CDC Project Manager

Novo Nordisk; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare company is seeking an experienced Clinical Development Centre Project Manager in Johannesburg, South Africa. This role involves managing clinical trials, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and driving collaboration across teams. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree, GCP certification, and experience in multi-centre clinical trials. Strong communication skills and familiarity with clinical systems are essential. The position offers growth opportunities within a forward-thinking organization.

Benefits

Opportunities for learning and development

Inclusion and equality in recruitment process

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, or related discipline.
• GCP certification.
• 2–4 years of experience managing clinical trials, preferably multi‑centre Phase II–III trials.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in Project Management.
• Strong knowledge of clinical trial methodology and risk-based monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end clinical trial delivery.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration and communication.
• Ensure operational excellence and compliance.
• Identify, manage, and mitigate project risks.
• Represent the CDC in key study forums.

Skills

Experience in managing clinical trials

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Knowledge of clinical trial methodology

Risk-based monitoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or related discipline

GCP certification

Tools

Electronic clinical trial systems (CTMS, EDC, IWRS, eTMF)

Job description

Clinical Development Centre (CDC) Project Manager – Johannesburg, South Africa

Are you passionate about delivering clinical trial excellence and ensuring high-quality execution in a complex and fast-moving environment? Do you want to play a central role in bringing innovative therapies from development to patients by leading impactful clinical projects? If so, we are looking for a driven and experienced CDC Project Manager to join our team in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. This role is office based.

Your new role

As a CDC Project Manager, you will be responsible for end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of assigned clinical trials within the Clinical Development Centre. You will lead cross‑functional project teams, ensure delivery against timelines and budget, and uphold the highest standards of quality, compliance, and scientific rigor in accordance with ICH‑GCP, regulatory requirements, and Novo Nordisk Standard Operating Procedures.

Your main responsibilities will be to

• Lead end‑to‑end clinical trial delivery by planning, coordinating, and managing assigned clinical trials in line with protocols, regulatory requirements, GCP, and Novo Nordisk SOPs.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration and communication by acting as the primary interface between HQ, CDC, regional teams, investigators, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure operational excellence and compliance by overseeing trial execution quality, applying risk‑based monitoring principles, and ensuring effective use of clinical systems.
• Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate project risks by setting project‑specific strategies, monitoring progress against milestones, and implementing mitigation plans.
• Represent the CDC in key study forums and regulatory activities, including study meetings and investigator engagements, and ensure timely support for local regulatory submissions.

Your new department

You will join CDC South Africa, a vibrant and high‑performing organisation dedicated to advancing clinical research and delivering world‑class clinical trial execution. Based in Johannesburg, the team works in close collaboration with global and regional partners and is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.

Your skills & qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, or a related discipline.
• GCP certification.
• 2–4 years of experience managing clinical trials, preferably multi‑centre Phase II–III trials.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in Project Management.
• Previous CRA experience in a commercial clinical research environment (advantageous).
• Strong knowledge of clinical trial methodology, risk-based monitoring, and GCP.
• Hands‑on experience with electronic clinical trial systems (CTMS, EDC, IWRS, eTMF).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

What we offer

Being part of a global healthcare company means opportunities to learn and develop are all around us, while our benefits are designed with your career and life stage in mind.

More information

You are welcome to contact the Therapeutic Area Head – Rare Disease Nuno Da Costa Mousinho ([e-mail]) for more details.

Deadline

18th of January (Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis).

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

We’re not your typical healthcare company. In a modern world of quick fixes, we focus on solutions to defeat serious chronic diseases and promote long‑term health. Our unordinary mindset is at the heart of everything we do. We seek out new ideas and put people first as we push the boundaries of science, make healthcare more accessible, and treat, prevent, and even cure diseases that affect millions of lives. Because it takes an unordinary approach to drive real, lasting change in health.