This individual will join their fast-paced programme delivery team as a Project Manager on a permanent basis. Working as part of a dynamic team, the Project Manager with experience managing large scale and complex projects within the life sciences, preferably in the cell and gene therapy field.
The Project Manager will be working on a variety of scientific, corporate services and adoption projects engaging with a wide range of stakeholders across the organisation as well as external stakeholders. This role ensures assigned projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to agreed quality parameters.
On offer for the Project Manager is a highly competitive salary and benefits package. The candidate will be based remotely, however, they will need to go onto site in London on short notice and at least 1-2 times a week.
Key responsibilities of the Project Manager:
- Deliver a variety of scientific, corporate services and adoption projects within the programme management portfolio, as required through detailed project planning, problem solving and collaborative coordinated teamwork to deliver on milestones to time, quality and budget
- Support the appropriate Programme Manager, Project Sponsor and Project Lead in the management of the assigned projects including oversight and support for budgets, project planning, risk and issue management, communication of roles and responsibilities etc.
- Managing the relationships and working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the project(s)
- Managing day-to-day operational aspects of the project(s) and providing the necessary governance and administrative support
- Responsible for the overall project plan and all relevant workstreams, including developing and agreeing it with all the relevant internal and external stakeholders, identifying and managing dependencies and risks and escalating to the Programme Manager and Sponsor/Lead
- Work with the Project Sponsor and/or Project Lead and other key stakeholders to establish key milestones and performance indicators against which progress can be measured and effectively communicated
- Communicate project status, issues, risks and mitigation plans to all appropriate stakeholders on a regular and consistent basis
- Track and update project budgets, milestones and payments
Required experience to be the successful candidate:
- Ideally a minimum of 5 years’ experience of managing large scale projects in pharmaceutics, biotechnology, healthcare or relevant supporting industry (CROs, CDMOs, etc.)
- Experience managing projects using recognised PM methodology e.g. PRINCE2, PMP
- Experience of managing cell and gene therapy projects highly desirable
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically, work effectively in a matrixed environment, and work on multiple projects simultaneously
- Proven ability to consistently deliver projects to time, cost and quality standards
- Proven ability to engage constructively with colleagues at all levels across different departments to deliver objectives
- Experience of motivating & developing teams
- Budget management experience
Knowledge / Skills / Competencies required:
- Good knowledge of SAP finance management desirable
- Pragmatic, logical and positive project manager with a “can-do” attitude
- Well organised with excellent time management and prioritisation skills
- Highly effective communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) and negotiation skills for a wide variety of audiences/stakeholders, including technical and business
- Ability to establish trust and work with integrity while motivating others to achieve goals of the project
- Excellent knowledge of Project Management tools e.g. Gantt charts; risk and issue logs; communication plan
- Good understanding and application of Project Management principles, concepts, practices and standards; PRINCE2 certification a plus
- Established expertise and hands-on experience with Microsoft Project or equivalent, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint and remote meeting tools such as MS Teams etc.
- Quick learner who enjoys discussing ideas and putting them into action
Education / Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related discipline; advanced scientific degree a plus
- Formal project management qualification (Prince2 Practitioner or PMP)