Associate Director, Project Management Business Operations

Role Summary

Associate Director, Project Management Business Operations supporting and overseeing multiple optimization projects within global R&D and potentially with other departments. Focused on transforming how R&D operates by driving strategic operations optimization, cost savings, and cross-functional initiatives. Hybrid role located in Raritan, NJ; Titusville, NJ; or Spring House, PA, onsite 3 days a week.

Responsibilities

• Project management: Oversee initiatives within R&D, coordinating cross-functional teams, tracking progress, and managing risks to ensure timely, successful execution.
• Operations Strategy: Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize business operations, identify improvements, streamline processes, and maximize operational efficiency; support SBO governance, portfolio prioritization framework, and stage-gate processes; monitor and report KPIs.
• Stakeholder Management: Engage internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration; build relationships, manage expectations, and communicate project updates.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify bottlenecks, implement best practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in R&D operations.
• Communication: Promote open collaboration, create an environment for idea sharing, questions, and feedback to support continuous improvement.
• People leadership: Inspire and develop teams, foster a positive culture, and create an environment that encourages growth and engagement.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Life Sciences or Engineering.
• Required: 8–15 years of project management/leadership experience in a pharmaceutical environment (R&D preferred).
• Required: Highly organized and able to work independently; strong influencing and relationship-building across functions; ability to negotiate through complex decisions; goal-oriented and strategic thinker; strong problem-solving skills; able to cope with tight timelines; experience managing in a matrix organization.
• Required: Travel up to 10%, domestic and possibly international.
• Preferred: PMP Project Management, Process Excellence, or equivalent training/certification.

Skills

• Business Planning
• Competitive Landscape Analysis
• Corporate Management
• Customer Intelligence
• Design Mindset
• Developing Others
• Inclusive Leadership
• Industry Analysis
• Interdisciplinary Work
• Leadership
• Market Savvy
• Operational Excellence
• Product Development
• Product Development Lifecycle
• Qualitative Research
• Research and Development
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Team Management