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, st