Manager II, Program Management - Late-Stage Development

Location: Irvine, California, United States

Department: Program and Alliance Management

About the Role

Join us in advancing our pipeline to address a number of diseases across therapeutic categories, including eye care and other conditions with high unmet need.

This role will lead program management for a late-stage (Phase 2b/3 through regulatory submission, approval, and launch readiness) drug development program. The Manager II, Program Management partners closely with the Program Team Lead and Development Core Team to drive cross-functional program strategy, integrated development planning, and disciplined execution through pivotal trial readouts, regulatory filing, approval, and commercialization.

Let’s talk about some of the key responsibilities of the role:

• Partner with the Program Team Lead and Development Core Team to develop and execute cross-functional program strategy and integrated development plans for a late-stage program
• Establish and maintain functionally integrated program timelines spanning clinical, regulatory, CMC/manufacturing, quality, nonclinical, medical affairs, and commercial activities to enable accurate program analyses, identify critical path activities, and surface resource constraints
• Lead cross-functional planning and coordination for pivotal (Phase 3) trial execution, database lock, and topline readout activities
• Drive integrated regulatory submission planning and execution (e.g., NDA/BLA/MAA) in close partnership with Regulatory Affairs, ensuring alignment of cross-functional deliverables to support on-time, high-quality filings
• Support launch readiness planning by coordinating cross-functionally across clinical development, regulatory, medical affairs, commercial, and supply chain/manufacturing
• Identify and assess program risks; develop, track, and drive mitigation and contingency plans, including maintenance of a program risk register
• Lead scenario planning efforts to prepare teams for differing outcomes at key milestones (e.g., pivotal readouts, regulatory interactions, launch)
• Challenge assumptions and provide recommendations to improve program processes, decision-making, and outcomes
• Facilitate and document Development Core Team and sub-team meetings, cross-functional communications, and governance decisions, ensuring alignment with internal functional groups and leadership
• Support program budget and resource planning in partnership with Finance and functional leads, tracking spend against forecast and flagging variances
• Develop strong relationships with key functional stakeholders and their leadership across the organization to support execution of program goals
• Serve as a Program Management subject matter expert and resource for the broader organization, championing program management best practices and continuous improvement

Factors for Success:

• Minimum 8+ years of product development experience in biotech or pharmaceutical settings, including at least 5+ years in a project/program management role
• Experience managing drug development programs from pre-clinical through Phase III studies is essential; direct experience supporting a program through pivotal trials, regulatory submission, and launch readiness is strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in a biopharmaceutical-related field (e.g., biology, chemistry, engineering) required; advanced degree a plus
• Working knowledge of the end-to-end drug development process, including GxP/ICH guidelines and health authority interactions, for late-stage programs
• Ability to quickly and effectively pivot in response to changing priorities across programs and resources
• Proficient use of IT/project management tools (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar)
• Established track record of effective people management, problem solving, collaboration, cross-functional leadership, and communication
• Excellent communication, influencing, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills
• Strong project/program management foundation; PMP or PgMP certification preferred but not required
• Excellent communication and emotional intelligence to lead cross-functional stakeholders in achieving deliverables on time and within budget, with a demonstrated ability to implement effective processes and innovative solutions that improve program management efficiency
• This is an exciting and visible opportunity for a pharmaceutical professional looking to make a direct impact on Tarsus’ continued success
• Decision Making - Identifies, analyzes, and resolves issues or challenges effectively and efficiently. Demonstrates creativity, decisiveness, and the capacity to implement solutions in a structured and outcome-oriented manner. Navigates uncertainty when there’s not a blueprint for success. Owns their decisions and actions.
• Collaboration and Team Building - Builds strong relationships and networks. Is curious about and respectful of different points of view. Cultivates a safe space for discussion readily engaging in group dialogue and debate. Puts the team first.
• Outcome Driven - Clearly defines mutual expectations of self and others in a team setting. Adapts to changing business needs. Is determined and resourceful in finding solutions, even when faced with obstacles. Takes appropriate actions, including calculated risks, to ensure obligations are met. 

A Few Other Details Worth Mentioning:

• The position will be based in our beautiful Irvine office, complete with onsite gym, pool, snacks, drinks, and occasional catered meals. We provide a hybrid work environment.
• We are passionate about our culture! Our Tarsans live our values of commitment to patients, empowerment to champion innovation, and teamwork to amplify impact!
• This position reports directly to the Director, Program Management
• Some travel may be required – up to 10%

At Tarsus, we understand the importance of attracting and retaining top talent. The expected base pay range for this position is $134,200 - $188,000 plus bonus, stock equity, and comprehensive benefits. The base pay range reflects the target range for this position, but individual pay will be determined by additional factors such as job-related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Our benefits include health, dental and vision insurance benefits to ensure your well-being. We believe in work-life balance and offer generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and personal days. For more details regarding Tarsus benefits, please visit: https://eb.alliant.com/26tarsusbenefitssnapshot.

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