Director of Project Management

About the position

The Director of Project Management will lead the project management team, ensuring successful execution of preclinical studies and contract commitments. This role requires strategic oversight, operational excellence, and the ability to manage multiple, complex projects within regulatory and contractual guidelines. The Director of Project management will demonstrate a deep understanding of preclinical research, government and commercial contract management, and client relationship building. Individuals in this role will work closely with senior management and project team members across the organization to ensure the successful completion of projects and the safeguarding of organizational resources and reputation. They will be expected to directly manage projects as needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of preclinical research projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for project-related issues, proactively identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Develop and optimize project management frameworks, processes, and best practices to drive operational efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing project management team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Work with senior leadership to establish training programs and career development pathways for project managers.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration between scientific, business development, and operational teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with both government agencies and commercial clients, serving as the primary contact for project-related discussions.
• Familiarity with government contracting requirements, including FAR, DFARS, and other relevant regulations.
• Assures adherence to schedules by interacting effectively with and providing information to various staff and client groups.
• Schedules and runs project meetings as required.
• Works across the organization to prepare and present presentations and/or updates to internal management and/or external customers.
• Ensures prompt resolution and communication of issues associated with assigned projects.
• Actively manages risk using risk management fundamentals and terminology.
• Completes financial reporting as required for government projects.
• Accountable for research project tracking, updating and maintaining project documentation.
• Responsible for establishing and tracking project and program timelines and milestones.
• Monitors and evaluates project plans to ensure there are no deviations from the established statement of work.
• Performs other duties as assigned by VP, Operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a business or scientific field.
• At least seven years of project management experience within a CRO, biotech, pharmaceutical, or government contracting environment.
• Demonstrated ability to use the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures of project management.
• Proven track record of managing complex preclinical research projects, including government contracts (e.g., NIH, DOD, BARDA).
• Prior demonstration of ability to manage both cost-plus and firm fixed price type contracts.
• Knowledge of software applications, particularly those that run on the Microsoft (MS) Windows operating system, including Word, Access, Excel, MS Project and other programs.
• Prior demonstration of effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly detail oriented with good planning, organization, task-efficiency, and time-management skills.
• Understand the importance of providing high-quality customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Must possess a general knowledge of Project Management principles.
• Strong leadership experience, including mentoring and managing project teams.
• Excellent knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements in preclinical research (e.g., GLP, FDA, ICH).

Nice-to-haves

• MS or PhD in scientific discipline.
• Strong business acumen and ability to contribute to strategic growth initiatives.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification strongly preferred.