Pharmaceutical Project Manager - Drug Development

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Pharmaceutical Project Manager to lead drug development initiatives in Sandton, Gauteng. You will oversee projects from early development to regulatory submission, coordinating cross-functional teams in a hybrid work setup.

The role requires strong GMP/GCP knowledge, exceptional leadership, and a proven ability to deliver projects on time and within budget. You will interact with CROs and regulatory bodies, prepare updates for senior management, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• PMP certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in pharmaceutical project management, with a deep understanding of drug development processes.
• Proven track record of successfully managing projects from concept to regulatory submission.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, GCP, and other relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana) and tools.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and drive consensus.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and reside in or commute to the Sandton area.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple pharmaceutical development projects, aligning with strategic objectives.
• Develop comprehensive project plans covering scope, timelines, budgets, and risk management.
• Coordinate cross-functional project team meetings with clear communication and timely decisions.
• Monitor progress against milestones and mitigate risks and issues.
• Manage project budgets and track expenditures to meet financial targets.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and external partners including CROs and regulators.
• Ensure activities comply with GMP, GCP, GLP and internal SOPs.
• Prepare and present project updates to senior management and steering committees.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in project management methodologies.
• Contribute to portfolio planning and resource forecasting.

Skills

Project management

GMP/GCP knowledge

Regulatory understanding

Leadership

MS Project/Asana

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Pharmacy/Life Sciences

Tools

MS Project

Asana

Job description

About the Role Our client, a highly respected pharmaceutical organization with a strong pipeline of innovative therapies, is seeking an experienced Pharmaceutical Project Manager to lead critical drug development initiatives in Sandton, Gauteng . This role requires a strategic thinker with a proven ability to manage complex projects from early development through to regulatory submission. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing project timelines, budgets, and resources, while fostering effective collaboration among cross-functional teams. This is an exceptional opportunity to drive the development of life-changing medicines within a company that values scientific excellence and career progression. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing essential in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple pharmaceutical development projects simultaneously, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including scope, timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
• Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional project team meetings, ensuring clear communication and timely decision-making.
• Monitor project progress against established milestones, identifying and mitigating potential risks and issues.
• Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure financial targets are met.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and external partners, including CROs and regulatory agencies.
• Ensure all project activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP, GCP, GLP) and internal SOPs.
• Prepare and present project updates, reports, and presentations to senior management and steering committees.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in project management methodologies.
• Contribute to portfolio planning and resource forecasting.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Pharmacy, Life Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• PMP certification is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in pharmaceutical project management, with a deep understanding of drug development processes.
• Proven track record of successfully managing projects from concept to regulatory submission.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, GCP, and other relevant regulatory guidelines.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana) and tools.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and drive consensus.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa
• and reside in or be able to commute to the Sandton area.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus and long-term incentive plans.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company match.
• Opportunities for leadership development and career advancement.
• Hybrid work model promoting work-life balance.