Director, Analytical Project Management

Job Description Summary

The Director, Project Management (ARD India) is responsible for leading end-to-end technical project and portfolio management across ARD India, ensuring seamless execution of analytical development programs aligned with global ARD priorities.

This role drives technical excellence in project governance, planning, resource optimization, and cross-functional coordination across global and site stakeholders, enabling timely, compliant, and cost-effective delivery of development milestones.

The position acts as a strategic bridge between global ARD project management, scientific teams, and site operations, strengthening execution discipline, transparency, and decision-making across the portfolio.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

• Portfolio & Project Management Leadership

Lead the ARD India portfolio of Analytical Project Leads (APLs) analytical development projects across early and late phase programs spanning across the modalities, viz., oral, xRNA, radio-ligand therapy, parenterals.

Ensure robust project planning, tracking, and delivery in alignment with global timelines and regulatory requirements

Drive proactive risk identification, mitigation strategies, and escalation mechanisms

Implement standardized project management methodologies, tools, and best practices

• Governance & Decision Framework

Establish and lead project governance structures (reviews, portfolio boards, dashboards)

Provide data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making and prioritization

Ensure transparency of project status, risks, milestones, and resource utilization

Align governance processes with global ARD project management standards

• Cross-functional Integration & Stakeholder Management

Act as key interface between ARD scientific teams, TRD, global project leaders, and cross-functional partners

Ensure alignment of analytical development activities with overall program and CMC strategies

Facilitate effective communication across geographies (India, Switzerland, China)

Strengthen collaboration with functions such as Regulatory, Quality, Supply, and External Partners

• Resource & Capacity Management

Lead demand and capacity planning across ARD project portfolio

Optimize resource allocation to ensure efficient utilization and delivery against priorities

Partner with functional heads to balance portfolio demands and capability development

Drive workforce planning aligned with future pipeline needs

• Operational Excellence & Digital Enablement

Drive continuous improvement in project execution through lean principles and digital tools

Implement data analytics and dashboarding to enhance performance visibility

Standardize reporting, KPIs, and performance tracking across projects

Promote automation and digitalization in project management processes

• People & Capability Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Analytical Project Leads

Build strong project management capabilities within ARD India

Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and innovation

Support talent development, succession planning, and capability building

Minimum Requirements

PhD / Master’s in Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemistry

15–18+ years in Analytical R&D / Pharmaceutical Development

Proven experience in project / portfolio management within drug development

Strong understanding of end-to-end development lifecycle (early to commercialization)

Experience in global, matrixed organizations with cross-functional leadership

Skills Desired

Budget Management, Coaching Techniques, Data Science, Design of Experiments (DOE), Laboratory Research, New Product Introduction (NPI), People Management, Problem Solving, Process Simulation, Research and Development, Waterfall Model