Director Project Management - Rare Disease & Pediatrics - Europe

Fortrea; Polska; On-site; PLN 327,000 - 494,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortrea is seeking an experienced leader to serve as the primary client lead for complex clinical studies, driving delivery across multiple vendors and teams. You will develop risk-management strategies, resolve escalations, and provide line management and talent development for project management staff.

Ideal candidates bring nine years of clinical research experience, strong knowledge of ICH-GCP, and a track record of leadership across matrix organizations.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English (written and verbal).
• Extensive knowledge of the clinical development spectrum and ICH GCP.
• Advanced proficiency in organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrates sound judgment in high-stakes or ambiguous situations.
• Exceptional presentation skills for all levels including executive leadership.
• Actively contributes to continuous improvement and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary client lead for complex clinical studies or programs across multiple vendors and teams.
• Develop and execute risk-management strategies to optimize delivery and quality.
• Resolve escalated project issues and provide line management and talent development for project management staff.
• Oversee TMF delivery, audit readiness, and adherence to timelines and budgets.
• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders and contribute to growth through mentoring and strategic planning.
• Lead project teams to design, implement, and monitor plans in line with SOPs and contractual terms.

Skills

English

GCP knowledge

Time management

Judgment

Presentation skills

Education

Masters in life sciences

PMP or Clinical Research Certification

Job description

Job Overview

Acts as the primary client lead for complex clinical studies or programs, driving operational delivery across multiple vendors and teams. Develops and executes risk‑management strategies, resolves escalated project issues, and provides line management and talent development for project management staff.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Primary client contact for assigned clinical studies or programs, working independently with generally highly complex strategy, multiple vendors, sub-CROs with no planned oversight. May have other Project Managers working in a matrix environment with program level oversight
• With a primary focus on operational delivery, develops strategies to manage risk and control and improve operational execution. Utilize staff to maximize contribution and organizational effectiveness
• Contributes to resolution of escalation of project level issues
• Oversees the line management and talent development of Individual Contributors and/or Managers of Project Managers
• Success in the role involves leveraging experience to drive solutions, developing and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders at all levels of the business, and expanding client portfolios as well as contributing to growth objectives through training, allocation and ongoing mentorship of experienced team members
• Leads the project team to facilitate the successful design, implementation, tracking and maintenance of all project plans, adhering to professional standards and SOPs, according to contracted timelines and budget
• Accountable for TMFs including TMF Index & Plan, audit readiness and delivery of the TMF per agreed upon timelines, when contracted by client
• Proactively lead quality control and risk assurance activities to meet regulatory, internal and client requirements
• Fosters positive client experiences through effective communication and collaboration
• May serve as a primary contact for a strategic client relationship. Develops and manages strategic relationship level fundamental documents, including charters, MSA negotiation, rate card input, operations and quality plans, etc. Initiates process improvement to address variance
• Designs delivery strategy for large scale bid defense and performs other business development activities
• Attracts, selects, onboards, develops and retains high performing talent, strengthens talent bench and succession
• All other duties as needed or assigned

Qualifications (Minimum Required)

• Fluent in English, both written and verbal
• Extensive knowledge of the clinical development spectrum and ICH GCP
• Advanced proficiency in organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrates sound judgment in high‑stakes or ambiguous situations
• Exceptional presentation skills for all levels including internal and partner executive leadership
• Actively contributes to continuous improvement efforts and strategic planning activities

Experience (Minimum Required)

• University/college degree in life sciences, Masters preferred
• Minimum of nine (9) years relevant clinical research experience in a pharmaceutical company/CRO including at least six (6) years of full project management responsibility
• Minimum of four (4) years direct or indirect supervisory experience
• In lieu of above experience requirement, a combination of other relevant and equivalent experience may be considered
• Preferred therapeutic areas: rare diseases, neonatal and infant pediatric studies

Preferred Qualifications Include

• PMP or certified in clinical research

The base salary range for this role in Italy is €74,600– €112,860 gross per year, which may vary as per working schedule (full or part‑time). The final offer will be determined based on objective and job‑related criteria such as experience, qualifications, and scope of responsibilities, in line with our internal job classification framework and the applicable collective labor agreement (CCNL). This role may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as bonus and benefits, in accordance with company policies.

The salary range listed reflects the market for this role in Italy. This position is open to candidates based in other eligible locations, and the applicable range may vary depending on your country of residence. Please speak with your recruiter for details specific to your location

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