This range is provided by Kelly. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$60.00/hr - $90.00/hr

Direct message the job poster from Kelly

Overview

Position Title: Associate Director, CMC Project Management

Position Type: One-year contract

Workplace: Hybrid, onsite in South San Francisco, CA

Company: Kelly Science & Clinical (recruiting on behalf of a leading biopharmaceutical company)

Be at the forefront of innovative small molecule drug development as the Associate Director of Project Management, CMC. You will lead within our dynamic CMC department, driving the advancement of high-impact therapeutics from early chemistry through manufacturing and clinical supply. As a key strategic partner, you will shape and execute the next generation of breakthrough medicines in a collaborative, fast-paced biotech environment.

Join a passionate team where your expertise in project management empowers scientific innovation and operational excellence. You’ll work closely with cross-functional leaders across CMC, Drug Development, QA, Regulatory, and external partners to deliver ambitious program objectives and timelines with precision and agility.

Responsibilities

• Lead & Empower: Steer multiple small molecule CMC projects as the project management lead, championing clear goals and proactive planning.
• Drive Execution: Architect and manage robust, cross-functional project plans, including detailed timelines and budgets. Ensure milestones are met with operational efficiency and scientific rigor.
• Partner for Success: Forge productive partnerships with CDMOs and other external collaborators, aligning on timelines for drug substance, drug product, and clinical supply chain. Facilitate seamless cross-organizational communication and alignment.
• Anticipate & Resolve: Identify and mitigate program risks, adapting quickly to evolving priorities.
• Communicate Progress: Maintain up-to-date project plans and transparently share progress toward key development milestones across the organization.
• Facilitate Collaboration: Own the structure and output of project meetings—setting agendas, tracking actions, and driving accountability for timely decisions.
• Inform & Align: Prepare impactful updates and summaries for executive leadership and company-wide communications, ensuring broad alignment and momentum.
• Financial Stewardship: Oversee CMC department budgets, contracts, and purchase orders. Work with Finance to ensure fiscal discipline and transparency.
• Optimize & Elevate: Develop project management best practices, harmonizing processes/systems to maximize efficiency and drive continuous improvement across programs.
• Cultivate Team Excellence: Promote a collaborative, positive, and results-oriented culture—empowering teams to excel in a matrixed, entrepreneurial setting.

Qualifications

• A highly motivated project manager with a BS/MS in a scientific discipline and 5+ years of progressive, hands-on CMC project management experience within drug development.
• Proven expertise leading small molecule CMC programs from concept through execution in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.
• Adept at navigating complex, matrixed teams and fostering strong cross-functional partnerships (CMC, Regulatory, Clinical, Quality, etc.), both internally and externally (CDMO/CRO).
• Experience in managing CMC contracts, budgets, and purchase orders, with a sharp eye for process and financial oversight.
• PMP certification is a plus.
• Excels in dynamic, small-company environments—flexible, entrepreneurial, and driven to learn and adapt.
• Exceptional communicator and relationship builder; influences, inspires, and energizes cross-functional teams.
• Solutions-oriented, persuasive, and collaborative—quickly identifies and resolves challenges, elevating ideas and team dynamics.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Project and the ability to create compelling presentations.

If your qualifications align with the requirements of this role, we invite you to apply. Rest assured, even if this opportunity isn't the perfect match, your profile will remain within our network, ensuring you’re connected to future opportunities in science and clinical research.