(Associate) Director, Project Management

Centessa is seeking an individual to manage one or more early-stage global Orexin development programs, reporting to the Executive Director, Global Team Leader.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Global Team Leader (GTL) to project manage a cross-functional matrix development team and select sub-teams.
• Lead the development and maintenance of a detailed, cross-functionally integrated program Gantt chart, incorporating all relevant dependencies, and provide fit-for-purpose summary views for team use and executive management reviews.
• Identify and manage interdependencies, critical path, and at-risk activities to support program-level scenario planning and risk management strategies.
• Develop and maintain relevant dashboards to communicate status and track progress.
• Manage cross-functional team meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, presentation materials, and minutes to ensure proper follow-up of action items.
• Develop and maintain issue logs and risk registers, ensuring the team proactively resolves issues and mitigates risks.
• Work with the cross-functional team and Finance to develop and update budgets, and manage program spend within the approved budget.
• Manage select external vendors (timelines, budgets, MSA/SOW documents, etc.) and integrate deliverables into the program Gantt.
• Support the development of Governance and Executive presentations.
• Provide support for planning and preparing documents to a quality standard required for Regulatory/Health Authority submissions.
• Contribute to the establishment and refinement of best practices, processes, and procedures.

Qualifications

• BS plus 8+ years’ experience in a pharmaceutical/biotech R&D environment, or MS/MBA plus 6+ years in a pharmaceutical/biotech R&D environment, including 4+ years as a Project Manager or equivalent.
• Experience managing project teams through IND-enabling activities, pre-IND meetings, IND submissions, and Phase 1 development.
• Proven expertise in drug development and registration, including early and late-stage clinical, nonclinical, CMC development, and regulatory interactions/submissions/reviews globally.
• Highly motivated, proactive, detail-oriented, and organized self-starter with strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to influence and accomplish work without formal authority to ensure optimal team performance.
• Excellent analytical skills and expertise in facilitating team decision-making; competent in applying decision analysis methodologies and related tools.
• Expert knowledge of project management principles and practices with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment (PMP certification is highly desired).
• Expert in project management software, e.g., Smartsheet.

Work Location

This role is based in the US, with occasional travel.

Pay

The annual base salary range for the Associate Director level position is $115,000–$170,000. The annual base salary range for the Director level position is $130,000–$210,000. Individual compensation within these ranges will be determined based on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, and location. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan.
• Company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Health and wellness program.

Schedule

Full-Time, Exempt.