Global Program Manager

Oxitec Ltd; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global biotech company in Abingdon is seeking a Global Program Manager to oversee technology projects aligned with strategic business objectives. The ideal candidate will manage cross-functional teams, ensure effective budget management, and drive innovative solutions within a fast-paced global environment. A PhD in a relevant field and 5+ years in project management are essential. This role requires strong leadership skills and proficiency in project management tools, as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in project/program management.
• Professional project management qualifications (e.g., Prince2, APM) are advantageous.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies and digital transformation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage technology programs to align with business objectives.
• Lead cross-functional teams to deliver innovative products.
• Manage budget(s) for technology programs and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Budgeting

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

PhD in Technology, Life or Computer Sciences

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Project management systems

Job description

About Us

We are a team of passionate individuals, developing ground‑breaking biological technologies designed to sustainably, and safely control pests that transmit disease, destroy crops and harm livestock. We do this work to improve lives and livelihoods around the world in the face of the growing threats that pests pose to human health and the global food supply.

Whilst what we do relates to developing pest control technologies, Oxitec is about people and is in service to people. We are strongly committed to a set of values, principles, and behaviours, and foster a culture of trust, respect, creativity, and accountability.

Purpose of the Job

The Global Program Manager is responsible for managing technology projects and programs to achieve strategic business objectives. The role will require strong interpersonal skills to be able to communicate - collaborating effectively across a wide range of stakeholders to successfully deliver desired outcomes across remote and globally distributed teams. A strong background in program management and/or expertise in technology development to ensure that projects are delivered effectively within agreed timeframes, scope, and are aligned with the organisations initiatives and goals.

Reporting will be a key component of this role and will require the distillation of complex technical information provided by the program teams for onward sharing and effective communication to internal and external target audiences, such as Executive Leadership Team (ELT), external stakeholders and benefactors.

The ability to build, maintain and accurately report progress against budget expenditure is essential to ensure timely delivery of work packages, and executing programs based on strategic objectives that are aligned with Oxitec’s goals. It may be required to provide additional support towards other business‑critical R&D projects as needed.

Responsibilities

Program Management

• Oversee and manage one or more technology programs, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Contribute towards the technology program roadmap, highlighting priorities, dependencies and risks.
• Ensure appropriate resource allocation across technology program(s) to meet deadlines and budgets.
• Contribute towards project management best practice across the organisation.
• Travel to Oxitec’s global sites may be required to support on‑site program teams.

Cross‑functional & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross‑functional, globally distributed teams spanning R&D engineering, regulatory, quality, production and external partners.
• Facilitate regular program review meetings and provide clear, data‑driven updates to key internal and external stakeholders across the UK and globally.
• Act as a liaison between technical teams and business units to ensure mutual alignment and understanding of the business goals and constraints.
• Provide technical and administrative support to program teams as required.
• Work across R&D teams to identify and resolve technical and operational issues impacting programme and product delivery to time, cost and quality.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the efficient execution of field testing meets product development requirements.

Team Management

• Lead cross‑functioning programme teams towards delivering innovative business‑critical products, within pressured timeframes, to achieve global compliance and drive high‑performance.

Financial Oversight & Management

• Manage budget(s) for technology programmes.
• Identify cost‑saving opportunities and manage financial risks.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify potential risks across the programme(s) and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure adherence to organisational compliance standards, including data security and regulatory requirements.

Skills, Experience, And Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s PhD degree in Technology, Life or Computer Sciences, or related field is essential.
• Professional project management qualifications (e.g., Prince2, APM) are advantageous.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in project/program management.
• Previous experience working in biological control, pest control or public health and/or the agritech sector, product development and trials is desirable but not essential.
• Previous experience in managing technology‑driven projects or programmes across multiple geographies.
• Strong understanding of emerging technologies and digital transformation initiatives.
• Familiarity with technology development lifecycles, Agile methodologies and DevOps practices.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to influence and manage cross‑functional teams and key internal and external stakeholders, benefactor agencies, contractors and CROs.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to see the bigger picture whilst managing the details.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with a proactive approach to challenges.
• Proficiency in budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced global environment with cross‑cultural sensitivity.
• Excellent use of written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook as well as project management systems and tools.

Behavioural Requirements

• Committed to and passionate about Oxitec’s mission and values.
• Responsive to the needs of an international business working across different time zones, adapting working patterns in‑line with business requirements.
• Positive, humble, co‑operative, and professional.
• Employ a flexible approach to problem‑solving.
• Resilient and persistent in an innovative and constantly changing environment.