At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global drug project plans and ensure timely delivery of medicines.
- Company: AstraZeneca, a leader in pharmaceutical technology and development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on inclusivity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare by managing innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Project management accreditation and a background in science or engineering.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
The Global Project Manager sits in the Project & Portfolio Office (PPO), within Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D) at AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK. PT&D is the bridge that turns forward‑thinking science into actual medicines that help millions of people. We work across the entire value chain, crafting and delivering active ingredients, formulations and devices required to support new medicines – from supplies for use in clinical trials to developing the technology to ensure drugs can be scaled up for commercial manufacture.
The PPO provides accurate and timely project planning and management information, underpinning faster delivery of products to patients and brings project teams and governing bodies together through a single authoritative data set. It is a key source of data for projects, functions and the Early and Late‑Stage Product Committee (ESPC/LSPC). The PPO supports Project Leaders, Portfolio Leaders, Pharmaceutical Teams and PT&D Functions, through project planning and forecasting, tooling and process, that help PT&D drive delivery and productivity.
In this role you will be responsible for supporting project teams, project leaders and Therapy Area Heads to deliver their project and financial targets. You will provide excellent development and monitoring of cross‑functional project plans and forecasts, ensuring they reflect the agreed strategy, and stimulate Pharmaceutical Team thinking on planning and forecasting options, risks and opportunities. You will engage with key departments across Pharmaceutical Sciences, PT&D and – where appropriate – partnering companies to drive improved project productivity.
What You’ll Do
- Take ownership of several drug project plans from the development and/or on‑market portfolios.
- Pro‑actively monitor key project parameters (planning assumptions, time, costs and risk) and manage critical path activities, flagging any deviations vs commitments made.
- Ensure excellence in project delivery through effective development and communication of cross‑functional PT&D project plans and budget forecasts, supporting both project and financial reporting cycle.
- Provide ongoing reporting on key CMC project performance such that it delivers within time, cost and quality targets and represent PT‑D at Global Project Team level planning and control reviews.
- Pro‑actively champion and adopt digital project management tools and automated processes within own project scope and across the broader team.
- Identify productivity opportunities within and across projects, through a thorough understanding of activities and resources and influencing their adoption with Project Leaders.
- Communicate risks and opportunities, to enable informed decisions and actions to be taken optimally and efficiently.
- Identify continuous improvement opportunities, share best practice and promote standardisation within own projects and across broader Pharmaceutical Sciences and PT‑D communities.
This role provides an outstanding opportunity to take a step into project management and gain experience working across both PT‑D functions and other R&D functions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to influence the development of new ways of working within PT‑D projects.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Project Management accreditation such as PMP or equivalent.
- BA/BS in a science or engineering subject area, or equivalent technical work experience.
- The ability to create, coordinate, and maintain an integrated project plan and to control or respond to changes in strategy and scope.
- Experience in the use of enterprise‑wide pharmaceutical project management software solutions, including skills in critical path analysis.
- Demonstrable experience of the use of lo‑code / no‑code tools and broader interest in digitization.
- Experience of MS Project & Office Timeline Pro, or similar.
- Understanding of financial and resource planning systems and processes and ability to coordinate project‑level budget/resource estimates and manage actuals vs. plan.
- Good knowledge of information management as a field and an understanding of tools available.
- Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills.
- Flexibility to travel domestically and internationally (minimal).
Desirable
- Intermediate Certification in Project Management (APMP/PMP or higher).
- High level of knowledge/awareness of the overall CMC development process, including stages of development and role of different functional areas.
- Experience in working on a cross‑functional team in a matrix organization.
- Experience in the use of the AZ R&D planning software PLANIT (or PLANISWARE suite).
Office Work & Flexibility
When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life‑changing medicines. In‑person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That’s why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn’t mean we’re not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.
Global Project Manager in Macclesfield employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Macclesfield. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to influence cutting-edge pharmaceutical projects. Our flexible working arrangements and inclusive environment ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to life-changing medicines.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Project Manager in Macclesfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at AstraZeneca. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show us you know what we do and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering life-changing medicines.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Global Project Manager. We want to hear how you can drive project productivity and manage risks effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Project Manager in Macclesfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Global Project Manager role. Highlight your project management experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you've used them in real-world scenarios. Whether it’s managing budgets or using project management software, we love seeing concrete examples of your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your experience better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Project Management Tools
Familiarise yourself with the project management software mentioned in the job description, like MS Project and any no-code tools. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in past projects and how they can enhance productivity.
✨Understand the CMC Development Process
Brush up on your knowledge of the CMC development process and the roles of different functional areas. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape and how it relates to project management during the interview.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully worked in cross-functional teams. Be prepared to share how you navigated challenges and influenced team dynamics to achieve project goals.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Highlight your ability to adapt to changing project scopes and strategies. Share specific instances where you managed critical path activities and adjusted plans to meet deadlines, showcasing your proactive approach to project management.
