PLS Senior Project Manager

Pace® Analytical Services•Oakdale, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a full-time, hybrid, Senior Project Manager – Pharmaceutical Analytical Outsourcing position located in Oakdale, MN, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pace® Life Sciences delivers a comprehensive suite of contract CMC development, CTM manufacturing, regulatory compliance, consulting, and facility support services to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and gene therapy industries. Operating across a network of CDMO sites, GMP analytical testing laboratories, and manufacturing support centers, we partner with clients to efficiently advance programs from early development through commercialization. Our experienced industry experts and continued investment in state-of-the-art facilities reflect our commitment to quality, speed, and reliability. United by a shared purpose, we bring meaningful value to patients, healthcare professionals, and health businesses worldwide by delivering services that support a safer, healthier future. The Senior Project Manager plays a critical role in delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring the successful execution of complex analytical testing projects. This position serves as the primary liaison between clients, laboratory teams, and sales staff, facilitating clear communication, managing project milestones, and ensuring all work is completed on time, within scope, and in compliance with industry standards. The Senior Project Manager will oversee large and technically complex projects, coordinate cross-functional resources and maintaining a high level of scientific and operational understanding. This role supports multiple Pace® Life Sciences Analytical Outsourcing laboratories across Oakdale MN, Lebanon NJ, Morrisville NC, and San Germán PR.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related scientific field required; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in project management or technical operations, preferably in analytical testing or a laboratory environment.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Strong organizational and time management abilities with experience managing multiple complex projects.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a commitment to customer service excellence.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Extensive knowledge of analytical testing methodologies, instrumentation, and laboratory operations.
Ability to interpret and communicate complex scientific data.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated tact, discretion, and professionalism in client and team interactions.

Nice To Haves

PMP certification is a plus.
Familiarity with pharmaceutical industry standards and analytical testing requirements preferred.
Experience with regulatory compliance and quality systems (ISO, GLP) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and budgets for analytical testing projects.
Serve as the primary client contact for project updates, deliverables, issues, and scope changes.
Support sample management for large or complex projects, ensuring regulatory and project-specific requirements are met.
Update and maintain project status, cost details, and client information in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Approve testing to initiate laboratory work when required.
Lead client meetings, including preparing agendas and distributing meeting minutes.
Host on-site client visits and support sales team activities as needed.
Liaise with quoting and sales teams to initiate new quotes for scope changes or additional work.
Provide specialized analysis and interpretation of data results to clients.
Communicate project risks, issues, and progress to stakeholders with clear recommendations.
Ensure adherence to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality protocols.
Collaborate with QA and clients to support timely completion of investigations and CAPAs.
Maintain accurate and accessible project documentation.
Coordinate with laboratory, QA, sales, and operational teams to ensure efficient resource allocation and timely project completion.
Track client account health and escalate concerns to management when necessary.
Contribute to site forecasting by providing financial updates and projections for ongoing and upcoming work.
Provide guidance and support to project team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
Identify opportunities for process improvements and support implementation of best practices.
Promote a positive, cooperative work environment aligned with Pace® values and mission.
Comply with all Environmental Health and Safety requirements.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Supports and promotes the mission, values, and culture of Pace® Life Sciences.