Program Manager (Life Sciences) | Groningen

Thermo Fisher Scientific is where meaningful work happens. Every day, our teams help customers make the world healthier, cleaner and safer —from protecting the environment and food safety to advancing research and helping enable breakthroughs in cancer and other diseases. In Groningen, we support biopharmaceutical customers by enabling the development and production of biologics, including antibodies and other active proteins, in a regulated environment. You’ll have the resources to build your career while driving programs that take science a step beyond.

What you will do

• Lead cross-functional programs that advance strategic initiatives from concept through delivery and implementation.

• Guide teams through the stage-gate Product Commercialization Process , ensuring clear deliverables and decision-ready milestones.

• Own program execution: scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk —and keep work aligned to business objectives.

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leaders, and drive collaboration across a matrix organization .

• Enable data-driven decisions using program metrics, dashboards, and structured problem solving.

• Proactively identify risks and issues, run mitigation plans, and drive timely resolution to protect delivery.

• Ensure compliance with quality management systems , applicable regulatory requirements , and internal procedures.

• Communicate progress, decisions, and trade-offs clearly—up to and including executive-level updates .

Who you are

• A structured, outcomes-focused program leader who can move complex work forward without losing control of details.

• Comfortable influencing without authority and aligning diverse teams around shared priorities.

• Clear communicator who can translate technical complexity into crisp decisions and actions.

• Practical and proactive: you spot risks early, simplify where needed, and deliver.

Requirements

• Advanced degree + 3 years experience, or Bachelor’s degree + 5 years experience in life sciences, pharmaceutical, or medical device product development.

• Preferred fields: Biology, Chemistry, Engineering , or related discipline.

• 3+ years technical project/program management experience leading complex initiatives.

• Strong understanding of stage-gate product development and quality management systems .

• Proven ability to manage budgets, timelines, resourcing, and stakeholder communications .

• Solid command of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive presentations .

• Proficiency with tools such as MS Project, SharePoint , and collaboration platforms.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment.

• Willingness to travel up to 15% .

• PMP preferred ; Six Sigma certification a plus.

• Knowledge of GMP , regulatory requirements, and relevant industry standards.

Why join us

Your programs will directly support innovation across life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics , helping teams deliver solutions that enable breakthrough science and improve lives worldwide.

Interested? Apply via LinkedIn or reach out for a confidential conversation.