Director - Project Management

Job Description Summary

-Management TrackThis is a universal job description meant to capture some of the primary duties of this role that are common across functions or divisions. It is not intended to represent all of the specific responsibilities of the position. Lead global function for the development of pharmaceutical/biological/cell-gene therapies through multidisciplinary units and GMP facilities. Shape and develop its strategic direction and drive operational excellence in line with TRD vision and strategy. Ensure full portfolio support in line with GDD, Sandoz, NTO and NIBR plans. -Scientific / Technical Track Influence, lead and manage all project/network/platform activities and apply scientific/technical expertise and leadership to address complex RandD issues/topics. Support development function by initiating and leading scientific programs or projects/networks/platforms; co-ordinating interdisciplinary projects and teams; acting as member of advisory boards for scientific issues. -SANDOZ: -Lead Formulation department for the development of generic drug products, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary units and GMP facilities. Shape and develop the departments strategic direction and drive operational excellence in line with Sandoz' vision and strategy. Ensure full portfolio support in line with the plans of Sandoz and our partners.Department Head leads a group of associates and manages allocated resources (laboratories, archives, instruments, project budgets, etc.) to achieve the departmental objectives according to cross departmentally agreed project plans, timelines and standards..

 

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

. Portfolio & Project Management Leadership

• Lead the ARD India portfolio of Analytical Project Leads (APLs) analytical development projects across early and late phase programs spanning across the modalities, viz., oral, xRNA, radio-ligand therapy, parenterals.
• Ensure robust project planning, tracking, and delivery in alignment with global timelines and regulatory requirements
• Drive proactive risk identification, mitigation strategies, and escalation mechanisms
• Implement standardized project management methodologies, tools, and best practices

. Governance & Decision Framework

• Establish and lead project governance structures (reviews, portfolio boards, dashboards)
• Provide data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making and prioritization
• Ensure transparency of project status, risks, milestones, and resource utilization
• Align governance processes with global ARD project management standards

Cross-functional Integration & Stakeholder Management

• Act as key interface between ARD scientific teams, TRD, global project leaders, and cross-functional partners
• Ensure alignment of analytical development activities with overall program and CMC strategies
• Facilitate effective communication across geographies (India, Switzerland, China)
• Strengthen collaboration with functions such as Regulatory, Quality, Supply, and External Partners

. Resource & Capacity Management

• Lead demand and capacity planning across ARD project portfolio
• Optimize resource allocation to ensure efficient utilization and delivery against priorities
• Partner with functional heads to balance portfolio demands and capability development
• Drive workforce planning aligned with future pipeline needs

. Operational Excellence & Digital Enablement

• Drive continuous improvement in project execution through lean principles and digital tools
• Implement data analytics and dashboarding to enhance performance visibility
• Standardize reporting, KPIs, and performance tracking across projects
• Promote automation and digitalization in project management processes

. People & Capability Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Analytical Project Leads
• Build strong project management capabilities within ARD India
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and innovation
• Support talent development, succession planning, and capability building

Minimum Requirements

• 15–18+ years in Analytical R&D / Pharmaceutical Development
• Proven experience in project / portfolio management within drug development
• Strong understanding of end-to-end development lifecycle (early to commercialization
• Experience in global, matrixed organizations with cross-functional leadership
• PhD / Master’s in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemistry

 

Skills Desired

Budget Management, Data Science, People Management, Process Simulation, Waterfall Model