Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Project Manager

The Senior Project Manager will lead cross-functional project teams to deliver complex CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) programs. This role is responsible for managing R&D and manufacturing activities, including seamless technology transfers between internal and client manufacturing sites.  Serving as the primary point of contact for the client, the Senior Project Manager ensures alignment across all internal and external stakeholders. 

This position requires close collaboration with cross-functional areas including development, manufacturing, supply chain, quality and finance to drive execution and program deliverables.  This role demands a high level of technical acumen, strong communication skills, and the ability to coordinate across multiple functions and sites.   The Senior Project Manager is accountable for ensuring that program objectives are met on time, within scope and budget, and in accordance with quality and regulatory standards. 

Core Responsibilities: 

• Lead cross-functional project teams to plan, execute and deliver development and manufacturing programs for CDMO clients.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, ensuring alignment on project goals, timelines, deliverables, and expectations. 
• Develop and manage integrated project plans, including scope, timelines, resources, risk mitigation strategies, and budgets.
• Drive technology transfer activities, coordinating internal technical teams, and client stakeholders to enable seamless transfers between R&D and manufacturing. 
• Lead, motivate and hold accountable a high-performing cross-functional project team, fostering a culture of ownership, excellence and customer-focused delivery.
• Ensure project milestones and deliverables are achieved on time and in compliance with applicable quality, safety, and regulatory standards. 
• Prepare and lead internal and external project meetings, including governance reviews and technical discussions, ensuring effective communication and decision making.
• Ensure key stakeholders are informed of program status, performance metrics, and key decisions through regular and transparent communication.
• Track project financials and work with finance and business development to monitor budgets, change orders, and client billing. 
• Contribute to the continous improvement of project management processes, tools, and templates within the organization. 

Qualifications: 

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of project management experience in the pharmaceutical or CDMO industry, with a strong focus on drug substance development and manufacturing.  
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and interface with executive leadership to drive client and organizational alignment.
• Solid understanding of cGMP standards and regulatory frameworks for drug substance manufacturing.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated ability to lead weekly customer meetings, quarterly business reviews, and executive-level presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust, manage expectations, and represent the organization with professionalism and credibility.
• Comfortable influencing without authority and driving collaboration across departments and levels.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, manage tight timelines and oversee multiple high-impact projects concurrently. 
• Ability to motivate and lead cross-functional teams to high performance and ownership.
• Track record of delivering high-touch service, acting with urgency and accountability in all client interactions.
• Experience managing client-facing teams, ensuring alignment with overall project goals.