Associate Manager- R&D Project Management

Role Summary

This role drives the application and integration of key project management processes and tools across R&D teams to deliver assets and portfolio value with quality on time, on budget, and within scope. The role will implement sound project management processes across product development teams and partners as needed with other project management functions to deliver global, sustainable solutions in project management.

The individual in this role is expected to exhibit key leadership behaviors that enable innovative solutions, a positive and motivating work environment, accelerating innovation.

• Coordinate with R&D project teams in planning and executing key deliverables using MS Project, Project Online (POL), project management principles, risk management tools and other PM tools.
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and risks, ensuring proactive communication of changes or delays.
• Maintain up-to-date project plans, milestones, and documentation in business systems.
• Ensure deliverables are completed on schedule and within budget, escalating deviations appropriately.
• Partner with Project Teams and Procurement to update, track and manage project budgets using POL, SAP and other systems.
• Contribute to forecasting and variance analysis, providing insights into cost drivers and resourcing needs.
• Facilitate regular project meetings, document decisions, and follow up on key actions.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and dependencies to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment.
• Build effective relationships with internal functions including Research and Development, Regulatory, Quality, Manufacturing, Innovation Strategy, Marketing, Finance and other key stakeholders.
• Lead risk identification and mitigation planning to ensure proactive management of potential project issues.
• Maintain accurate, phase-appropriate project documentation in compliance with internal quality standards and governance processes.
• Contribute to PMO process improvement initiatives to enhance consistency and efficiency.
• Promote a culture of operational discipline, collaboration, and continuous improvement within R&D teams.

• Required:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, or a related technical field.
• Preferred: PMP or equivalent certification.
• Required:
  
  5-6 years of project management experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or R&D organizations.
• Required:
  
  Experience with project and financial management tools (MS Project, Excel, SAP, Ariba).
• Preferred:
  Familiarity with R&D, clinical, or regulatory processes.
• Preferred:
  Working knowledge of Power BI or similar visualization tools. Familiarity with AI or digital productivity tools in project management is an advantage.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to manage cross-functional interactions.
• Analytical mindset with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Agile learner with comfort navigating ambiguity.
• Demonstrated teamwork, accountability, and problem-solving capabilities.