure adherence to plan and strategy and in preparation for end of year team evaluation process.
Manages GPT (on early assets) and GPT sub-teams where appropriate to enable tracking integrated deliverables and preparing the GPT for governance interactions at program inflection points.
The PM is accountable for integrated cross-functional planning bringing together diverse functional plans and strategies, definition of the program operational strategy, management of timelines, budget, quality, and risk assessment and mitigation.
The PM works independently to provide best in class operations and project management expertise to drive the GPT and sub-teams toward execution excellence. The PM provides an independent voice to shape the overall project strategy and drive optimal decisions for the broader portfolio value.
Associate Director, PM (Early Development/Late Development)
At the associate director level, the Project Manager (PM) is accountable for one or more GPTs and associates sub-teams of moderate complexity in the early/late development space and is expected to be autonomous in their day-to-day work. The Project Manager may also serve as part of a PM team supporting workstreams of a large, highly complex late stage GPTs with oversight of a Senior PM.
Accountable for creating and maintaining a cross-function development plan, timeline and budget for each program and ensuring progress vs. plan.
Facilitates effective, science-based business decisions including the generation of multiple development scenarios/options as needed, highlighting interdependencies and downstream impacts (including but not limited to timelines and budget) of strategic decisions.
Proactively identifies risks and ensures mitigation plans are implemented.
Accountable for communication to team and stakeholders in a transparent and timely manner
With the GPL, works to foster a high performing team and monitor the health and operating efficiency of the team as a unit. Leads creation of team norms and operating principles with a focus on cross-functional input and accountability.
Develops and coordinates resource and budget planning across functions to assure adequate resources are applied to the project and any changes are highlighted appropriately.
Advises on governance expectations and prepares for key decision point discussions with focus on cross-functional input and rigorous debate.
For projects that are being jointly developed, works closely with a key strategic alliance partner.
Coaches project team members and PM colleagues to drive excellence, accountability, and develops talent pipeline for GPT membership.
Change Agent for continuous improvement and transformational initiatives within PM function.
Qualifications & Experience
Advanced degree (Ph.D. desirable) in Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, or other relevant discipline. In addition, PMP certification is desirable. BS/MS degrees in a scientific discipline in combination with 8+ years of drug development experience will be considered.
Experience within Cell Therapy (at the asset level) strongly preferred
The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience in biotech/pharmaceutical/health care industry; experience in project/portfolio management or leadership of cross-functional matrix teams is a plus.
Proven track record of planning and managing complex programs in early and/or late phase drug development with solid understanding of disease area and drug development pathway with the ability to facilitate and contribute to strategic discussions.
Expert understanding of the end-to-end processes in drug development and product value assessment.
Leadership skills including situational leadership, ability to lead a team of experts and influence without authority.
Demonstrated ability to lead matrix teams, knows how to work at the strategic level with the GPL and when to delve deeper to resolve issues and challenges.
Experience with commonly used project management tools including but not limited to Microsoft project.
Strong communicator able to integrate and succinctly summarize the various parts of a project and effectively tailor messages to audience including senior leaders.
Guides GPT and manages preparation of high-quality documents and presentations for review at governance committees.
Ensures appropriate GPT membership during the progression of the program.
Ability to resolve complex problems and manage difficult stakeholder situations.
Ability to lead the development of critical path analyses and scenario planning.
Excellent Project Management Skills - drives execution while balancing speed, quality, and cost.
Excellent written and verbal skills, (including full professional English proficiency).
Must be well-organized and have strong attention to detail with an ability to deal with competing priorities; high level of problem-solving capability and business acumen, ability to balance competing priorities and quickly and objectively drive the team towards a path which maximizes value, while maintaining the end-to-end cross-functional view.
If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn't perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.
Compensation Overview:
Brisbane - CA - US: $172,580 - $209,131
Princeton - NJ - US: $156,890 - $190,117
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee's work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:
Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
Work-life benefits include:
Paid Time Off
US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)
Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays
Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
*Eligibility Disclosure: T he summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.
Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as Transforming patients' lives through science , every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
On-site Protocol
BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy @type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:
Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.
Supporting People with Disabilities
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com . Visit careers.bms.com/ (https://careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility) eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
Candidate Rights
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/
Data Protection
We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection .
Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com . Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.
R1601272 : Associate Director, Program Management, Cell Therapy Company: Bristol-Myers Squibb
Req Number: R1601272
Updated: 2026-04-19 03:39:16.567 UTC
Location: Brisbane-CA
Bristol Myers Squibb is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, gender expression, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
