Associate Director, Global Project Management- Drug Development

Kyowa Kirin • Princeton, NJ

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Global Project Management is responsible for leading cross-functional project management activities for global clinical-stage drug development programs and providing project management support across One Kyowa Kirin. This role partners with cross-functional teams to develop and execute integrated project plans, facilitate governance and decision-making, manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables, and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. The Associate Director applies established project management methodologies, tools, and best practices to support the successful execution of development programs while fostering collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence across the organization. The role also contributes to the achievement of annual business objectives through cross-functional leadership and enterprise project support.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in life science (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy), engineering, or a related scientific discipline is required.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of project management experience in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related life sciences industry, with progressive responsibility supporting drug development programs.
• At least five (5) years managing cross-functional drug development projects within a matrix organization, preferably in a global environment.
• Demonstrated success leading clinical-stage development programs from planning through execution, including governance support and cross-functional integration.
• Proven ability to manage integrated project plans, timelines, budgets, resource forecasts, and project risks across multiple functional disciplines.
• Track record of influencing cross-functional teams and driving project execution without direct reporting authority.
• Strong knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices, with the ability to independently manage complex, multi-phase drug development programs and produce core project management deliverables.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and project management software for developing and managing integrated project plans, timelines, budgets, resource forecasts, risk registers, status reports, and lessons learned.
• Working knowledge of the drug development lifecycle, including clinical, nonclinical, CMC, regulatory, and commercialization activities, and the interdependencies across functional disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to apply project management tools and techniques to support strategic planning, decision-making, risk management, issue resolution, and governance.
• Excellent verbal, written, facilitation, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive results in a global matrix environment without direct authority.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, evaluate complex information, and make sound business recommendations.
• Proficiency in virtual collaboration technologies and meeting facilitation tools to effectively lead global, cross-functional teams across multiple time zones

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree (e.g., M.S., Ph.D., Pharm.D., M.B.A., or equivalent) is preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly preferred.
• Six Sigma Green Belt certification or higher is also preferred.
• Experience with Planisware is preferred.
• Collaboration with external partners, contract research organizations (CROs), and strategic alliances is preferred.
• Participation in process improvement, organizational change initiatives, or implementation of project management best practices is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional project management activities for global clinical-stage drug development programs, serving as the project integrator to align strategy, execution, and decision-making across functional areas.
• Develop, maintain, and execute integrated project plans, including project scope, timelines, milestones, critical path, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with approved governance decisions and development objectives.
• Drive project execution by proactively identifying, assessing, and managing project risks, issues, dependencies, and opportunities; facilitate development and implementation of cross-functional mitigation and contingency plans.
• Manage project budgets and resource plans by developing integrated budget and FTE forecasts, monitoring performance against approved plans, and recommending changes through established governance and change control processes.
• Facilitate effective cross-functional communication, governance, and decision-making by coordinating project meetings, maintaining core project documentation, and ensuring timely, transparent reporting of project status, risks, and key decisions.
• Ensure project teams adhere to established global development processes, governance requirements, and project management standards, while applying appropriate project management methodologies, systems, and tools.
• Influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrix environment without direct authority, fostering collaboration, accountability, and timely delivery of project objectives.
• Partner effectively with internal stakeholders across One Kyowa Kirin and with external alliance partners to support integrated program execution and achievement of business objectives.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Global Project Management function by driving process improvements, standardizing best practices, supporting organizational change initiatives, and sharing lessons learned across programs.
• Provide coaching and mentorship to project team members and colleagues to strengthen project management capabilities and promote organizational excellence.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned, consistent with the scope and level of the position.

Benefits

• 401K with company match
• Annual Bonus Program (Sales Bonus for Sales Jobs)
• Generous PTO and Holiday Schedule which includes Summer and Winter Shut-Downs, Sick Days and, Volunteer Days
• Healthcare Benefits (Medical, Dental, Prescription Drugs and Vision)
• HSA & FSA Programs
• Well-Being and Work/Life Programs
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Concierge Services
• Long Term Incentive Program (subject to job level and performance)
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Referral Awards

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level