Director, Technical Project Management (R&D)

Position Overview

This role is on behalf of a partner organization seeking an accomplished leader in technical project management to head a high-performing team driving complex vaccine research and development efforts across the United States. The Director will be pivotal in translating scientific plans into actionable, structured workflows that harmonize technical team efforts, budgets, timelines, and operational ambitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, guide, and mentor a team of technical Project Managers engaged in multidisciplinary vaccine development activities spanning nonclinical, clinical, regulatory, and manufacturing domains.
• Define and implement project management standards, operational cadences, tools, and expectations to elevate accountability, transparency, and quality of execution.
• Enhance team capabilities via coaching, providing constructive feedback, training sessions, career progression plans, and ongoing process refinements.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, ownership, and innovation, emphasizing high performance.
• Collaborate with program leaders and relevant functions to create integrated project plans, schedules, financial budgets, milestones, risk analyses, and decision-making frameworks.
• Review and oversee project outputs ensuring alignment among internal teams, external collaborators, financial forecasts, and program goals.
• Function as a strategic consultant and escalation point for resolving complex scheduling, alignment, risks, and delivery challenges.
• Drive standardized use of project management methodologies, dashboard reporting, and governance practices.
• Support portfolio planning, resource allocation, organizational strategies, and continuous improvements within R&D operations.
• Oversee partnerships and collaboration efforts with development partners, laboratories, consultants, academic bodies, and governmental organizations.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field required; an advanced degree or PMP certification is highly preferred.
• At least 12 years of experience in biopharmaceutical, vaccine, biologics, pharmaceutical, or related R&D environments.
• Proven leadership in managing and developing project management teams, including mentoring and performance evaluation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of vaccine and biologic development processes across nonclinical, clinical, regulatory, and CMC functions.
• Experience with programs involving government, global health entities, foundations, nonprofits or similar funding bodies is advantageous.
• Strong financial acumen encompassing budgeting, forecasting, accrual management, variance analysis, earned value management, and project controls.
• Expertise in managing external vendors such as CDMOs, CROs, testing labs, consultants, academic institutions, and government collaborators.
• Understanding of pharmaceutical governance, risk management, issue escalation processes, and executive reporting.
• Advanced proficiency with project management software including MS Project, Smartsheet, and Microsoft 365 suite.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, facilitation, influencing, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to handle competing priorities, confidential data, and urgent deadlines while maintaining detailed accuracy.
• Commitment to advancing global health initiatives with a focus on diversity, equity, and collaboration.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10-20% domestically and internationally as required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary competitive in the range of $173,000 to $190,000 USD.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance included.
• Options for flexible spending accounts.
• Flexible vacation policies and paid sick leave.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employer matching 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid federal holidays and company-wide winter break.
• Remote work availability for U.S.-based employees.
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful global health programs and mission-driven innovation.
• A supportive, growth-oriented, and collaborative professional environment.