Senior Pharmaceutical Product Development Manager

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonus opportunities

Professional development support

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a globally recognized pharmaceutical innovator to recruit a Senior Pharmaceutical Product Development Manager for Sandton, Gauteng. The role leads product development from concept to commercialization and oversees diverse cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in a life science field with 8+ years in pharmaceutical development, strong GMP/GCP knowledge, and proven leadership and strategic abilities to drive timelines and regulatory

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, or related life science.
• 8+ years of progressive pharmaceutical product development experience.
• Proven track record in managing complex development projects from inception to launch.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, GCP, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional product development teams including R&D, regulatory, manufacturing, marketing and clinical operations.
• Develop and execute comprehensive development plans from early research to regulatory submission and market launch.
• Define product strategies including target product profiles, market positioning, and lifecycle management.
• Manage timelines, budgets and resources to ensure timely and cost-efficient development.
• Ensure development activities comply with GMP, GCP, and regulatory standards.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure project success.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Regulatory affairs knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in Life Sciences or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized pharmaceutical innovator, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Pharmaceutical Product Development Manager to lead product development initiatives from concept to commercialization in **Sandton, Gauteng**. This critical role involves managing cross-functional teams, overseeing product strategy, and ensuring the successful launch of new pharmaceutical products. You will be responsible for guiding the development process, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of drug development, project management, and the pharmaceutical market landscape. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to shape the future of healthcare products within a dynamic and growth-oriented organization located in **Sandton**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cross-functional product development teams, including R&D, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, marketing, and clinical operations.
• Develop and execute comprehensive product development plans, from early-stage research through to regulatory submission and market launch.
• Define product strategies, including target product profiles, market positioning, and lifecycle management.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure timely and cost-efficient product development.
• Ensure all development activities comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Clinical Practices (GCP), and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Identify and assess development risks, implementing mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to understand market needs and translate them into product requirements.
• Prepare and present project updates, strategic recommendations, and decision-making proposals to senior management.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
• Stay abreast of scientific advancements, market trends, and competitive intelligence within the pharmaceutical industry.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, or a related life science or business discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical product development, with a significant portion in project/product management.
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex pharmaceutical development projects from inception to launch.
• In-depth knowledge of the drug development process, including preclinical, clinical, and regulatory stages.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs.
• Excellent project management skills, including experience with project management software.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to influence and lead diverse teams without direct authority.
• Business acumen and understanding of the pharmaceutical market dynamics.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package, comprehensive medical aid, a generous retirement fund, and significant bonus opportunities.
• Professional development is highly valued, with support for further education, training, and conference attendance.
• Employees enjoy a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment in **Sandton, Gauteng**, with access to cutting-edge research and development facilities.
• The company offers excellent career progression opportunities within a leading global pharmaceutical organization.
• Paid time off and other standard employee benefits are provided.