Associate Project Planner (Project Manager I – Non-IT)-35733

K3-Innovations, Inc.; Illinois; On-site; USD 65,000 - 110,000; Part time

Job summary

K3-Innovations, Inc. is seeking an Associate Project Planner (Project Manager I – Non-IT) to support drug development teams. You will build and maintain project plans, track actions, document meetings, and coordinate across R&D portfolios to inform decision making.

The role emphasizes pharmaceutical development knowledge, strong CP analysis, and effective communication in a matrixed environment. This contract role starts immediately through June 2027 and relocation is not available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 4+ years of professional experience, or Master’s with 2+ years, or Doctorate in a related discipline.
• Experience with AMP/Planisware and MS Project.
• Strong knowledge of critical path analysis at micro and macro levels.
• Experience working in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain project plans for Asset Development Teams (ADT) using standardized PM tools and processes.
• Support complex drug development projects, including action-item tracking, meeting documentation, team communications, and project coordination.
• Develop project planning scenarios and identify, monitor, and analyze business risks.
• Apply critical path analysis, assess project timelines, and identify when corrective action is needed.
• Analyze project data, metrics, resource estimates, and monthly project plan updates.
• Prepare routine and ad hoc reports, validate data accuracy, and support change requests.
• Identify process improvements and coordinate projects to achieve defined objectives.
• Collaborate with managers, directors, project managers, and cross-functional stakeholders in a matrixed environment.

Skills

Project planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in technical/scientific/project management

Master’s degree in related discipline

Doctorate in related discipline

Tools

AMP/Planisware

Microsoft Project

QlikView

Spotfire

MS Office

Job description

Now Hiring: Associate Project Planner (Project Manager I – Non-IT) | Req. 35733

Contract: Through June 2027 to start

Relocation is not available

Are you an experienced project planner with a background in pharmaceutical or biotech development? We’re looking for an Associate Project Planner to support drug development teams by building project plans, analyzing timelines and risks, and helping teams make informed decisions across the R&D portfolio.

• Develop and maintain project plans for Asset Development Teams (ADT) using standardized project management tools and processes.
• Support complex drug development projects, including action-item tracking, meeting documentation, team communications, and project coordination.
• Develop project planning scenarios and identify, monitor, and analyze business risks.
• Apply critical path analysis, assess project timelines, and identify when corrective action is needed.
• Analyze project data, metrics, resource estimates, and monthly project plan updates.
• Prepare routine and ad hoc reports, validate data accuracy, and support change requests.
• Identify process improvements and coordinate projects to achieve defined objectives.
• Collaborate with managers, directors, project managers, and cross-functional stakeholders in a matrixed environment.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with AMP / Planisware and Microsoft Project.
• Strong understanding of critical path analysis at both micro and macro levels.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical development or the biotech industry.
• Project management and project planning experience.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
• Strong organizational, analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with MS Office and project‑related tools; experience with QlikView or Spotfire is beneficial.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a technical, scientific, or project management discipline, with 4+ years of professional experience; or
• Master’s degree with 2+ years of work experience; or a doctorate in a related discipline.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or other project/process improvement accreditation is preferred.

Ideal Candidate:

A detail‑oriented, self‑directed project planning professional who can manage multiple priorities, analyze complex timelines, identify risks, and keep drug development projects on track.