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Mid-Level Pharmaceutical Project Manager

This role is a cross-functional Project Management Office (PMO) position in the pharmaceutical industry, responsible for owning complex projects across their entire lifecycle, from initial idea and feasibility through endorsement, batches, regulatory submissions, and launch. The Project Manager will personally build and lead cross-functional project plans, manage multiple concurrent initiatives, and ensure on-time delivery of high-impact projects, with a strong focus on site-to-site transfers and new product development.

Responsibilities

  • Own and manage pharmaceutical projects across the full lifecycle, from idea and feasibility through endorsement, batches, submissions, and launch.
  • Independently build, structure, and maintain comprehensive cross-functional project plans, including timelines, milestones, and dependencies.
  • Lead project execution, proactively driving activities forward and ensuring deliverables are completed on time and in line with agreed objectives.
  • Coordinate and align cross-functional stakeholders across the PMO and multiple departments to ensure smooth project progression.
  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 710 concurrent projects, balancing short-term (around 3 months) and long-term (23 years) initiatives.
  • Focus the majority of effort on site-to-site transfers and new product development projects, while also supporting lifecycle management activities such as API stability work.
  • Participate in and lead project steering committees, providing clear updates, highlighting risks and issues, and recommending decisions or course corrections.
  • Monitor project risks, issues, and dependencies, and implement mitigation or contingency plans as needed.
  • Ensure project documentation, plans, and status reports remain accurate, current, and transparent for stakeholders.
  • Collaborate closely with technical, operational, regulatory, and commercial teams to align project activities with broader business goals.
  • Drive continuous improvement in project management practices within the PMO by sharing lessons learned and best practices.

Essential Skills

  • Proven mid-level pharmaceutical Project Manager experience, with direct responsibility for leading projects rather than supporting as an associate.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and run project plans from the beginning, own execution, and deliver projects on time.
  • Experience working cross-functionally in a PMO environment rather than as a functional Project Manager within a single department.
  • Comfort and proven capability in managing multiple concurrent projects (approximately 710 projects at a time).
  • Pharmaceutical industry experience, with a strong understanding of product development and lifecycle considerations.
  • Experience with site-to-site transfers or new product development projects in a pharmaceutical context.
  • Experience participating in and leading project management steering committees.
  • Background that is not limited to Associate PM, first-time PM, or Clinical Trials PM roles, and not exclusively focused on functional project management.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience with lifecycle management activities, such as API stability work.
  • Strong cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to operate effectively in a high-workload environment with competing priorities.
  • Comfort working on both short-term projects and long-duration, complex programs.
  • A structured, proactive, and detail-oriented approach to project planning and execution.
  • Interest in owning projects end-to-end rather than managing a single functional workstream.

Work Environment

The role sits within a cross-functional PMO environment that is collaborative, dynamic, and focused on high-impact pharmaceutical projects. Project Managers work closely with multiple departments and disciplines, gaining exposure across the organization rather than being limited to a single function. The workload is fast-paced, with responsibility for approximately 710 concurrent projects, ranging from short 3-month initiatives to complex programs lasting 23 years. The culture encourages ownership of projects from concept through launch, active participation in steering committees, and continuous improvement in project delivery practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wilson, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wilson, NC.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.