Pharmaceutical Project Manager- Permanent Position- Richmond VA
About the Role
The Project Manager leads multiple moderate-complexity projects across several customers, managing projects from planning through execution to ensure on-time, on-budget, and high-quality delivery. This role works closely with cross-functional teams including R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Sales to support product launches, technical transfers, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position may also provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
Project Management & Execution
- Manage a portfolio of 5–10 projects annually across multiple customers
- Lead projects from initiation through completion, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality goals are achieved
- Conduct feasibility assessments to evaluate project risks, resource requirements, and overall viability
- Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and timelines with customers and internal stakeholders
- Serve as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders and customer communications
- Track project performance metrics such as on-time delivery, customer service, and right-first-time execution
- Monitor project costs, including trial expenses and launch-related costs, to support profitability goals
Planning & Supply Chain Coordination
- Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, milestones, and dependencies
- Coordinate resource planning and prioritize activities to support project timelines
- Partner with supply chain and quality teams to identify and mitigate material or production risks
- Analyze production schedules, lead times, and capacity constraints to communicate realistic project timelines
Change Management & Risk Mitigation
- Lead change management activities, including impact assessments and communication plans
- Facilitate cross-functional discussions and collaborative decision-making
- Develop contingency plans related to supply, capacity, quality, or operational risks
- Conduct post-project reviews and capture lessons learned to support continuous improvement
Technical & Cross-Functional Support
- Act as a liaison between technical teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment on project goals and requirements
- Support integration of new technologies, processes, or systems when applicable
- Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality, and other departments to ensure successful project execution and acceptance testing
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with cGMP, safety standards, and company procedures
- Identify and proactively manage quality and safety risks
- Maintain accurate project documentation and records
- Support training and mentorship of junior team members on project management and compliance best practices
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering.
- 3–6 years of project management experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing or production environment
- Proven ability to manage projects successfully with strong focus on schedule, cost, and quality performance
- Experience supporting new product development and stage-gate processes
- Exposure to packaging, manufacturing, processing, or production operations, preferably in consumer goods, personal care, pharmaceutical, or related industries
Technical Skills
- Experience with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Monday.com, Jira, or similar platforms
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Experience with ERP systems such as SAP and understanding of MRP concepts is preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- PMP, CAPM, or equivalent project management certification
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
- Bilingual skills in French or Spanish are a plus