Technical Communications Program Manager

Work Schedule

Environmental Conditions

Job Description

When Thermo Fisher Scientific product teams need user guides or instructional content for the reagents, software, and instruments we sell, they contact the Technical Communications team. We gather and analyze technical and product information from various sources, then work with each product team to quickly deliver high-quality instructions to our customers. In short, we write the content that makes our technology easier to use for the people that want and need to use it!

We are looking for a collaborative content professional with sound knowledge of techniques for planning, monitoring, and controlling projects and programs for Thermo Fisher Scientific product portfolios. As the Technical Communications Program Manager, you’ll manage a team of writers developing user instructional content. In this role you’ll also support project owners and other functional areas by prioritizing projects across the team and analyzing the team’s operational efficiency to ensure projects are delivered on time.

• Supervise a technical writing team—oversee production of technical content and ensure best practices are followed for consistent, effective user documentation.
• Guide the activities of team members—manage multiple projects and navigate shifting priorities within a fast-paced environment.
• Review and edit user document content to ensure that writers synthesize and organize information in a logical and concise way that meets the needs of our target audience; develop content as needed.
• Identify and communicate risks to project timelines and adapt to changes in project priorities.
• Apply a data-driven approach to improve team operational efficiency; track operational metrics and report analytics to understand needs and trends.
• Foster an atmosphere of continuous process improvement.
• Be a strong voice for the clarity and consistency of our technical content in program team meetings with scientists, product managers, marketing managers, software engineers, quality and regulatory analysts, and other business team members.
• Work collaboratively with other writers using the department’s XML based authoring tool and content management system.
• Proactively stay knowledgeable of trends in technical communications and recommend improvements to content organization, structure, display, and delivery.

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field. Advanced degree preferred.

• At least 5-7 years of proven experience in program management within high-tech companies, demonstrating expertise in coordinating multiple projects within a fast-paced environment and swiftly adapting to evolving priorities.
• Strong leadership and team-management skills, with the ability to inspire and empower a diverse team of technical writers.
• Experience in resource allocation, workload management, and capacity planning to ensure optimal utilization of team members' skills and expertise.
• Experience communicating and coordinating with cross-functional teams, subject matter experts, and other key collaborators across multiple sites.
• Experience overseeing technical content production preferred.
• Experience in the life sciences industry; bench experience a plus.
• Ability to balance competing tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with topic-based authoring using DITA preferred.
• Experience with XML authoring tools preferred.

• Proficient in project management methodologies, tools, and techniques.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a passion for analyzing data, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency and program performance.
• Effective interpersonal abilities with the capacity to comprehend and respond to collaborator needs, expectations, and concerns.
• Thorough understanding of technical/scientific content, someone who can organize information logically and write clearly, concisely, accurately, and efficiently. ​
• Continuous learning mentality, staying updated with emerging trends, tools, and technologies in technical writing and program management to drive innovation and improvement within the team.
• Familiarity with Component Content Management Systems (CCMS) and authoring tools is desirable to effectively collaborate with the technical writing team and streamline content creation.
• Knowledge of industry-standard style guides and documentation standards is preferred to ensure consistency and adherence to best practices in technical writing.
• Keen attention to detail and high regard for quality.
• Adept at learning new processes and software tools.

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!