Project Manager, Strategy and Operations (Research & Development)
About the Role
The Project Manager for Strategy and Operations (R&D) is a dynamic and detail-oriented individual who will be responsible for leading strategic initiatives, operational improvement efforts, and building program management capabilities that advance R&D organizational effectiveness and execution. They will partner and collaborate across the Sabin organization and with external stakeholders to provide comprehensive project management leadership which enables alignment, action, and delivery per plan.
The incumbent will have a background in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, vaccine development, or life sciences organizations, with experience leading initiatives which support organizational growth and efficiency. They will lead and support a range of activities and workstreams that enable successful R&D Strategic Operations and execution of vaccine development programs. The Project Manager will play a key role in advancing R&D organizational effectiveness by driving strategic initiatives, strengthening operational capabilities, and enabling efficient execution across programs, functions, and teams.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support cross-functional strategic initiatives that advance R&D organizational priorities, operational effectiveness, and business transformation objectives.
- Partner with Sabin staff to plan and monitor activities, timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful completion within established timelines.
- Partner with leadership to identify opportunities for organizational improvement and operational excellence.
- Lead development, implementation, lifecycle management and continuous improvement of project management processes, resources, governance frameworks, templates, reporting systems, and tools that support effective execution across the R&D portfolio.
- Lead implementation of change management activities associated with new processes, systems, and ways of working, including training and communication development to ensure successful and sustained uptake.
- Develop reporting and dashboards to support organizational and program performance monitoring and decision-making.
- Serve as a cross-functional integrator, driving alignment among internal and external stakeholders, facilitating decision making, and promoting accountability for commitments and deliverables.
- Facilitate team and project meetings, ensuring decision documentation, action tracking, stakeholder alignment, and follow-through on commitments.
- Create and maintain project timelines using Smartsheet, MS Project, Lucen/Office Timeline or other project management tools.
- Lead identification, assessment, escalation, mitigation, and monitoring of risks, issues, and decisions to maintain achievement of project objectives.
- Maintain project files and ensure document control within project management systems.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, biotechnology, or a related field
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management, program management, PMO operations, or related roles within biotechnology, pharmaceutical, vaccine development, or life sciences organizations
- Experience driving cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives
- Experience developing project management tools, templates, dashboards, and operational processes
- Experience applying Lean Six Sigma, innovation methodologies, human-centered design, change management, and/or systems thinking to operational improvements
- Proficiency in project management principles, as well as associated software (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project)
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders effectively
- Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and take initiative
- Detail-oriented and highly organized, with strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with commitment to accuracy
- Proficient in Microsoft Office application (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, OneNote); experience with MS Teams preferred
- Demonstrated ability to think critically and demonstrate troubleshooting, problem-solving, and service-oriented skills and approach
- Experience handling confidential and sensitive information; ability to exercise discretion
- Ability to process information quickly and listen carefully to feedback and comments and adapt plans/actions accordingly.
- Commitment to furthering Sabin's mission
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally with notice
Qualifications
- Subject to a criminal background investigation
- Request for three professional references
- Verification of education/degrees
- Work Authorization: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Pay
Using benchmarking and salary survey data, the annual salary for this position ranges from $95,000 - $128,000. The exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, and certifications/degree.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage as well as flexible spending accounts
- Flexible vacation leave, sick leave, and both short-term and long-term disability options
- 10 federal holidays plus an end of the year winter break
- Employer matching 401(k) plan