Associate Director, Project Management – Drug Development

Initial Therapeutics, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 117,000 - 189,000; Full time

Job summary

Lilly is seeking an Associate Director, Program Management for Orexin development programs in the US, reporting to the Executive Director, Global Team Leader. The role combines project management discipline with drug development experience to guide early‑stage Orexin programs globally.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, maintain integrated Gantt charts, manage budgets, and drive risk management, governance, and regulatory submission readiness. Occasional travel is required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in pharma/biotech R&D with PM or equivalent
• Experience managing IND-enabling activities and Phase 1 development
• Experience with drug development and regulatory submissions
• PMP certification desired; strong communication & leadership

Responsibilities

• Partner with the GTL to project manage a cross‑functional matrix development team
• Develop and maintain detailed cross-function program Gantt charts with dependencies
• Identify interdependencies, critical path and at‑risk activities for risk management
• Develop and maintain dashboards to communicate status and track progress
• Lead cross‑functional team meetings with agendas, materials, and minutes
• Develop and maintain issue logs and risk registers and mitigate risks
• Work with Finance to develop and manage budgets and program spend
• Manage select external vendors and integrate deliverables into the program Gantt
• Support Governance and Executive presentations for program reviews
• Prepare documents to quality standards for Regulatory/Health Authority submissions
• Contribute to establishment and refinement of best practices and processes

Skills

PM Leadership

Cross-Functional Leadership

Gantt Chart Management

Budget Management

Regulatory Submissions

Smartsheet

PMP certification

IND Development

Education

BS with 8+ years pharma R&D

MS/MBA with 6+ years pharma R&D

Tools

Smartsheet

Job description

Lilly is seeking an Associate Director, Program Management for Orexin development programs in the US, reporting to the Executive Director, Global Team Leader. The role combines project management discipline with drug development experience to guide early‑stage Orexin programs globally.

You will lead cross‑functional teams, maintain integrated Gantt charts, manage budgets, and drive risk management, governance, and regulatory submission readiness. Occasional travel is required.