Senior Manager / Associate Director, Project Management

Fate Therapeutics is looking for a Senior Manager or Associate Director of Project Management to join the Global Business Operations team. This is a key position working closely with the Development and Technical Operations departments to manage the full lifecycle of complex projects. The role serves as a key liaison between operational execution, program development strategy, and portfolio direction across the company’s clinical stage programs. This is a full-time, exempt position and located at our corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA while reporting to the Vice President, Global Operations.

Responsibilities

Manage the full lifecycle of complex CMC, clinical and product development projects. Develop and maintain detailed project plans that define scope, timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies. Translate pre-clinical, process development, analytical and clinical development program strategies into clear executable project plans and communicate them effectively across teams and senior management. Use project management tools to develop timelines, monitor progress, track key performance indicators, analyze data, and ensure accurate reporting from inception through commercial realization. Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams, ensuring clear communication, collaboration, and accountability. Provide regular governance updates to senior management on project status, risks, and financial performance in compliance with company FP&A policies. Communicate program strategy decisions and rationale to team members and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and informed decision making Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues, developing contingency plans as needed Facilitate project meetings, including kick-off meetings, core team meetings, status updates, and milestone reviews. Contribute to continuous improvement of project management practices, fostering knowledge sharing and best practices across teams. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) and internal company policies. Partner with functional and executive leadership to prioritize projects and initiatives across the portfolio, balancing timelines, and resource capacity. Maintain forward-looking portfolio roadmaps that integrate development programs, publications, conferences, and key external milestones. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within project teams. Navigate ambiguity and support creative problem solving.

Qualifications

BS or MS degree preferably in a technical or scientific field or business administration, with 7+ years related industry/consulting experience, including management responsibilities in a cross-functional environment. A blend of CMC/clinical, operational, strategic matrix leadership experience is preferred. Knowledgeable in industry regulations and best practice in CMC and/or clinical development. Experience leading complex cross-functional and technical projects with process development, quality, regulatory, manufacturing, and clinical groups. Relevant experience in pharmaceutical/biotechnology regulated manufacturing environment. Demonstrated experience applying project management methodologies. Proficiency in Microsoft applications and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Asana). Proven track record in leading a project forward through development milestones and/or approval by mapping out deliverables and ensuring activities progress and stay on course. Knowledgeable in current and possible future trends, technology, policies, practices and information of the relevant competitive landscape and global health authority requirements for drug approval.

Working conditions & physical requirements Position is onsite at our corporate headquarters in San Diego, CA. Travel may be required (up to 10%).

Compensation The salary offer will be based on a variety of factors, including level, experience, qualifications, internal equity, and location. Fate offers a competitive employment package that includes an annual bonus, equity, and a generous benefits package. The anticipated salary range for this role is $155,000 - $185,000.