Janay Pelt

About Janay Pelt

I am an R&D Program Leader who specializes in guiding complex, cross-functional initiatives through ambiguity, risk, and high-visibility executive decision points.I lead Senior Project Managers and cross-functional teams across R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Commercial to deliver programs that require strong judgment, structured decision-making, and alignment in the gray. I bring clarity to situations where information is incomplete, stakeholder perspectives differ, or decisions carry downstream business and quality implications.My work spans early-stage formulation and technical feasibility through scale-up, operational readiness, and Executive/Gate engagement. I am frequently trusted with “non-standard” or high-risk programs because I remain calm, strategic, and solutions-oriented—even when conditions are uncertain.My strengths include:• Strategic program leadership• Executive communication & decision framing• Cross-functional alignment across technical and business teams• Driving accountability in complex organizational structures• Quality, manufacturing, and regulatory navigation• Risk assessment, mitigation, and scenario planning• Coaching and elevating Senior Project ManagersI thrive where clarity is needed most: high-stakes reviews, ambiguous scenarios, and programs that demand a balance of technical understanding, business strategy, and people leadership.

Experience

1. R & d Program Manager

   Abbott

   Aug 2022 — Present · Columbus, OH, US

   Lead complex, cross-functional R&D programs and guide Senior Project Managers through high-visibility, ambiguous initiatives. Known for enabling clear, risk-aware decision making across R&D, QA, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Commercial teams.Leadership & Scope • Lead and coach Senior Project Managers; elevate communication, decision framing, and cross-functional influence. • Partner across technical and business functions to align strategies, risks, and program expectations. • Trusted with high-risk or non-standard programs requiring strong judgment and advanced influence.Program & Decision Leadership • Drive programs from early feasibility through scale-up and readiness, ensuring clarity at key decision points. • Prepare and facilitate Gate Reviews and Executive forums; develop options, scenarios, and decision-ready summaries. • Translate technical and business complexity into structured recommendations that enable trade-offs.Stakeholder Alignment • Build alignment across diverse teams with competing priorities. • Establish accountability, escalation paths, and clear timelines in complex organizational structures. • Partner with QA and manufacturing sites to resolve quality-related risks.Impact • Delivered multiple high-complexity programs through ambiguity, enabling timely executive decisions. • Recognized for calm, clear, and strategic leadership in high-pressure environments. • Strengthened decision-making culture through frameworks such as “Decision Making in the Gray” and the “Three Lenses.”

Education

• University of Michigan

  Bachelors of Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering