Position Summary:
Sr. Manager, Business Effectiveness PMO plays a key role in driving strategic execution and organizational transformation across Acadia’s Commercial organization. This role leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of complex, cross-functional initiatives that enable business growth and operational excellence.
Acting as a trusted advisor to Commercial leadership, this individual will manage large-scale programs such as organizational redesigns, new product commercialization, and market expansion efforts. The role combines program and project management discipline with change management expertise to ensure initiatives are delivered on time, within budget, and with strong stakeholder adoption.
In addition to strategic program leadership, this role will partner closely with Finance and COBO to manage vendor contracts, quarterly accruals, and budget governance—ensuring accurate forecasting and effective resource allocation across the Commercial portfolio.
The ideal candidate is an organized, proactive problem-solver with deep knowledge of the biopharma commercial model, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to influence across functions and seniority levels.
Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Program Leadership & Execution
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge of and/or success in professional services or corporate roles, helping Pharma and Life Sciences companies manage project to support growth and execution
- Lead portfolio restructuring programs to allow organizations to drive differentiated growth in the market
- Lead the planning, execution, and closure of major commercial programs, including organizational restructures, new product commercialization readiness, and significant market expansion strategies.
- Define program scope, objectives, governance, resource requirements, and critical success factors in collaboration with Commercial leadership and executive sponsors.
- Develop and maintain detailed program plans, track key milestones, manage interdependencies, and proactively identify and mitigate program risks and issues.
- Ensure programs adhere to defined PMO standards, reporting, and governance structures.
Change Management & Stakeholder Engagement
- Design and execute comprehensive change management strategies and plans (e.g., communications, training, stakeholder analysis, resistance management) that are integrated directly into the program lifecycle.
- Partner with Commercial Leadership and Human Resources to manage the "people side" of changes, ensuring readiness and adoption to maximize return on investment for key initiatives.
- Facilitate senior-level steering committee meetings, ensuring clear communication of program status, risks, and required decisions to maintain alignment and momentum.
- Act as a central point of contact and trusted advisor for stakeholders across Sales, Marketing, and Market Access during periods of significant change.
Contracts & Budget Management
- Partner with Commercial leaders to initiate and manage vendor contracts and related budget
- Partner with COBO leaders, to manage the quarterly accrual process with finance to ensure tracking and spend to forecast goals
- Provide coaching and mentorship on project and change management principles to program teams and functional leaders.
- Ensure rigorous financial oversight of programs, tracking budget adherence and value realization post-implementation.
Education/Experience/Skills:
Bachelor’s degree in business, STEM, or other related field. An equivalent combination of relevant education and applicable job experience may be considered. Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant progressive experience in the pharmaceutical/medical device industry with a focus in cross functional leadership experience.
Must possess:
- Education: Bachelor's degree required
- Certifications: Preferred project management certifications (i.e. PMP, Six Sigma, etc..)
- Experience: 3-5 years of experience in a commercial capacity, with significant experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare industry preferred.
- Technical Proficiency: Proven experience managing enterprise-wide initiatives
- Strong Program Management Acumen: Expert knowledge of program and project management methodologies
- Change Management Expertise: Certification in a recognized change management methodology or demonstrated deep experience applying change management principles in a commercial setting. Experience leading teams to generate a vision and creating an atmosphere of trust, leveraging diverse views and encouraging improvement and innovation
- Commercial Fluency: Deep understanding of pharmaceutical commercial functions (e.g., sales, marketing, managed care, patient services) and the commercialization lifecycle. Deep knowledge of the pharmaceutical commercial model and associated regulatory environment.
- Leadership & Influence: Exceptional ability to influence without direct authority, build consensus, and drive results across diverse teams and senior leadership levels.
- Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex program information clearly and concisely to executive audiences. Communicate effectively in an organized and knowledgeable manner in written and verbal formats
- Problem-Solving: Highly analytical and structured approach to problem-solving, risk management, and decision-making.
Physical Requirements:
This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication both in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedule or business needs.
In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.
What we offer US-based Employees:
- Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
- 401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
- 15+ vacation days
- 13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
- 10 days of paid sick time
- Paid parental leave benefit
- Tuition assistance
EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly what we describe here.
It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.
As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia’s career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at talentacquisition@acadia-pharm.com or 858-261-2923.
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