CMC Project Leader

Bachem; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 109,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid vacation and sick days

Job summary

Bachem Americas is seeking a CMC Project Leader to coordinate API manufacturing campaigns for biotech and pharmaceutical clients. You will lead cross-functional teams, negotiate contracts, forecast, and ensure timely delivery while maintaining compliance and maintaining strong client relationships.

The role requires deep knowledge of CMC, GMP, and regulatory filings, with a focus on driving project success and expanding business opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering or similar) required.
• Master's Degree in Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or similar) required or MBA/ PMP preferred.
• PhD in Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or similar) preferred.
• Minimum 6 years' experience in (bio-)pharma/CDMO/chemical industry with bachelor's degree required or
• Minimum 4 years' experience in (bio-)pharma/CDMO/chemical industry with master's degree required.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in customer-facing role or CMC project management required.
• Basic knowledge of clinical development and GMP; familiarity with drug substances characterization (HPLC, LC-MS, etc.)
• Experience with different customer types and contract knowledge (NDAs, Supply & Quality Agreements).
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams (3-10 internal and additional external members) for customers and R&D operations.
• Act as business lead in negotiations, proposals and forecasting.
• Ensure scope adherence and timely deliverables per customer contracts.
• Be the go-to person for project-related tasks and issues.
• Structure and monitor activities with the project team using available tools.
• Represent Bachem to customers' senior/executive leadership.
• Report accurate project data in CRM and document systems.
• Partner with senior leadership to secure capacity and support.
• Create accurate documentation (minutes, plans, actions, summaries).
• Identify opportunities to expand scope and drive additional business.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Project management

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Science

Master's Degree in Science/MBA

PhD in Science (preferred)

Tools

Salesforce

MS Office

MS Project

Master Control

SharePoint/ShareFile

SAP

Job description

The CMC Project Leader is responsible for coordinating and proactively managing ongoing active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing campaigns for Bachem's biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients. This role reports to the Director and serves as a key liaison—externally with customers and internally with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Quality Control (QC), Quality Assurance (QA), Logistics, and Production. The CMC Project Leader ensures that client milestones and deliverables are met efficiently and on schedule.

What you will do

• Leading project teams (3-10 internal and additional external members) for customers and in-house R&D operationally
• Acting as business lead in ongoing collaborations: contract negotiation, business proposals and forecasting, risk-sharing options
• Accountable for adhering to project scope and reaching deliverables on time by considering associated agreements/contracts with the customer
• Go-to person for project-related tasks, questions, and issues (in line with roles and responsibilities as defined in the PM Guide)
• Structuring, leading, and monitoring activities together with the project team members by using available tools and systems
• Representing Bachem in project-related context towards senior and/or executive leadership of Bachem's customers
• Reporting accurate project data in existing tools for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and document exchange platforms (e.g. Salesforce, Teams)
• Business partner to Bachem senior and executive leadership to secure necessary capacity and/or support for customer projects
• Compiling accurate and fit-for-purpose documentation (minutes, plans, actions, summaries, strategic options, etc.) by using existing templates
• Recognizing opportunities within project operations to expand scope of the existing collaboration and proactively taking those up with the project team for presentation to the customer with the target of generating additional business

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering or similar field required
• Master's Degree in Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or similar) field referred or
• Master's Degree MBA, PMP, or similar certification preferred or
• PhD in Science (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or similar) field preferred or
• Minimum 6 years' experience of (bio-)pharma/CDMO/chemical industry with bachelor's degree required or
• Minimum 4 years' experience of (bio-)pharma/CDMO/chemical industry with master's degree required
• Minimum 2 years' experience in customer-facing role or CMC project management required
• Have basic knowledge of clinical development (phases, key goals, requirements) and associated regulatory compliance/filings for drug substances. Basic understanding of GMP required
• Experience with different types of customers (small/biotech and large) with a basic understanding of GMP preferred
• Ability to understand financial aspects of customer accounts (Payment terms, pre-payment requirements, forecasting)
• Familiarity with drug substance characterization analysis (HPLC, UPLC, LC-MS, MS, GC-MS, AAA, CHN) for in-process, release, and stability testing
• Excellent computer/system skills, especially MS Office, CRM (Salesforce), Document Control (Master Control), Document-sharing (SharePoint, ShareFile), ERP (SAP) or CRM, MS Project
• Demonstrated ability to effectively organize, multitask, and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Skilled in proactive, solution-focused communication, ensuring management and stakeholders are informed of potential issues. Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills, capable of working independently and managing time efficiently. Excellent communicator with the ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional team settings.
• Knowledge of Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) documents having to do with IND and NDA filings and API development
• Knowledge of contracts and agreements (NDA’s, Supply Agreements, Quality Agreements, Request for Proposals) to ensure they are adhered to during project execution
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)-PMI preferred

Base Annual Salary Range:

$108,613.70-$149.343.83

Placement of new hires in these wage ranges is based on several factors including education, skill sets, experience, and training.

Total Rewards

We offer all Team Members a total rewards package including competitive pay, annual performance bonus, a generous benefit package with comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, 401(k) plan with employer contribution, and paid vacation, personal and sick days.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Bachem takes responsibility for future generations by a careful handling of resources and avoiding environmental risks. We continually improve our ecological performance and develop and implement new approaches for enhancing employees’ environmental awareness. EcoVadis has awarded Bachem Gold Medal status in their assessment of Bachem.

Bachem Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the diversity of our team and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where individuals are hired and advanced based on merit, skills, and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other legally protected status.