Senior Project Manager - Pharmaceutical Development

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical insurance

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead complex drug development programs in Johannesburg. The role combines strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and regulatory knowledge to drive projects from early research through clinical trials and submission.

You will define scope, timelines, budgets, and resource needs, mentor junior managers, and ensure compliance with GCP/GMP. The position offers a hybrid work model, competitive compensation, and opportunities for

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive pharma project management experience.
• Experience leading drug development through clinical phases.
• Knowledge of GMP/GCP and regulatory affairs.
• PM certification (PMP) desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple pharmaceutical development projects from inception to completion.
• Develop project plans with timelines, budgets and resources.
• Coordinate cross-functional project teams and meetings.
• Monitor progress, risks, and mitigations.
• Manage budgets and ensure financial constraints.
• Liaise with external partners and stakeholders.
• Prepare status reports for senior management.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory standards (GCP, GMP).
• Drive process improvements in PM practices.
• Mentor junior project managers and team members.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Negotiation

Communication

MS Project

Jira

Agile

Waterfall

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field

MBA or MSc/PhD preferred

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the pharmaceutical industry, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Project Manager to spearhead complex drug development projects in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This pivotal hybrid role demands exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional team management to ensure the successful and timely progression of projects from early-stage research through to clinical trials and regulatory submission. You will be responsible for defining project scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in pharmaceutical project management, a deep understanding of drug development pathways, and outstanding communication skills to foster collaboration across diverse teams. This is an opportunity to drive significant advancements in therapeutic innovation within a dynamic and supportive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple pharmaceutical development projects concurrently, from inception through completion.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, resource requirements, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate and facilitate cross-functional project team meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks and issues, and implement proactive solutions.
• Manage project budgets and ensure projects are delivered within financial constraints.
• Liaise with external partners, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Prepare and present project status reports, updates, and presentations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to Good Clinical Practices (GCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within project management processes.
• Mentor and guide junior project managers and team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field (e.g., Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering); advanced degree (MSc, PhD, MBA) preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in project management within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex drug development projects, preferably through clinical phases.
• In-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical drug development process, regulatory affairs, and quality systems.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) and tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira).
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a strategic mindset.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and drive consensus.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued education in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
• Be at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation and project leadership.
• Supportive and collaborative hybrid work environment.
• Contribute to bringing life-changing therapies to patients globally.