R&D Project Management Director

About the role

The Director of R&D Project Management leads the creation and operation of a dedicated R&D project management function. Reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer, the role designs the operating model, builds the team, and ensures alignment with the Enterprise Project Management Office.

Key responsibilities

• Design and implement the R&D PMG organizational structure, defining roles, career paths, and staffing models.
• Recruit, onboard, mentor, and develop a high‑performing multidisciplinary project‑management team.
• Create end‑to‑end R&D project‑management processes covering target identification, regulatory submission, launch readiness, and lifecycle management.
• Establish standardized planning templates, governance cadences, risk‑management frameworks, and escalation pathways.
• Define and champion an integrated suite of project‑management tools, ensuring integration with ERP, EPMO platforms, and regulatory databases.
• Act as strategic advisor to the CSO on portfolio prioritisation, resource allocation, and program risk.
• Represent R&D program management in executive committees and cross‑functional partnership discussions.

Required profile

• Senior leader with architect‑level experience building and scaling R&D project‑management functions.
• Proven track record of designing organisational structures, governance frameworks, and resource‑allocation models.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, able to influence senior executives and cross‑functional teams.
• Deep understanding of the full R&D lifecycle, including regulatory, launch, and post‑approval activities.
• Experience collaborating with enterprise‑wide project‑management offices.

Required skills