Sr. Client Project Manager

About Forge

Forge, a member of Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services, is a gene therapy development engine, focused on enabling access to life changing gene therapies and helping bring them from idea into reality. We partner with innovators in the gene therapy community: scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma companies, and patient groups. We bring expertise in gene therapy manufacturing and therapeutics development to the table, helping to champion teams that are navigating the long road from the lab bench to the bedside. Our goal is simple but vital to patients living with disease, and we take it seriously. With a patient-first approach, we are forging new models for working together to better accelerate these transformative medicines to reach those who need them the most.   

Forge is based in Columbus, Ohio, in a 200,000 square foot facility known affectionately by team members as, the Hearth. The Hearth, is a custom-designed cGMP facility dedicated to AAV manufacturing and hosts scalable, end-to-end manufacturing services.  

About The Role

We are currently seeking a Senior Client Project Manager to join the Forge Biologics team.  This role will manage a portfolio of client projects in all stages of development and manufacturing gene therapy programs.  You will assist the Program Management Office in generating and implementing successful development and manufacturing campaigns for clients from early phases to Commercial.  The ideal candidate thrives in a multifaceted environment, excels in cross-functional collaboration with both client stakeholders and internal teams, and is committed to upholding the utmost quality standards while adhering to project timelines and budgets.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and deliver all stages of the project, supporting biologics process development, analytical development, technology transfer of new client programs for cGMP manufacturing.
• Lead project planning efforts, defining project scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with clients.
• Communicate regularly with development and manufacturing leadership, as well as planning and client teams, serving as the internal program sponsor alongside Client Relations to deliver contractual commitments.
• Monitor and report on critical program milestones, offering insights and forecasts on progress and risks.
• Track the financial aspects of the project including milestone payments, pass-through costs, and internal resource estimates/allocation, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to navigate potential challenges during project execution.
• Utilize project management tools and templates to streamline program operations.
• Capture and record all action items and critical activities from internal and client meetings.
• Document and catalogue all action items and critical activities that arise from internal and client meetings.

What You’ll Bring 

• 8+ years of experience managing complex cross-functional programs/projects tied to contracted services or product delivery.  
• Proven track record of effectively managing projects with external clients, consistently delivering on time and within budget.
• Experience drafting and reviewing contracts, including Service Agreements, Statements of Work, and Change Orders.
• Demonstrated ability to balance the project's strategic project needs with tactical activities, coupled with a keen ability to maintain focus on both macro and micro-level tasks.
• Experience utilizing project management tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Smartsheet).
• Able to comprehend and interpret technical documents and business processes, with the ability to apply appropriate actions to drive outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Preferred Skills

• Relevant project management certifications such as PMP, CSM, CAPM is preferred.
• Previous experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, CDMO, or other highly regulated industry is preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position works in a typical office environment where the physical work demands will vary depending on the specific tasks and duties required of the job. This is largely a sedentary role; persons holding office positions are generally subject to inside environmental conditions having the lighting