Sr. Staff Program Manager

Senior Staff Program Manager

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $40 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Our team of more than 100,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience, and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon, and PPD. For more information, please visit

Position Summary

The Senior Staff Program Manager is a strategic leadership role within the Chemical Analysis Division (CAD), responsible for driving complex, global, cross-functional programs that advance product development, business transformation, and operational excellence initiatives.

Reporting to the Director of the Business Transformation Office, this role partners closely with Vice Presidents, General Managers, R&D Directors, and senior functional leaders to deliver high-impact programs aligned with division strategy and financial objectives.

This position requires a seasoned program leader with strong executive presence, deep project management expertise, business and financial acumen, and a proven track record of leading complex program initiatives in a matrixed global organization. This is a Madison, WI based position with up to 15% travel required.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Program Leadership

• Lead large, complex, cross-functional programs from ideation through implementation and sustainment.
• Drive global initiatives that advance CAD business development, product innovation, and operational optimization.
• Balance strategic priorities with tactical execution to ensure successful delivery of long-term objectives.
• Align programs with organizational goals, financial targets, and industry best practices.

Portfolio & PMO Excellence

• Define, implement, and continuously improve program and project management methodologies, tools, metrics, and governance processes.
• Oversee program portfolio performance, ensuring milestones, deliverables, quality, budget, and timelines are achieved.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to evaluate program health and identify improvement opportunities.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting through program management information systems.

Business Transformation & Change Management

• Lead and support change management initiatives across product development, operations, and business processes.
• Manage scope, risk, cost, quality, schedule, and contractual obligations through structured governance and change control.
• Identify risks and issues early, develop mitigation strategies, and drive resolution to maintain program momentum.
• Champion continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.

Executive & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop strong partnerships with senior leaders and functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and accountability.
• Provide executive-level communication, status reporting, and decision support.
• Influence cross-functional teams to achieve alignment and drive outcomes in a matrixed environment.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on program strategy, prioritization, and execution risks.

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Project Managers and program team members.
• Foster collaboration, clarify roles and responsibilities, and manage competing priorities across teams.
• Build organizational capability in program management best practices.
• Support talent development and succession planning within the PMO.

Education

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive experience in program/project management, business operations, or transformation leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading multiple complex programs in a global, matrixed organization.
• Experience in R&D environments, analytical instrumentation, manufacturing, or related technical industries preferred.
• Proven track record in business transformation and change management initiatives.
• Strong experience managing cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong command of program management methodologies, tools, and governance frameworks.
• Deep understanding of financial principles, budgeting, and business case development.
• Excellent executive communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities effectively.
• Strong critical thinking, risk management, and decision-making capabilities.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and team leadership abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Project, Teams, Excel).
• Strong strategic foresight combined with operational execution discipline.

Impact

The Senior Staff Program Manager plays a critical role in accelerating innovation, driving operational excellence, and enabling strategic transformation within CAD. This leader ensures that high-priority programs are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with Thermo Fisher Scientific's mission to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.