Associate Project Planner

Planet Pharma; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Pharma is seeking an Associate Project Planner to assist with developing project plans for Asset Development Teams (ADT) using standardized PM tools and processes. You will facilitate communications with Managers and Directors and prepare written documentation.

You will provide advanced PM support for complex drug development projects, identify risks, and support resource estimation. Strong communication and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• 4+ years professional work experience in PM or related process roles.
• Accreditation in PM or process improvement preferred (e.g. PMP, LEAN Six Sigma).
• Must be self-directed, team player, able to manage multiple projects, and communicate effectively.
• Experience with pharma/biotech environments is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced project management support to complex drug development projects, including action item tracking and organizing team materials.
• Develop multiple project planning scenarios and monitor risks.
• Support managers to ensure accurate resource estimates and escalate when needed.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and manage large or multiple projects.
• Coordinate tasks, estimate time requirements, and track milestones.
• Compile routine reports and analyze project data using PM tools.

Job description

Target PR Range: 39-49/hr
*Depending on experience

Purpose:

The Associate Project Planner assists with the development of project plans for Asset Development Teams (ADT) using standardized project management tools and processes. These plans and data are used for decision making on drug development teams and across the R&D portfolio. Facilitates ADT communications working directly with Managers and Directors and through written documentation.

Responsibilities:

• Provide advanced project management support to complex (late stage, partnered, requiring a device, etc) drug development projects, including action item tracking, organization and communication of team materials (e.g. meeting minutes, Sharepoint sites, etc.). Develops multiple project planning scenarios; identifies, monitors, and analyzes business risks.
• Recognizes when corrective action and planning are necessary and conducts root cause analyses (escalating recommendations to Managers and Directors). Supports functional managers to ensure accurate resource estimates.
• Independently identifies opportunities for improvement of departmental work processes and manages a single large project, or several small process improvement projects. Converts goals to tasks and coordinates activities to meet goals. Estimates and manages requirements to achieve defined objectives. Execute against defined objectives and keep management informed of progress and achieved project milestones.
• Apply advanced project management principles and techniques to the coordination and completion of assigned goals and tasks. Prioritize tasks with effective use of time.
• Support and advise Project Managers on monthly project plan issues and timelines for maintenance and information reporting. Provide data entry for change requests. Utilize Quality Control (QC) reports to ensure proper input of project information and accuracy of data.
• Compile and provide routine standard reports on a monthly and ad hoc basis. Proactively address conflicting, incorrect, insufficient, or inappropriate information prior to report publication. Collect and analyze project and process data and metrics. Apply advanced project management tools for metrics collection and conduct advanced analysis of project data. Develop guidelines and checklists.
• Provide general training support, administration and guidance regarding project management practices and systems.
• Establish and maintain strong network within department and external clients.
• Interacts with all levels of employees in support of project coordination.
• Assesses performance against plans, processes, and practices to determine effectiveness and recommend areas for process improvement to Managers and Directors within the Project Office.

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Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree required, preferably in a technical, scientific or project management related discipline and 4+ years professional work experience, preferably in project management, system based processes, or the pharmaceutical or biotech industry; or Masters degree with 2+ years of work experience; or Doctorate degree in same disciplines.
• Accreditation in a project management or process improvement discipline preferred (e.g. Project Management Professional, LEAN Six Sigma, etc.).
• Must be self-directed and work well in a team environment, be able to work on multiple projects concurrently and meet commitments, possess excellent oral and written communication skills, be process-oriented, convert goals to tasks and define estimates on time and requirements to achieve goal objectives, and demonstrate initiative.
• The incumbent must be able to discern the difference between general vs. confidential/sensitive reporting information and act accordingly.
• Experience/Awareness in the tools and techniques of Project Management and /or Business Excellence desired. Proficient technology skills (e.g., MS Office software, MS Project, Qlikview, Spotfire, etc.) required.