Project Manager

Role overview

The Project Manager will work closely with Operations and site leadership to keep projects moving and deliver outcomes in a fast-paced setting. This person needs a solid scientific and technical grasp of the company’s services and the confidence to communicate with highly educated external stakeholders, including industry experts.

The role is responsible for guiding cross-functional teams so contracted deliverables and deadlines are met. It also requires a strong understanding of the product lifecycle across regulatory stages, from pre-clinical work through commercialization, in order to identify the activities needed to support regulatory approval.

In this position, you will review contract scope, build project plans, direct day-to-day project execution, monitor progress, and act as the main contact for customer communication. Success in the role depends on strong leadership, critical thinking, sound judgment, attention to detail, the ability to manage competing priorities, and excellent written and verbal communication.

Key responsibilities

• Set up, guide, and coordinate technical and scientific project teams to meet the commitments and timelines defined in customer contracts.
• Review contractual scope and develop a detailed schedule that captures tasks, deliverables, and potential risks.
• Request support and resources from relevant functions such as operations, formulation development, analytical development, quality, and engineering.
• Compare the contract scope and schedule with the planned work to identify gaps, risks, and any extra services that may be needed.
• Flag work that falls outside the agreed scope and may require a contract amendment.
• Run project kickoff meetings with customers, introduce the team, and walk through scope, timing, risks, and any recommended additional activities.
• Lead project actions, track progress against timelines, and provide regular status updates to both internal teams and customers.
• Use scientific and technical understanding to identify work that is at risk of exceeding the agreed schedule or contract scope.
• Address disagreements or issues by escalating them internally when needed and proposing corrective actions for resolution with the customer.
• Maintain schedules in MS Project, action trackers in MS Excel, revenue forecasts, and GMP documentation.
• Monitor project profitability and apply fiscal discipline when tracking, forecasting, and calculating financial performance.
• Work with Sales and Business Development to prepare change orders and proposals for additional project work.
• Serve as the customer’s primary contact for project matters, including questions or disputes related to invoices.
• Collaborate with the site Commercial Manager to improve project management processes and systems.
• Ensure training and compliance requirements, including cGMP and other company-mandated training, are completed on time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech environments is required.
• 3 to 5 years of experience leading cross-functional project teams in a service-based business is required.
• Ability to manage projects independently regardless of size, scope, or complexity.
• Ability to coach and guide less experienced project managers.
• Formal project management training or certification is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of GMP systems and business/contract fundamentals.
• Excellent organizational skills and comfort managing multiple files and systems at once.
• Ability to balance several competing priorities at the same time.
• Strong presentation, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to motivate others and influence stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other common computer systems.
• Capability to work in a GMP environment and follow required training and safety procedures.
• Up to 5% travel may be required.
• This role is eligible for a flexible schedule, but it is not available as remote or hybrid work.
• Physical requirements include regular use of hands and arms, frequent sitting, occasional standing/walking/bending, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Work may involve quiet office areas as well as occasional exposure to higher noise areas in warehouse or manufacturing spaces.
• Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn, which may include safety eyewear, respirators or breathing apparatus, lab coats, full protective coverings, and gloves.
• The role requires access to laboratory or manufacturing areas for discussions, follow-up, or client tours when needed.

Additional information

Location: Cary, North Carolina, US

Department: Business Development

Reference: VN1363

Diversity and inclusion: The company promotes an inclusive workplace and makes employment decisions based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

About the company: Sterling Pharma Solutions is a global CDMO with more than 50 years of experience in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient development and manufacturing, along with ADC bioconjugation services. The business operates across the UK, US, and Europe and employs more than 1,300 people.

Work culture: The organization emphasizes teamwork, customer service, and a shared goal of delivering high-quality science and support to customers.

Equal opportunity statement: The company welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief.

Accommodation notice: Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Notice about duties: The listed duties and responsibilities are not exhaustive and may change at any time with or without notice.

Travel requirement: Up to 5% travel.

Flexible schedule: This position offers a flexible schedule.

Remote policy: Remote or hybrid work is not available for this role.

Physical demands: The role may involve handling, reaching, speaking, hearing, smelling, and moving between sitting, standing, walking, and other physical postures. Lifting requirements include up to 10 pounds regularly, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Work environment: The environment is generally quiet, with occasional periods of higher noise in warehouse or manufacturing areas.

PPE: Use of protective equipment is required, depending on the area and task.

Source note: This role description includes additional operational, physical, safety, and policy details beyond the core project management duties.