Associate Director, Project Management Business Operations

Role Summary

Associate Director, Project Management Business Operations in Pharmaceutical R&D responsible for overseeing multiple optimization initiatives across global R&D and potentially with other departments. Focused on transforming R&D operations, driving cost reductions, and delivering cross-functional, on-time execution through strong project management and stakeholder leadership.

Responsibilities

• Project management: Oversee initiatives within R&D, coordinate cross-functional teams, track progress, and manage risks or issues to ensure timely, successful delivery.
• Operations Strategy: Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize business operations, streamline processes, and maximize efficiency.
• Governance & KPI: Support SBO governance, create standardized portfolio prioritization framework and stage-gate processes; monitor and analyze KPIs for reporting to management.
• Stakeholder Management: Engage internal and external stakeholders, manage expectations, and communicate project updates and progress.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify bottlenecks, implement best practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within R&D operations.
• Communication: Promote open collaboration, ensure a safe environment for idea-sharing and feedback to support ongoing improvement.
• People Leadership: Inspire and develop teams, foster a positive work culture, and drive collaboration, growth, and engagement.

Qualifications

• Required: A bachelor’s degree, preferably in Life Sciences or Engineering
• Required: 8–15 years in project management/leadership in a pharmaceutical environment (preferred R&D)
• Required: Highly organized and able to work independently; strong influencing and relationship-building across functions
• Required: Ability to negotiate through complex decision-making; goal-oriented and strategic thinker
• Required: Problem-solving skills and ability to cope with tight timelines
• Required: People management experience in a matrix organization
• Required: Travel of 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

Additional Requirements

• Travel up to 10%, domestic and possibly international