Associate Director, Portfolio Operations and Insights

About the role

This position will guide the establishment and refinement of portfolio management processes within the Research and Development division. You will be instrumental in creating integrated planning, enhancing project predictability, and improving portfolio visibility through standardized frameworks, data systems, analytics, and reporting.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and implement consistent project management office (PMO) procedures, systems, and governance structures for R&D.
• Create unified planning processes that link strategic goals with resource allocation, timelines, and execution milestones.
• Oversee budget frameworks for projects at different development stages, defining the required level of financial estimation.
• Manage the R&D portfolio management database, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and usability.
• Produce portfolio views to inform investment decisions, resource distribution, and strategic trade-offs.
• Generate executive-level reports detailing progress, risks, financial performance, and trends on a monthly and quarterly basis.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in program management within the biotechnology sector, with a background in molecular biology or genetics testing.
• Experience in financial planning and analysis (FP&A) or as a Finance Manager supporting engineering or product organizations is beneficial.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, budget management, and portfolio financial analysis, including experience with NPV, cost-to-market, and forecast accuracy methods.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain productive relationships.
• Excellent communication abilities for interacting with project teams and senior management.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and fast-paced environments.

Nice to have

• Master's or PhD in Biological Sciences.
• Formal training or certification in Program or Project Management.
• Experience using resource management tools.
• Familiarity with design control processes.
• Experience with portfolio management platforms such as Planisware, Smartsheet, Oracle, or SAP.
• Experience with business intelligence tools like Tableau or Power BI.

Skills & tools

• GANTT charts and project plans
• Product development
• Financial modeling
• Budget management
• Portfolio financial analysis
• NPV, cost-to-market, forecast accuracy
• Large datasets and financial systems
• Portfolio management platforms (e.g., Planisware, Smartsheet, Oracle, SAP)
• BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

Practical notes

Compensation Range: $155,700 - $200,000 USD. This range is a good-faith estimate and actual compensation will vary based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

This role is eligible for an annual performance incentive bonus and long-term equity awards.

Benefits include comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) with company match, generous paid time off, and wellness programs.

Natera will only contact candidates from @natera.com email domains. Be aware of potential fraud.