Senior Pharmaceutical Project Manager

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with company match

Performance-based bonuses and annual,/

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pharmaceutical Project Manager based in Midrand, Gauteng, to lead complex pharmaceutical initiatives from development through commercialization. You will oversee cross-functional teams, manage budgets, timelines, and regulatory alignment in a hybrid work setting.

The ideal candidate has a Master's degree (pharma/engineering/business), 7+ years of project management experience (5+ in pharma/biotech), and PMP experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required or related field in pharma/engineering/business.
• PMP certification or equivalent strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of project management experience, 5+ years in pharma/biotech.
• Proven track record delivering complex pharma projects from concept to completion.
• Strong knowledge of drug development, regulatory affairs, and GMP/ICH standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of pharmaceutical projects from initiation to closure.
• Develop detailed project plans with scope, timeline, and resources.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure accountability.
• Manage budgets and track expenditures within constraints.
• Identify and mitigate risks; develop contingency plans.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Risk management

Education

Master's degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

MS Project

Smartsheet

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading innovator in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, is seeking a highly organized and strategic Senior Pharmaceutical Project Manager to lead critical projects within their dynamic organization based in Midrand, Gauteng. This role is responsible for the successful planning, execution, and completion of complex pharmaceutical projects, from early-stage development through to commercialization. The Project Manager will oversee cross-functional teams, manage budgets, timelines, and resources effectively, ensuring projects meet strategic objectives and quality standards. This hybrid position offers the advantage of both on-site collaboration with R&D, manufacturing, and regulatory teams, and remote flexibility for planning, reporting, and strategic analysis. This is an outstanding opportunity to drive impactful projects within the vibrant pharmaceutical industry and contribute to bringing life-changing therapies to patients. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, excellent communication, and a deep understanding of project management principles within a regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of pharmaceutical projects, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, control, and closure.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, defining scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Oversee and coordinate activities of cross-functional project teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring accountability.
• Manage project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure projects are delivered within financial constraints.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, developing contingency plans as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP, ICH) and internal quality standards.
• Communicate project status, progress, and issues effectively to stakeholders, including senior management.
• Facilitate project meetings, workshops, and decision-making processes.
• Manage vendor relationships and third-party collaborations relevant to project execution.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management methodologies and best practices within the organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, with at least 5 years specifically within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects from concept to completion.
• Strong understanding of drug development processes, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet) and tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, resources, and risks effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment, balancing on-site collaboration with remote project management duties in Midrand, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company match.
• Performance-based bonuses and annual incentives.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, certifications, and advanced training.
• Access to industry-leading technologies and project management tools.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Employee assistance program for comprehensive support.
• Dynamic and challenging work environment with opportunities for career growth.