Associate Director, New Product Development (NPD) Program Management

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Leader of NPD Program Management to drive the successful planning, execution, and delivery of complex, cross-functional new product development programs across our organization. This role will lead a team of high-performing NPD Project Managers and partner closely with R&D, Operations, Commercial, Regulatory, and Quality teams within a matrixed organization to ensure product launches meet business, technical, and customer requirements. The ideal candidate thrives in a scientific and fast-paced environment, demonstrates exceptional leadership, and is passionate about bringing innovative solutions to market.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and grow a high-performing team of NPD Project Managers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Serve as the strategic owner of the NPD IRL/Oncology program portfolio, ensuring prioritization, alignment to enterprise goals, and timely delivery of milestones.

• Partner with R&D and other cross-functional stakeholders to develop and maintain integrated program plans, including scope, timelines, budgets, resources, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Champion stage-gate and product development governance processes, ensuring effective decision-making and program transparency.

• Provide executive-level updates and reporting, highlighting program performance, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.

• Ensure the team follows best practices in program management, risk management, and communication while tailoring approaches to scientific innovation and regulatory complexity.

• Foster a high-performing team culture by mentoring and developing talent, providing growth opportunities, and supporting individual career progression

• Collaborate with the broader PMO, Change Management, and Strategy & Portfolio teams to advance program management capability across the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical, life sciences, engineering, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).

• 10-12 years of experience in program management, with at least 5-7 years in a leadership role within an R&D or NPD environment.

• Proven experience managing cross-functional teams and product launches in highly regulated industries (e.g., medical devices, diagnostics, biotech, pharma).

• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking, with the ability to manage complexity and influence at all levels of the organization.

• Deep knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and governance frameworks (PMP or similar certification a plus).

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

What you can expect from us:  

• Salary range starting at $170,000 based on experience

• Opportunity for annual cash bonus 

• Health / Dental / Vision Benefits Day-One 

• 5% matching 401k 

• Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and much more 

If you’re looking for a role that’ll challenge you, offer a variety of work and learning, while helping an amazing industry, we’d love to hear from you!  

Why IDEXX:

We’re proud of the work we do because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve, we follow our Purpose and Guiding Principles to help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, to ensure safe drinking water for billions, and to help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease. We have customers in over 175 countries and a global workforce of over 10,000 talented people.

So, what does that mean for you? We enrich the livelihoods of our employees with a positive and respectful work culture that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you will be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.

Let’s pursue what matters together.

About the job location:

If you’re thinking about relocating for this role, here are a few things to know about living in Maine (often called “Vacationland”). The Westbrook, ME area provides great access to active downtown areas and the outdoors, with the coast and numerous mountains and hiking trails nearby. You’ll also find a