Vice President of Program Management

Vice President, Program Management – Natera

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Program Management to lead our Program and Engineering Program Management functions. This critical leadership role requires deep fluency in molecular biology, NGS, bioinformatics, genetics, cancer biology, and software engineering, combined with exceptional operational, cross-functional, and people leadership.
This leader will be responsible for driving execution, acceleration and alignment across our complex product development portfolio. You must be equally comfortable zooming into scientific and engineering details as you are zooming out to optimize cross-portfolio synergies, resolve resource conflicts, and support strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, empower and evolve Natera’s program management and engineering program management teams to build high-performing, resilient teams through talent development, clear accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement to support a rapidly scaling and complex portfolio.
• Oversee execution of high-priority programs spanning our Oncology, Women’s Health, Organ Health and emerging businesses ensuring delivery on time, within scope, and with high quality.
• Build trust quickly at all levels of the company, and works seamlessly with cross functional partners across R&D, bioinformatics, engineering, regulatory, clinical, commercial, and operations leaders to proactively mitigate risks and resolve roadblocks. Foster a sense of urgency and ownership throughout the organization around key product launches.
• Establish strong portfolio governance, driving transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making at all levels.
• Drive critical path management across programs using creative, hands-on solutions. Collaborate relentlessly with cross-functional peers—turning over every rock—to identify and resolve bottlenecks that threaten timeline or scope.
• Ensure integrated planning and resource balancing across a diverse and fast-moving portfolio.
• Explore and implement the latest and greatest of program management tools and methods, creating infrastructure that standardizes how the team evaluates, defines, plans, tracks and executes on programs. 
• Communicate crisply and effectively to a wide range of stakeholders—from engineers and scientists to C-suite executives—combining both high IQ and high EQ.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or Master’s) in a STEM field (e.g., Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Engineering, or related discipline).
• 15+ years of progressive experience in life sciences, diagnostics, biotech, or healthtech industries, with 7+ years in senior program or portfolio leadership roles.
• Deep scientific literacy in molecular biology, NGS, genetics, and cancer biology, with the ability to engage in technical discussions with domain experts.
• Strong understanding of software development and engineering project lifecycles.
• Proven track record of driving complex programs to successful completion in fast-paced, regulated environments.
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and leadership skills—able to inspire trust, drive clarity, and influence outcomes across diverse teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, resolve conflicts, and maintain strategic alignment in a dynamic environment.
• Executive presence, strong business acumen, and the ability to “read the room” and adapt communication accordingly.