Senior Program Manager, SRS

Azenta Life Sciences is a market leader in automated bio sample management solutions and multiomics services across areas such as drug development, clinical and advanced cell therapies for the industry's top pharmaceutical, biotech, academic and healthcare institutions globally. Within Azenta, the Sample Repository Services (SRS) business provides industry-leading biobanking, sample storage, logistics, laboratory services, and specimen management solutions that help customers safeguard and maximize the value of their critical biological materials. 

How You’ll Add Value

The SRS Senior Program Manager provides strategic leadership  technology-enabled initiatives across SRS r. This role leads complex, cross-functional programs designed to modernize repository processes, improve operational efficiency and accuracy, increase scalability, and enhance the customer experience.

Serving as a key connection between Repository Operations, Informatics, Quality, Engineering, Commercial, and other business functions, the Senior Program Manager translates operational and customer needs into executable programs. The successful candidate will combine strong program management capabilities with an understanding of customer needs, repository operations, automation, Lean methodologies, process improvement, and change management to deliver sustainable solutions that support the continued growth and evolution of SRS.

What You’ll Do

• Lead  programs from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment with business objectives, operational requirements, timelines, budgets, quality standards, and customer expectations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, including milestones, resources, dependencies, risks, budgets, and implementation requirements.
• Partner with Repository Operations and business leaders to identify opportunities for process improvements , reductions in operational complexity, improve accuracy, and increased scalability.

• Apply Lean principles and tools—including value-stream mapping, process mapping, standard work, visual management, root-cause analysis, Kaizen, and mistake-proofing—to eliminate waste, streamline repository workflows, and improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.

• Translate business and operational needs into clearly defined functional and system requirements in partnership with operations, Informatics, Engineering, Quality, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to evaluate, prioritize, test, validate, and implement new  technologies and process enhancements.
• Establish program governance, including project schedules, milestones, risk management, issue resolution, change control, and executive-level status reporting.
• Proactively identify program risks, dependencies, and barriers and drive mitigation plans and timely escalation when needed.
• Ensure automation and technology changes are appropriately tested and validated prior to implementation.
• Partner with Quality and operational stakeholders to ensure new processes and technologies align with applicable quality systems, SOPs, work instructions, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop implementation and change-management strategies that support successful adoption of new technologies and processes across repository teams.

• Facilitate cross-functional Lean workshops and Kaizen events, using data and performance metrics to establish baselines, prioritize improvements, measure results, and sustain gains through standard work and leader accountability.

• Partner with business leaders and stakeholders to define functional requirements, features, priorities, and delivery timelines for technology-enabled solutions.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and maintain clear, consistent communication regarding program progress, risks, decisions, and outcomes.
• Support the development of strategic roadmaps  that enable SRS growth, operational excellence, and scalability.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, Life Sciences, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in program management, product management, project management, operations, automation, technology implementation, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional programs from planning through implementation.
• Experience with automation, laboratory operations, repository/biobank operations, life sciences, or other highly controlled operational environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of program and project management methodologies, including risk management, change control, resource planning, and stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business and operational requirements into technology or automation solutions.
• Experience working with software, laboratory informatics, LIMS, inventory management systems, or related platforms preferred.
• Experience operating within regulated life sciences, pharmaceutical, clinical, or laboratory environments preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and develop sustainable solutions.

• Demonstrated experience applying Lean methodologies and tools—such as value-stream mapping, process mapping, Kaizen, standard work, visual management, root-cause analysis, and mistake-proofing—to deliver measurable and sustainable operational improvements.

• Excellent written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and effectively manage stakeholders within a global, matrixed organization.
• PMP, PgMP, Lean/Six Sigma, Agile, or comparable certification preferred.

M/F/Disabled/VET

Azenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company considers candidates regardless of race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

The posted pay range for this position is an estimate based on current market data and internal pay structure. Final compensation may vary above or below this range depending on factors such as experience, education (including licensure and certifications),  qualifications, performance, and geographic location, among other relevant business or organizational needs.