Senior IT Project Leader

About the role

Flagship Pioneering is seeking a highly experienced Senior IT Project Leader to oversee and manage critical technology projects across the organization. This role requires a strategic and collaborative leader who can build strong relationships with diverse teams and stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts into clear, actionable project plans. The successful candidate will be responsible for guiding projects from inception through to completion, ensuring they align with organizational goals and deliver measurable value. The position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative scientific and technological initiatives within a dynamic and forward-thinking environment. The Senior IT Project Leader will play a key role in shaping the company's technology landscape by leading cross-functional teams, managing resources, and driving project success.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead and oversee complex technology projects from the initial planning phase through to execution, delivery, and operational handover, ensuring all project objectives are met on time and within budget.
• Collaborate closely with senior business and IT leaders to define clear project goals, scope, success criteria, and delivery strategies that support the organization's strategic priorities.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including detailed schedules, budgets, resource allocations, and governance frameworks, to ensure effective project execution.
• Monitor project progress regularly, identify potential risks or issues early, and implement mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with stakeholders across various departments, vendors, and external partners to facilitate smooth communication and collaboration.
• Facilitate project governance meetings, steering committees, and executive briefings to keep leadership informed and engaged throughout project lifecycles.
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget changes proactively, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and resource availability.
• Lead cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages open communication, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive organizational change management initiatives to support the adoption of new technologies and processes, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption.
• Generate detailed reports, dashboards, and portfolio insights for executive leadership to support strategic decision-making and resource planning.
• Promote adherence to established project management methodologies, standards, and best practices across all projects.
• Identify opportunities to improve project delivery processes, tools, and operational efficiencies, implementing lessons learned to enhance future performance.
• Document lessons learned and share best practices across the IT organization to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Mentor and guide project team members and junior project managers, sharing expertise and fostering professional development.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and project teams, providing strategic insights and recommendations to optimize project outcomes.
• Support organizational readiness activities, including communication plans and training, to ensure successful project adoption and sustainability.
• Contribute to the development of project management capabilities within the organization, promoting a disciplined approach to project delivery.
• Lead efforts to align projects with broader organizational goals, ensuring technology initiatives support scientific research, operational efficiency, and innovation.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience managing complex enterprise technology projects and programs.
• Proven success delivering large-scale, cross-functional projects within a matrixed organizational structure.
• Strong experience collaborating with senior business and IT leaders to define project scope, objectives, and success metrics.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders without formal authority and build consensus among diverse groups.
• Extensive experience managing project budgets, schedules, vendor relationships, and resource allocations.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, presentation, and organizational skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of navigating uncertainty and managing competing priorities effectively.
• Experience leading organizational change management initiatives to support technology adoption and process improvements.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing project requirements and organizational needs.
• Knowledge of project management best practices, including risk management, scope control, and stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with project management tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, Smartsheet, or Microsoft Project is preferred.
• Experience managing projects related to cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, AI, or scientific computing is a plus.
• Relevant certifications such as PMP or equivalent are desirable but not mandatory.

Nice to have

• PMP or similar project management certification.
• Familiarity with Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid project delivery methodologies.
• Experience with project management software such as Jira, Azure DevOps, Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, or similar tools.
• Background in leading technology projects related to cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, AI, digital workplace technologies, or scientific computing.
• Understanding of organizational change management principles and strategies for enabling change.
• Prior experience working in scientific research, biotech, or pharmaceutical environments is advantageous.

Skills & tools

• Project management methodologies and best practices
• Budget management and resource allocation
• Risk assessment, mitigation, and issue resolution
• Stakeholder engagement and communication strategies
• Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
• Change management principles and practices
• Proficiency with project management software such as Jira, Azure DevOps, Smartsheet, or Microsoft Project

Practical notes

The salary range for this position is between $128,000 and $176,000. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications. Flagship Pioneering offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare benefits, an annual incentive program, retirement plans, and additional perks. This salary and benefits information is based on estimates as of the date of this posting and may be subject to change. The role is on-site at the Cambridge, MA office, and the company values a collaborative, in-person work environment. Candidates should be prepared to work in the office and engage actively with teams and stakeholders in person.