Manager, Functional Project Manager, Process & Operations (Pharmacovigilance, Drug Safety, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs,)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Functional Project Manager, Process & Operations to support a global patient safety and healthcare-focused organisation. This role combines strategic project management, operational excellence, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement, making it ideal for a highly organised individual who thrives in complex, cross-functional environments.
The successful candidate will act as a key operational partner, driving priority initiatives while owning and improving core business processes, tools, and ways of working. This position requires someone who is comfortable leading change, managing ambiguity, and influencing stakeholders across a global matrix organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Program Management
- Lead and manage key cross-functional initiatives from planning through implementation.
- Develop project plans, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and success metrics.
- Facilitate project meetings, working sessions, and governance forums.
- Proactively identify risks, issues, dependencies, and escalation points.
- Deliver regular status updates and executive-ready communications.
- Drive accountability and ensure projects remain aligned with organisational priorities and deadlines.
Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Assess, map, and redesign existing operational processes to improve efficiency and scalability.
- Identify opportunities for automation, simplification, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement sustainable solutions to operational challenges.
- Develop process documentation, workflows, governance structures, and best practices.
- Define and monitor KPIs to measure process performance and adoption.
- Lead change management activities to support successful implementation of new processes.
PMO & Business Operations
- Own and maintain key operational activities, project tracking mechanisms, resource planning tools, and knowledge management systems.
- Support portfolio governance and project reporting activities.
- Ensure operational content, schedules, onboarding materials, and knowledge repositories remain accurate and accessible.
- Act as a central point of coordination across multiple workstreams, including those that may be loosely defined or evolving.
- Support executives and functional leaders through effective planning, coordination, and execution of strategic priorities.
Digital Tools & Automation
- Maintain and enhance project and portfolio management tools, including Planisware.
- Develop and improve reporting capabilities through Power BI dashboards.
- Drive workflow automation using Microsoft Power Automate and related technologies.
- Champion technology adoption and process digitisation across teams.
- Improve data visibility, reporting accuracy, and operational decision-making capabilities.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, SMEs, and cross-functional teams.
- Translate complex stakeholder requirements into practical solutions and action plans.
- Drive alignment across diverse teams and functions.
- Support communication initiatives that increase awareness, understanding, and adoption of operational processes and organisational priorities.
- Provide guidance and coaching on best practices, governance, and project delivery.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business, Healthcare, Public Health, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 5+ years of experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, life sciences, or similarly regulated industries.
- 3+ years of project management, PMO, business operations, consulting, or process improvement experience.
- Demonstrated success managing complex cross-functional projects and initiatives.
- Strong experience in process design, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Experience working with senior stakeholders in global matrix organisations.
- Advanced organisational, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proficiency with Planisware, Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Teams, and project management tools.
- Experience developing Power BI dashboards and Power Automate workflows.
- PMP certification or equivalent project management qualification.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience within Pharmacovigilance, Drug Safety, Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, Medical Affairs, or other regulated healthcare environments.
- Consulting, transformation, or organisational change management experience.
- Experience supporting large-scale operational transformation initiatives.
- Familiarity with portfolio management and governance frameworks.
I deal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a confident and resilient professional who is comfortable challenging the status quo and driving meaningful change. They will possess a strong continuous improvement mindset, exceptional stakeholder management skills, and the ability to bring structure, discipline, and modern ways of working to a growing organisation. They are equally comfortable managing strategic initiatives, improving operational processes, and rolling up their sleeves to deliver practical solutions that create lasting impact.
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