R&D Functional Matrix Project Manager

Elanco; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Hybrid work environment

Annual bonus

Flexible work arrangements

401K matching

Job summary

Elanco, a global leader in animal health, seeks an R&D Functional Matrix Project Manager to drive strategic initiatives across our development portfolio. You’ll partner with global teams to ensure projects stay on schedule, within scope, and within resources.

Strong communication and cross‑functional influence are essential. The role is hybrid in Indianapolis, requires 3–5 years in project management within drug development, and prefers PMP/Lean Six Sigma certification.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific field; 3–5 years PM experience in drug development.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Understanding of regulatory submissions in the lifecycle of product development.

Responsibilities

• Lead global R&D strategic initiatives from initiation through completion.
• Serve as central communication hub, document decisions, provide status updates to stakeholders.
• Manage schedules, performance risks, and success metrics using MS Project and standard tools.
• Build relationships across functions to drive milestones in a dynamic matrix environment.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Schedule management

Regulatory knowledge

Communication

AI literacy

Education

Bachelor's Degree in a scientific field

Tools

MS Project

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

As the R&D Functional Matrix Project Manager, you will be a central driver in advancing Elanco's pipeline of innovative veterinary products. In this role, you'll partner across our global Research and Development organization to oversee strategic initiatives and ensure they are delivered on schedule and within resource constraints. You will implement consistent, high-quality project management practices and ultimately accelerate the delivery of solutions that improve animal health.

Your Responsibilities:

• Lead the execution of global R&D strategic initiatives from initiation through completion, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within scope.
• Serve as the central communication hub, facilitating project meetings, documenting key decisions, and providing clear status updates to team members, stakeholders, and executive sponsors.
• Manage project schedules, performance risks, and success metrics using MS Project and other standard tools to support business planning and reporting.
• Build relationships and influence cross-functional partners to drive project milestones, anticipate and resolve complex problems, and balance competing priorities in a dynamic matrix environment.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education: Bachelor's Degree (scientific fieldpreferred)
• Experience: A minimum of 3-5 years of project management experience within the drug development lifecycle, including an understanding of the regulatory submission process.
• Top Skills: Demonstrated expertise in influencing cross-functional teams and external partners; proven ability to manage complex project schedules, negotiate effectively, and communicate with clarity to all levels of the organization.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

• Project Management Professional (PMP) and/or Lean Six Sigma certifications.
• Direct experience in the veterinary product development industry.
• Proven ability to quickly learn and leverage new IT systems and tools, with a strong competency in AI literacy.
• Previous experience in an operations-focused role.
• Master's degree in a relevant scientific or business field.

Additional Information:

• Travel: May have up to 10%
• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

Don’t meet every single requirement?Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

• Multiple relocation packages
• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.