Manufacturing Program Manager

Manufacturing Program Manager
Location: Worcester, MA
Work Model: Hybrid (Onsite Tuesday–Thursday)
Pay Rate: $90–$97/hour (depending on benefits selection)
Contract Length: 12 months to start


Orion Group is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Program Manager to lead complex, global manufacturing programs supporting the development, industrialization, and launch of medical devices and drug–device combination products for our pharmaceutical client in Worcester, MA!

In this role, you will be responsible for end-to-end program leadership across multiple manufacturing, testing, storage, and release sites worldwide. You will translate business objectives into actionable execution strategies, align global cross-functional teams, manage program finances and risks, and ensure timely, compliant delivery of new or modified products from development through commercial launch.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, highly organized leader with strong executive presence, exceptional communication skills, and deep experience in manufacturing operations within regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently define and document program scope, execution strategies, resources, deliverables, and milestones using standard program management tools.
• Lead global programs involving assembly, labeling, packaging, testing, storage, and release of medical devices and drug–device combination products.
• Create and maintain integrated program timelines, milestone tables, and execution plans; manage dependencies across sites and functions.
• Facilitate product and design transfer kick-off meetings and align global and site-level execution teams.
• Translate business goals into actionable project plans with clearly defined deliverables and accountability.
• Manage programs in alignment with approved financial plans; monitor spend, ensure accurate cost posting, and proactively address financial variances.
• Establish and maintain effective program governance, including work breakdown structures, RACI matrices, communication plans, and decision forums.
• Develop and execute risk mitigation and contingency plans to maintain program momentum.
• Identify and drive opportunities for acceleration, efficiency gains, and cost avoidance or reduction.
• Navigate and integrate evolving global manufacturing, quality, and regulatory requirements into program execution strategies.
• Plan and facilitate global meetings; document decisions, actions, and follow-ups; ensure accountability and closure.
• Drive rapid identification, communication, and resolution of program issues, enabling informed decision-making and cross-functional problem solving.
• Ensure technical and financial closeout of programs and transition ongoing responsibilities to appropriate operational teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or a scientific discipline.
• 10+ years of combined professional experience in manufacturing, engineering, science & technology, or technical operations within pharma, biotech, or medical device environments.
• Minimum of 5 years of global program and/or project management experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in one or more of the following environments:
  • Drug product fill/finish
  • Device manufacturing
  • Combination product assembly, labeling, and packaging
• Proven experience with product transfer from development to operations.
• Strong proficiency in creating:
  • Program charters and execution strategies
  • Milestone tables and Gantt timelines
  • MS Project schedules
  • Work breakdown structures (WBS)
  • RACI matrices
  • Risk registers
  • Material demand and supply plans
• Advanced skills in MS Excel, MS Project, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, and SharePoint.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Strong ability to manage complexity, competing priorities, and global cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated financial acumen and ability to manage program budgets and forecasts.

Preferred / Nice-to-Have Qualifications

• Advanced degree and/or Program Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience with industrialization and qualification of:
  • Drug product fill/finish
  • Device manufacturing
  • Combination product assembly, labeling, and packaging
• Exposure to quality systems, design controls, labeling requirements, and regulatory submission strategies.
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions and product launch/commercial supply.
• Familiarity with Power BI, Smartsheet, or AI-enabled productivity tools.
• Proficiency in multiple languages.

Work Environment & Travel

• Full-time, hybrid role with onsite presence required Tuesday–Thursday.
• Position based in Worcester, MA.
• Domestic and international travel may be required based on program needs.

Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.