Senior Manager - Project Management (Pharma)

Role Overview

This position is focused on leading the full project lifecycle for R&D and other cross-functional initiatives in a pharmaceutical setting. The successful candidate will ensure that programs are delivered on schedule, with the expected quality, and within approved cost limits. The job calls for strong planning ability, coordination across departments, and effective stakeholder handling to support new product development and lifecycle management work.

Eligibility and Mandatory Criteria

Applicants must be from the pharmaceutical industry only. A PMP certification is compulsory for this role.

Core Responsibilities

• Create and manage project timelines, from planning through execution and tracking, across R&D, Regulatory, Supply Chain, QA/QC, and Production functions.
• Build detailed project schedules with milestones, task dependencies, and critical path activities.
• Review project status regularly to keep delivery aligned with timelines and stage-gate expectations.
• Identify risks, resolve issues, and handle scope changes, escalating concerns when needed.
• Develop dashboards, status reports, and governance updates for internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote alignment between departments so that key project milestones are achieved on time.
• Lead project review discussions and document lessons learned to improve future execution.
• Maintain clear records and ensure timely communication throughout the project journey.

Skills and Competencies

• Project scheduling and planning; MS Project experience is preferred.
• Ability to manage risks and issues effectively.
• Budget planning and tracking awareness.
• Strong cross-functional coordination and stakeholder management.
• Analytical problem-solving mindset.
• Clear communication and reporting skills.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical project stages and compliance requirements.

Required Profile

• Postgraduate qualification in Pharmacy, Science, or Management.
• Valid PMP certification.
• 7 to 12 years of experience in core project management, including work within regulatory frameworks.
• Hands-on background in pharmaceutical or other regulated environments.
• Experience in sterile, ophthalmic, or injectable products is strongly preferred.
• Ability to own execution, work independently, and influence peers as well as senior leaders.
• Comfort with managing multiple priorities, strict timelines, and detailed documentation.

Ideal Candidate Traits

The right candidate will be execution-focused, highly structured, and proactive in solving problems. They should be comfortable working with multiple stakeholders, handling demanding schedules, and driving projects forward with a strong sense of accountability.