Director, Project Management

Bachem AG; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 151,000 - 207,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Bachem Americas in Torrance, CA is seeking a Director, Project Management to provide strategic leadership for the Project Management department and align with the broader Americas PM organization. In a matrix environment, you will collaborate with the Vista PM team to promote consistency and operational excellence across the organization.

You will lead PM activities, drive process improvements, develop the department, manage budgets, and ensure delivery of customer-facing projects within scope,

Qualifications

• BS or MS in life sciences, physical sciences, engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in pharma/biotech/CDMO with 5+ years leading teams.
• 3+ years managing a team of project management professionals.
• 5-10 years as a project leader in cross-functional settings.
• Experience with PM, CRM and ERP software is a plus.
• Strong leadership with ability to translate strategy into action.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to a project management team at Bachem Americas Torrance
• Act as the voice of customer projects in leadership forums
• Direct delivery of customer facing projects within cost, time and quality
• Establish and maintain high level of departmental services
• Work with stakeholders to ensure contractual commitments
• Represent dept in developing new business with Business Development
• Develop and execute project strategy with direct reports
• Plan and control the departmental budget
• Develop project management systems, tools and processes
• Drive continuous improvement and optimization initiatives
• Develop employees according to strengths and organizational needs

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Travel readiness

Team development

Education

BS or MS in life sciences or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Word

Excel

CRM software

ERP software

Job description

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Bachem is a leading, innovation-driven company specializing in the development and manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides. With over 50 years of experience and expertise Bachem provides products for research, clinical development and commercial application to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of services. Bachem operates internationally with headquarters in Switzerland and locations in Europe, the US and Asia. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. For further information, see www.bachem.com .

A brief overview

The Director, Project Managementprovides strategic leadership and direction for the Project Management department at Bachem’s Torrance site and represents the broader Bachem Americas Project Management organization with internal and external stakeholders. In a matrix environment, this role collaborates closely with the Project Management team in Vista to promote alignment, consistency, and operational excellence across the organization.

The Director leads Project Management activities and drives the continuous improvement of business processes, systems, and tools to enhance organizational effectiveness. This position is responsible for developing the department, strengthening Project Management capabilities, and optimizing interactions with customers and internal stakeholders. Through effective leadership and cross-functional collaboration, the Director ensures that Project Management activities support Bachem’s business objectives while consistently meeting customer needs.

What you will do

• Provide leadership to a project management team at Bachem Americas Torrance
• Act as the voice of customer projects in the Bachem Americas Leadership Team
• Direct the delivery of customer facing projects within cost, time and quality requirements when assigned as CMC lead
• Establish and maintain a high level of departmental services for both internal organization and external customers
• Work with functional leadership of stakeholders to ensure successful execution of contractual commitments
• Represent the department in support of developing and attracting new business in collaboration with Business Development
• Work with direct reports to develop, gain approval, and execute on the project strategy ensuring the customers and internal stakeholder commitments are met
• Plan and control the departmental budget
• Anticipate and identify complex issues which pose a challenge to achieving strategic goals; propose and implement plans to resolve such issues and execute corrective actions
• Develop the organization to meet future business needs for both internal and external customers
• In close collaboration with the Global Project Management team, develop and maintain project management systems, tools and processes fit for a global project management organization.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement and optimization initiatives across the department.
• Work with team members to develop and achieve short term and long term personal and organizational goals.
• Develop employees according to their strengths and the requirements of the organization.
• Model Bachem leadership principles in leading and developing the department.
• Perform other duties, as required.

Qualifications

• BS or MS degree in life sciences, physical sciences, engineering or related scientific discipline (MBA/PhD (preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology or CDMO industry with at least 5 years of experience in leading teams (line and matrix management) in a cross-functional setting.
• 3+ years managing a team of project management professionals, or equivalent combination of education and experience in R&D, QC, or manufacturing in a customer-facing setting.
• 5-10 years’ experience as a project leader.
• Experience with PM, CRM and ERP software is a plus.
• Strong leadership skills with ability to translate strategy into action
• Demonstrated direct line management responsibilities and leading of cross-functional teams
• Expertise in developing and managing project plans including scope, deliverables, schedules, risks and resource requirements
• Demonstrated ability to take accountability and empower individuals and teams to make effective decisions aligned with organizational and customer objectives
• Experience in negotiating contracts with third parties
• Ability to develop and mentor effective teams
• Demonstrated ability to help teams anticipate, plan and adapt to an evolving environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with all levels within the company and Bachem customers
• Demonstrated ability to effectively organize, multitask, and work in a fast-paced, deadline driven work environment
• Excellent understanding of project management principles and business processes
• Strong time management, planning and organizational skills
• Ability to travel approximately 20% of the time, including international travel
• Advanced knowledge and demonstrated capabilities in Microsoft Project, Word, Excel and other reporting and tracking tools
• In-depth knowledge of peptide or oligonucleotide process development and manufacturing

Base Annual Salary Range: $150,560 - $207,020

Placement of new hires in this wage range 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.

At Bachem, you’ll find a diverse, multicultural team. The (a)in the job title stands for all. We welcome applications from all candidates. What matters are your skills and motivation—regardless of age, gender, background, religion, or sexual orientation.

Please note: unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be considered.