Strategic Project Leader, Cross-Functional Pharma Programs

Zoetis; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis seeks a Project Team Leader to provide strategic leadership for complex cross-functional innovation programs. You will define program profiles, timelines, risks, and investments from ideation to commercial launch, leading marketing, manufacturing, and R&D colleagues to drive alignment and successful outcomes.

The role requires 7+ years delivering large cross-functional pharma programs, strong communication, and expertise in portfolio management tools.

Qualifications

• Degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Technology or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience delivering large cross-functional programs in pharma R&D or related industry.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with project and portfolio management tools and methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience leading matrixed teams and managing complex program dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Act as the single point of accountability to governance for both strategic and technical aspects of complex programs.
• Lead the development and execution of the program strategy (profile, timeline, investment, risk) ensuring alignment with governance.
• Oversee multiple interrelated tactical teams, managing dependencies, budget, risks, and resource allocation to optimize program performance.
• Serve as the primary liaison between governance, multi-divisional tactical teams, functional lines, and external Zoetis partners to facilitate decision-making and stakeholder alignment.
• Manage escalations, resolve complex issues, and generate alignment that impact the program profile via governance and supporting forums.
• Represent the program in governance meetings, providing transparent and insightful updates on progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Create and foster a high-performance, collaborative, and accountable team culture.
• Collaborate closely with Project and Program Management teams to maintain accurate and up-to-date program plans including work, interdependencies, budget and resources in project/portfolio management tools (e.g., EPM).
• Champion team compliance with regulatory, quality, and organizational standards throughout the program lifecycle.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Time management

Governance liaison

Education

Life sciences or related field degree

Tools

EPM

Job description

Zoetis seeks a Project Team Leader to provide strategic leadership for complex cross-functional innovation programs. You will define program profiles, timelines, risks, and investments from ideation to commercial launch, leading marketing, manufacturing, and R&D colleagues to drive alignment and successful outcomes.

The role requires 7+ years delivering large cross-functional pharma programs, strong communication, and expertise in portfolio management tools.