Senior Manager/Associate Director, CMC Project Management

WuXi AppTec Inc; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in drug development is seeking a Senior Manager/Associate Director Project Manager to manage key projects within their API and Drug Product development division. This remote role (within the UK) requires strong experience in project management and knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, with responsibilities extending from project initiation to supporting business development efforts. Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in life sciences and possess a proven track record in managing complex pharmaceutical projects.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical or CRO/CMO industry.
• Strong project management skills and understanding of pharmaceutical development.
• PMP certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead project initiation and planning efforts.
• Monitor project progress and control budget.
• Support business development activities and client meetings.

Skills

Project Management

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Master's (MS) or PhD in Life Sciences

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

Overview

The Senior Manager/Associate Director Project Manager will be responsible for managing projects within STA, WuXi’s API and Drug Product development and manufacturing division. They will lead projects from proposal to completion by interacting with clients, technical teams, and business development teams. The role also involves participating in business development activities such as visiting clients and promoting STA’s services at conferences and trade shows.

This is a remote (work from home) position within the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead project initiation and planning efforts, ensuring effective implementation and execution.
• Establish project objectives, timelines, and deliverables; define tasks and resource requirements.
• Monitor and control project progress to ensure timely completion within budget; report progress to stakeholders.
• Support technical teams in addressing project challenges using risk assessment tools and corrective measures.
• Manage communication with clients and organize project team meetings.
• Represent the company in meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, and follow up on action items.
• Evaluate project results and recommend improvements.
• Support business development efforts by joining client visits, conferences, and trade shows.
• Prepare quotations, proposals, and change orders with input from stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Master's (MS) or PhD in life sciences; chemistry preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or CRO/CMO industry, especially in API process R&D and manufacturing or Drug Product R&D and manufacturing.
• Experience in project management or managing research collaborations; PMP certification is a plus.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to work cross-functionally.
• Good understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and small molecule drug development.
• Minimum of 5 years in CMC process development or GMP manufacturing.
• Knowledge of current regulations and industry trends; experience with oligonucleotides and solid-state peptides is a plus.
• Experience in CRO or CMO settings is preferred but not mandatory.
• Proficiency in MS Office, especially MS Project.

Independence/Accountability:

• Self-motivated, flexible, and organized with the ability to work independently in a home-based role (~25% travel).
• Detail-oriented and proactive in problem-solving.

Leadership Activities:

• Collaborate across CMC business units and with STA management to ensure coordinated efforts and effective communication.

Communication Skills:

• Fluent in English; Mandarin is a plus.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.