Principal Project Manager, Research Transformation and Change Management

Roche • South San Francisco, CA

2d

About The Position

As the Principal Project Manager, Research Transformation and Change Management, you will have the opportunity to directly impact the innovative medicines we are developing to improve the lives of millions of patients. This role is a key contributor to the gRED Research Operations and Contracts department, responsible for initiatives that modernize and optimize tools and processes in business or operational functions. You will serve as the primary architect for organizational change, ensuring that large-scale transitions—such as new distribution models and digital tool adoptions—are implemented with minimal disruption to scientific and operational workflows.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in scientific discipline required; Advanced degree in a Scientific field strongly preferred.
• Experience: 8+ years of progressive project management and/or research operations experience.
• Specialization: Proven background in change management methodologies coupled with an understanding of Labs, Procurement, and Finance.
• Expert-level command of project management tools (e.g., Miro, Monday, or MS Project)

Nice To Haves

• Preferably experience in biotech or pharmaceuticals.
• Pharmaceutical development and or lab experience.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Project Management: Manage multiple projects or committees (agenda, schedules, resources) to ensure timely results that achieve stated objectives. Examples include directing local implementation of global strategies, xRED collaborations or initiatives, cross-functional continuous improvement teams, and/or selected development/business area projects as directed by the manager.
• Change Management Leadership: Establish a professional methodology for managing change across gRED R&D to ensure effective implementation of changes, combating potential change fatigue and disengagement.
• Strategic Business or Operational Initiatives: Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of initiatives to bring new technologies and automated workflows into the labs or to facilitate changes of business tools and processes for the organization.
• Stakeholder Navigation: Expertly navigate a complex matrix of stakeholders, from VP-level executives to bench scientists to site service partners, to drive consensus on departmental and enterprise-wide projects.
• Executive Storytelling: Partner with the team to architect and draft high-impact briefing materials and slide decks for leadership presentations
• Financial Stewardship: Support the Director in ensuring labs meet budget targets; lead workstreams dedicated to cost-savings, spend optimization and operational process improvement.
• Business Continuity: Serve as the business continuity backup for the Director of Research Operations as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees