Program Manager Research Operations Jobs in Lake Elsinore, CA

Job Title : Senior Operations Program Manager

Salary Range: $146K – $175K with a 15% bonus.

Location: Corona, CA or Brecksville, OH

Travel: 25%

Job Type: Full-Time / On-Site

Senior operations-focused Program Manager supporting medical-device manufacturing.

• Customers
• Commercial teams
• Engineering
• Quality
• Operations
• Manufacturing

• New product development
• Manufacturing transfers
• Customer issue resolution
• Cross-functional program leadership
• Portfolio management
• Non-conformance resolution
• Audit findings support
• Quality and process issue coordination

• 7+ years of program/project management experience
• Cross-functional leadership
• Stakeholder management
• Influence without authority
• Operations experience
• Manufacturing environment experience

• Medical devices
• FDA-regulated industries
• ISO environments
• Product development
• Manufacturing transfers

• FDA familiarity
• ISO standards experience

However, these are secondary to:

• Program leadership
• Cross-functional coordination
• Execution and influence

Role expected to evolve into coordination across multiple medical-device sites, not just Corona operations.

1. Recruiter submission
2. Formal application
3. Hiring Manager screen
4. Assessment (30 minutes)
5. Two 90-minute panel interviews (values + competencies)

A senior Program Manager from medical devices or another regulated industry who can drive complex cross-functional programs involving product development, manufacturing transfers, customer issues, and operational execution.

We’re bringing to life the chemistry behind clean water, efficient transportation, reliable infrastructure, critical medicines, and the products people rely on every day through science, sustainability, and a culture of inclusion.

As part of our global team, you’ll be empowered to make a real impact – on your career, your community, and the world around you.

As a Program Manager for our Medical Device Business you’ll be at the forefront of a transformation for our growing business. You will play a critical role in driving the success of our innovation, driving excellence for cross-functional programs by serving as the primary internal liaison between Operations, Sales, and other key departments, while also acting as the single point of contact for strategic external customers. This role ensures alignment across teams to meet customer requirements, manage timelines, and deliver high-quality medical device solutions.

You will be responsible for overseeing project execution from initiation through delivery, facilitating communication, resolving issues, and maintaining strong customer relationships. Success in this role requires a blend of technical understanding, business acumen, and exceptional communication skills to manage expectations, mitigate risks, and ensure customer satisfaction in a regulated, fast-paced environment.

• Customer Engagement & Program Leadership: be the single point of contract for customers and internal stake holders while building and maintaining strong relationships with key accounts, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and trust.
• Internal Collaboration: Partner with Operations to align production schedules, quality standards, and supply chain logistics with customer needs. Work closely with Sales and Business Development to support quoting, contract negotiations, and new business opportunities. Coordinate with Quality, and R&D to ensure compliance and timely delivery of product milestones.
• Program Execution:
  • Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
  • Lead the implementation, control, and completion of projects, while remaining aligned with strategy, commitments, and goals.
  • Drive the use of project management and lean tools with training to improve bench strength across the business.
  • Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure program success.
  • Launch global program playbook that standardized program management approach to product lifecycle management from customer early engagement, manufacturing transfer, sustaining, change controls, communication planning, resource/risk mitigation, budget, and technical service.
  • Drive continuous improvement to systems, process, tools and people training.
  • Identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations
  • Promote use of project management and lean tools to drive improvements to overall performance, schedule attainment and accountability.
  • Manage project teams with agile project management and smart execution, ensuring on-time & within budget project completion by communicating status, risk mitigation and escalation measures.
  • Communicate and elevate risks that could impact objectives and deliverables.
  • Provide risk/reward trade-off to business groups for decisions.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Life Sciences, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in program or project management within the medical device or healthcare industry.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and customer-facing programs.
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, ISO standards, and product development lifecycle.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
• Proven track record of project management experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, outlook, teams, and SharePoint, MS project)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with strong facilitation capability
• Exceptional critical thinking skills, detail oriented, proactive in follow-up and follow through
• Ability to be organized, problem solve, and be solution oriented
• Operates on a high level of initiative and creativeness, requiring minimal supervision.
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet delivery dates in a fast-paced customer manufacturing environment.

• Program management certification. PMP
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt preferred
• ISO13485 quality knowledge
• VSM, DMAIC, Operational Excellence, Kaizen knowledge
• GMPO and Medical Device process validation knowledge

We’re committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where you can do your best work—whether in a lab, on the production floor, or in a hybrid office setting. Depending on your role, your work environment may include:

• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
• Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career and professional growth
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement