Associate Director, Program Strategy & Operations #4654
NCBiotech, Durham, NC, United States
GRAIL is seeking an
Associate Director, Program Strategy & Operations,
to be a key leader in the centralized program and project management function. This role will manage a team of program managers who support complex, cross‑functional initiatives across Global Development & Operations (GDO) and Quality, Regulatory and Compliance (QRC). They will ensure alignment with enterprise strategy and drive cross‑functional delivery in a global, matrixed environment. This includes the day‑to‑day administration, execution and monitoring of critical initiatives.
This is a highly visible people‑leadership role requiring strong systems thinking, cross‑functional collaboration, change leadership and deep expertise in program and project management in complex regulated environments. Serve as a player‑coach, balancing people leadership responsibilities with direct ownership and delivery of key GDO/QRC initiatives.
This role is based at our Durham, North Carolina office and offers a flexible working arrangement. The arrangement requires a minimum of 60% (24 hours) of the work week on site, with the remaining time flexible. Your specific schedule will be determined in collaboration with your manager and may exceed this requirement to meet team and business needs.
Responsibilities
Lead a centralized program and project management capability for GDO & QRC, enabling deep embedded functional expertise within these areas.
Implement and continuously improve operating mechanisms, tools and standards that drive consistent program and project delivery across GDO and QRC.
Ensure strong alignment between enterprise/product strategy and execution within GDO and QRC portfolios.
Foster cross‑functional collaboration across all functional areas supported.
Ensure the integrity, consistency and quality of program resource and budget data to enable accurate forecasting and portfolio decision‑making.
Oversee cross‑functional program and project execution, including planning, integrated timelines and risk management.
Build and nurture a high‑performance program management community focused on excellence in planning, execution, communication and stakeholder management.
Lead and develop a high‑performing team of business and technical program and project managers across GDO and QRC, with growth potential.
As needed, drive and deliver cross‑functional initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and program roadmaps.
Demonstrated knowledge regarding applicable regulatory standards commensurate with the position’s complexity and scope, contributing to organizational regulatory compliance.
These responsibilities summarize the role’s primary responsibilities and are not an exhaustive list. They may change at the company’s discretion.
Required Qualifications
BS/BA degree with 12+ years of related experience, or master’s degree with 8+ years of related experience, or PhD with 5+ years of related experience.
Experience managing programs and projects in research & development, operations, quality, regulatory and compliance. Proven experience leading and developing program/project managers and cross‑functional project teams.
Strong track record of influencing and aligning senior stakeholders across functions in a matrixed environment.
Experience with program governance, risk management and execution metrics in regulated, high‑complexity industries.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated change management skills, including driving adoption of new processes, tools or operating models.
Excellent communication, facilitation and executive presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize complexity into clear insights and recommendations.
Compensation and Benefits The expected full‑time, annual base pay scale for this position is $165K–$218K. The role may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including an annual bonus and/or incentives, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and company discretion. Employees in this role are also eligible for GRAIL’s comprehensive benefits package, which includes flexible time‑off or vacation, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, medical, dental and vision coverage and selected mindfulness programs.
Equal Employment Opportunity GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at rc@grailbio.com if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.
GRAIL maintains a drug‑free workplace. We welcome job‑seekers from all backgrounds to join us!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Associate Director, Program Strategy & Operations,
to be a key leader in the centralized program and project management function. This role will manage a team of program managers who support complex, cross‑functional initiatives across Global Development & Operations (GDO) and Quality, Regulatory and Compliance (QRC). They will ensure alignment with enterprise strategy and drive cross‑functional delivery in a global, matrixed environment. This includes the day‑to‑day administration, execution and monitoring of critical initiatives.
This is a highly visible people‑leadership role requiring strong systems thinking, cross‑functional collaboration, change leadership and deep expertise in program and project management in complex regulated environments. Serve as a player‑coach, balancing people leadership responsibilities with direct ownership and delivery of key GDO/QRC initiatives.
This role is based at our Durham, North Carolina office and offers a flexible working arrangement. The arrangement requires a minimum of 60% (24 hours) of the work week on site, with the remaining time flexible. Your specific schedule will be determined in collaboration with your manager and may exceed this requirement to meet team and business needs.
Responsibilities
Lead a centralized program and project management capability for GDO & QRC, enabling deep embedded functional expertise within these areas.
Implement and continuously improve operating mechanisms, tools and standards that drive consistent program and project delivery across GDO and QRC.
Ensure strong alignment between enterprise/product strategy and execution within GDO and QRC portfolios.
Foster cross‑functional collaboration across all functional areas supported.
Ensure the integrity, consistency and quality of program resource and budget data to enable accurate forecasting and portfolio decision‑making.
Oversee cross‑functional program and project execution, including planning, integrated timelines and risk management.
Build and nurture a high‑performance program management community focused on excellence in planning, execution, communication and stakeholder management.
Lead and develop a high‑performing team of business and technical program and project managers across GDO and QRC, with growth potential.
As needed, drive and deliver cross‑functional initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and program roadmaps.
Demonstrated knowledge regarding applicable regulatory standards commensurate with the position’s complexity and scope, contributing to organizational regulatory compliance.
These responsibilities summarize the role’s primary responsibilities and are not an exhaustive list. They may change at the company’s discretion.
Required Qualifications
BS/BA degree with 12+ years of related experience, or master’s degree with 8+ years of related experience, or PhD with 5+ years of related experience.
Experience managing programs and projects in research & development, operations, quality, regulatory and compliance. Proven experience leading and developing program/project managers and cross‑functional project teams.
Strong track record of influencing and aligning senior stakeholders across functions in a matrixed environment.
Experience with program governance, risk management and execution metrics in regulated, high‑complexity industries.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated change management skills, including driving adoption of new processes, tools or operating models.
Excellent communication, facilitation and executive presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize complexity into clear insights and recommendations.
Compensation and Benefits The expected full‑time, annual base pay scale for this position is $165K–$218K. The role may be eligible for other forms of compensation, including an annual bonus and/or incentives, subject to the terms of the applicable plans and company discretion. Employees in this role are also eligible for GRAIL’s comprehensive benefits package, which includes flexible time‑off or vacation, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, medical, dental and vision coverage and selected mindfulness programs.
Equal Employment Opportunity GRAIL is an equal employment opportunity employer and we are committed to building a workplace where every individual can thrive, contribute and grow. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. Additionally, GRAIL will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in a manner consistent with applicable law and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact us at rc@grailbio.com if you require an accommodation to apply for an open position.
GRAIL maintains a drug‑free workplace. We welcome job‑seekers from all backgrounds to join us!
#J-18808-Ljbffr