Associate Director, CMC Project Management

Wuxi Apptec, Inc.; United States; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

WuXi AppTec is seeking a client relationship professional to lead trust-building with multi-stakeholder CMC programs. The role focuses on translating technical capability into strong client relationships, requiring exceptional communication, judgment, and cross-site collaboration.

The position emphasizes remote work within Europe and mandates Mandarin proficiency for communications with stakeholders and partners. Strong English communication and extensive pharma/CRO experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in life sciences (chemistry preferred).
• Fluency in Mandarin is a must for stakeholder engagement.
• Strong English communication skills for written and verbal interactions.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary interface for assigned clients, representing WuXi with credibility and commercial awareness.
• Bridge clients and WuXi sites, translating messages and aligning priorities.
• Oversee multiple client programs, focusing on relationship health, alignment, and delivery confidence.
• Contribute to proposals, governance meetings, and senior client discussions as needed.

Skills

Mandarin fluency

English communication

Stakeholder management

Education

MS/PhD in life sciences

Job description

This role is a central pillar in building client trust and strengthening WuXi's brand across complex, multi-stakeholder CMC programs. While WuXi brings deep technical expertise across its sites, this role focuses on translating that capability into strong client relationships. It requires excellent communication, sound judgment, and the ability to align internal teams with client expectations. Success is defined by managing complexity, influencing without authority, and building long-term partnerships. The role plays a key part in shaping the client experience by ensuring that WuXi's technical excellence is communicated with clarity and confidence.

Please note that this is a remote (work from home) position within Europe, and fluency in Mandarin is a must-have requirement for this role.

Client Relationship & Trust Building

• Act as the primary interface for assigned clients, representing WuXi with credibility, clarity, and commercial awareness.
• Build long‑term, trust‑based relationships with diverse client stakeholders across R&D, CMC, Quality, Regulatory, and Procurement.
• Establish WuXi as a reliable, transparent, and solutions‑focused partner, not simply a service provider.
• Anticipate client concerns and proactively manage expectations, risks, and perceptions.

Internal Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the bridge between clients and WuXi operating sites, ensuring messages are translated accurately and effectively in both directions.
• Coordinate and influence cross‑functional internal teams (DS, DP, Analytical, Regulatory, Quality), and ensure alignment on priorities, timelines, and client commitments.
• Challenge, clarify, and refine technical messaging to ensure it is appropriate for the client audience.

Program Oversight & Commercial Stewardship

• Maintain high‑level oversight of multiple concurrent client programs, focusing on relationship health, strategic alignment, and delivery confidence.
• Escalate issues pragmatically and constructively, balancing transparency with solutions.
• Support business growth through account expansion, follow‑on work, and trusted client advocacy.
• Contribute to proposals, governance meetings, and senior client discussions as needed.

Brand & Culture Ambassador

• Act as a visible ambassador for WuXi’s values, culture, and standards in all client engagements.
• Model professional communication, collaboration, and accountability.
• Help elevate client‑facing capability across the organisation through example and coaching.

Essential

• Masters (MS) or PhD in life sciences; chemistry preferred
• A minimum of 5 years pharmaceutical or CRO/CMO industry experience preferably in API process R&D and manufacturing and/or Drug Product R&D and manufacturing.
• Fluency in Mandarin is a key requirement for this role, as it is essential for communication with stakeholders and business partners.
• Proven experience in a CMC client‑facing role within a CDMO, CRO, pharmaceutical, or biotech environment.
• Strong understanding of CMC development and/or manufacturing (technical literacy required, hands‑on technical execution not).
• Outstanding English communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder landscapes across countries, cultures, and functions.
• High emotional intelligence, diplomacy, and sound professional judgement.
• Comfortable handling ambiguity, difficult conversations, and competing priorities.

Highly Valued

• Experience managing strategic or enterprise‑level client accounts.
• Exposure to China‑based manufacturing or global delivery models.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of how delivery quality influences long‑term business growth.
• Coaching or mentoring experience in client communication or stakeholder management.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job‑related duties as requested by Management.