Strategic Program Manager at Natera

Strategic Program Manager – Research & Development Location: Remote Department: Program Management Office, Research & Development Position Overview We’re seeking a Strategic Program Manager to join the Program Management Office managing complex Research & Development programs. In this role, you’ll lead cross-functional programs that drive the launch of new clinical diagnostic products and enhance existing ones. You’ll apply structured project management practices to foster collaboration across scientific, business, operational and engineering teams; manage dependencies and risks; and deliver clear, data-driven updates to leadership. This role is pivotal in ensuring that high priority company initiatives are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality and regulatory standards—directly supporting Natera’s mission to bring cutting-edge diagnostics to patients worldwide. Primary Responsibilities • Drive cross-functional programs that bring new clinical products to market and enhance existing ones, with a strong focus on Design Control and New Product Introduction in a regulated environment. • Partner across teams—including R&D, business, operations, and engineering—to define goals, milestones, and plans that balance resources, risks, and priorities. • Lead all phases of product development, from early concept through commercialization and post-launch, ensuring alignment, transparency, and momentum. • Develop and maintain key program documentation, such as project plans, protocols, and reports, to keep teams informed and accountable. • Track progress and communicate results through clear, data-driven reports and regular updates to senior leadership. • Champion Design Control excellence, managing gate reviews, design freezes, technical assessments, change control, and regulatory deliverables. • Facilitate productive team meetings that drive decisions, surface and mitigate risks, and maintain focus on program objectives. • Guide trade-off and risk decisions to balance technical, business, and regulatory considerations and challenge assumptions while adapting to evolving priorities. • Foster collaboration and problem-solving, helping teams overcome challenges, resolve conflicts, and deliver high-quality results on time. • Coordinate joint development efforts with external partners to ensure seamless integration and progress. • Manage up to 3 dynamic programs simultaneously, anticipating challenges and maintaining progress in a fast-paced environment. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience) required; Master’s degree or higher preferred. • Minimum 3 years of program management experience in biotech, life sciences, or another regulated technical industry. • Project management certification or training (e.g., PMP or equivalent) preferred. • Background in research, assay development, systems engineering, lab operations, or software development is highly desirable. • Familiarity with laboratory informatics systems and processes such as LIMS, sample accessioning, sequencing pipelines, and results reporting preferred. • Minimum 3 years of project budget management experience preferred. • Experience with software development lifecycle principles, data architecture patterns (e.g., SOA), and agile tools (e.g., Jira, GitLab) a plus. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Must Have: • Proven experience creating and maintaining complex Gantt charts, project plans, and risk/RAID logs. • Skilled proficiency with project management and scheduling tools such as SmartSheet (or equivalent). • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams, including functional management. • Highly organized, resilient and adaptable, with strong time-management and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. Must understand and be able to model a growth mindset in the midst of challenging day-to-day interactions. • Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to cross-functional teams. Desirable: • Understanding of product development under FDA Design Controls, including documentation standards and relevant regulations (e.g., 21 CFR, ISO 13485, ISO 15189, EU IVDR and Section 524B for Cybersecurity). Compensation & Total Rewards This range reflects a good-faith estimate of the base pay we reasonably expect to offer at the time of hire. Final compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations. This position is also eligible for additional compensation and benefits through Natera’s robust Total Rewards program, including: • Annual performance incentive bonus • Long-term equity awards • Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision) • 401(k) with company match • Generous paid time off and company holidays • Additional wellness and work-life benefits Compensation Range $107,400—$134,300 USDOUR OPPORTUNITY Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives. The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program! For more information, visit www.natera.com. Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws. If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents. Link: [Upgrade to PRO to see link] Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes. For more information: - BBB announcement on job scams - FBI Cyber Crime resource page