Senior Project Manager, R&D: Drug Development
Senior Project Manager, R&D: Drug Development

Senior Project Manager, R&D: Drug Development

Maidenhead Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
CSL Behring

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global R&D projects to develop life-saving therapies and drive innovation.
  • Company: Join CSL Behring, a global leader in biotherapeutics dedicated to saving lives.
  • Benefits: Comprehensive benefits from day one, supporting your wellbeing and career growth.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on patients' lives while working in a dynamic biotech environment.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Science or Engineering; 7+ years in biotech with project management experience.
  • Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and belonging while advancing your career.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

CSL\’s R&D organization is accelerating innovation to deliver greater impact for patients. With a project-led structure and a focus on collaboration, we’re building a future-ready team that thrives in dynamic biotech ecosystems. Joining CSL now means being part of an agile team committed to developing therapies that make a meaningful difference worldwide.

The role

We’re looking for a Drug Development Project Manager — someone who understands how discovery turns into development, and development turns into real therapies for patients. This is not a generic project management position; it’s about driving the scientific, technical and operational progress that determines whether a potential medicine succeeds.

You’ll be the connection between scientific strategy and operational delivery, coordinating complex, global programmes that draw on expertise from discovery, clinical, regulatory, CMC and commercial functions. Your focus will be keeping teams aligned, assessing scenarios and making decisions in a timely fashion. This ensures that every milestone moves us closer to patients who need new treatment options.

Why this job

This role sits along the central axis of some of CSL’s most strategically important development programmes — the kind of projects where coordination and clarity make the difference between momentum and delay. It’s an opportunity to work at the point where science, strategy and execution meet; to see the bigger picture while ensuring every moving part is in sync. For an experienced drug development project manager, this is the chance to apply your skills where they truly shape outcomes, not just track them.

CSL is at an inflection point. We’re undergoing a massive transformation in R&D. It represents a tremendous opportunity to be involved, to work with key decision makers and have influence on project progression. We have exciting, new assets coming out of our research portfolio as well as an existing portfolio of medicines which we’re looking into further transforming to improve the quality of patients’ lives

What you’ll do

  • Translate project strategy into executable plans with clear timelines, budgets and risk management.
  • Lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams across discovery, clinical, regulatory and CMC.
  • Anticipate challenges, evaluate scenarios and keep teams aligned on critical path activities.
  • Present concise updates and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
  • Coach and mentor colleagues in project management best practice and delivery discipline.

What you’ll bring

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in science, engineering or related discipline (advanced degree preferred).
  • 7+ years in biotech or pharmaceutical R&D, including 5+ years managing cross-functional programmes.
  • Broad understanding of drug development, clinical, CMC and regulatory processes.
  • Demonstrated success in delivering projects on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills; ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones.
  • Strong proficiency in project management tools and methodologies (e.g. Microsoft Project, PMP certification advantageous).

Join us if you want to combine scientific curiosity with disciplined delivery — helping shape the therapies that make a lasting difference for patients around the world.

About CSL Behring

CSL Behring is a global biotherapeutics leader driven by our promise to save lives. Focused on serving patients’ needs by using the latest technologies, we discover, develop and deliver innovative therapies for people living with conditions in the immunology, hematology, cardiovascular and metabolic, respiratory, and transplant therapeutic areas. We use three strategic scientific platforms of plasma fractionation, recombinant protein technology, and cell and gene therapy to support continued innovation and continually refine ways in which products can address unmet medical needs and help patients lead full lives.

CSL Behring operates one of the world’s largest plasma collection networks, CSL Plasma. Our parent company, CSL, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, employs 32,000 people, and delivers its lifesaving therapies to people in more than 100 countries.

To learn more about CSL, CSL Behring, CSL Seqirus and CSL Vifor visit https://www.csl.com/ and CSL Plasma at https://www.cslplasma.com/.

Our Benefits

For more information on CSL benefits visit How CSL Supports Your Well-being | CSL.

You Belong at CSL

At CSL, Inclusion and Belonging is at the core of our mission and who we are. It fuels our innovation day in and day out. By celebrating our differences and creating a culture of curiosity and empathy, we are able to better understand and connect with our patients and donors, foster strong relationships with our stakeholders, and sustain a diverse workforce that will move our company and industry into the future.

To learn more about inclusion and belonging visit https://www.csl.com/careers/inclusion-and-belonging

Equal Opportunity Employer

CSL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit https://www.csl.com/accessibility-statement.

Senior Project Manager, R&D: Drug Development employer: CSL Behring

CSL Behring is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the biotechnology sector. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, CSL provides comprehensive benefits from day one, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship within a diverse and inclusive culture. Joining CSL means being part of a global team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on patients' lives through cutting-edge therapies.
CSL Behring

Contact Detail:

CSL Behring Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager, R&D: Drug Development

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential colleagues at CSL. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your project management skills. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've led, focusing on how you tackled challenges and delivered results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience.

✨Tip Number 3

Show your passion for drug development! Research CSL’s latest projects and therapies, and be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with their mission. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company, making you stand out as a candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining CSL and being part of a team that makes a real difference in patients' lives.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager, R&D: Drug Development

Project Management
Budget Management
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Risk Management
Drug Development Knowledge
Stakeholder Communication
Matrix Environment Collaboration
Change Management
Coaching and Mentorship
Project Management Tools Proficiency (e.g. Microsoft Project)
Strategic Planning
Performance Monitoring
Problem-Solving Skills
Executive Presence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing project budgets, as these are key aspects of the job.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of projects you've successfully delivered on time and within budget. This will demonstrate your ability to meet business objectives and make a meaningful impact.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at CSL Behring

✨Know Your Projects Inside Out

Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the projects you've managed in the past. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you resolved them, and the impact of your decisions on project outcomes. This will show your depth of experience and strategic thinking.

✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills

As a Senior Project Manager, you'll need to lead cross-functional teams. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Share stories where your leadership made a significant difference in project delivery or team dynamics.

✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific project scenarios, such as budget overruns or timeline delays. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet.

✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Drug Development

Given the focus on drug development at CSL, brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the biotech industry. Be prepared to discuss how your knowledge can contribute to CSL's mission and how you can help navigate the complexities of R&D projects.

Senior Project Manager, R&D: Drug Development
CSL Behring
Location: Maidenhead

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