CordenPharma is a leading full-service Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, drug products (DP), and packaging. With around 3,000 employees worldwide, we help pharmaceutical and biotech companies manufacture medicines with the ultimate goal of improving people’s lives.
Our network, spanning Europe and the US, provides flexible and specialized solutions across six technology platforms: Peptides, Lipids & Carbohydrates, Injectables, Highly Potent & Oncology, Small Molecules, and Oligonucleotides. We strive for excellence in supporting this network and are committed to delivering the highest quality products for patient well-being.
Our People Vision:
We strive for excellence. We share our passion. Together, we make a difference in patients' lives.
Role Overview:
CordenPharma is a global leader in Contract Development and Manufacturing, and we are looking for a highly skilled Global Project Manager to join our team. This role is essential as we continue to drive innovation across multiple projects, including our recent strategic partnership to develop a groundbreaking GLP-1 drug candidate, along with a variety of other key initiatives in our portfolio.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage customer programs, including those related to the GLP-1 partnership, ensuring projects meet defined success criteria and timelines.
- Build and lead cross-functional global project teams across multiple sites and locations, supported by local project managers.
- Oversee project dependencies, contractual obligations, and alignment with corporate strategic targets.
- Develop and implement program strategies to meet global business goals.
- Establish governance structures, communication pathways, and decision-making processes for projects.
- Lead Steering Committees and JSC meetings to ensure effective project oversight.
- Monitor and control project schedules and regularly report status to customers and key internal stakeholders.
- Conduct iterative risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies proactively to ensure smooth execution.
- Proactively resolve resource conflicts and project deviations to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Optimize processes and improve collaboration across development and manufacturing sites, reducing redundant activities and enhancing efficiency.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and best practices within the PMO.
Leadership and Budget Responsibilities:
- This position does not involve direct supervisory responsibilities but reports to the Head of Global Program Management DS, with a dotted line to the Head of Global Program Management DP, as part of the corporate PMO organization.
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Natural Sciences (PhD preferred), with a focus in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
- Minimum 7 years of project management experience, specifically in managing complex international customer projects.
- Project Management Certification (e.g., PMP) is highly desirable.
- At least 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, preferably in the CDMO sector.
- Knowledge of Drug Substance development and manufacturing, as well as Drug Product OSD and Liquid Dosage forms, is advantageous.
- Strong proficiency in English (written and spoken); additional languages (German/French/Italian) are a plus.
- Experience with Smartsheet and SAP is a plus.
- Advanced skills in MS Office, MS Project, and MS Excel.
- Key Competencies:
- Strong customer orientation and business acumen.
- Ability to manage complex information, make strategic decisions, and drive project execution.
- Excellent leadership skills with a focus on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
- Thorough understanding of project financials, cost budgeting, and controlling.
- Ability to assess and mitigate project risks and resolve conflicts efficiently.
- A hands-on approach with a focus on results and continuous improvement.
Personal Characteristics:
- High Emotional Intelligence, with resilience, flexibility, integrity, and sound judgment.
- Strong team player with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
- Proactive, result-oriented mindset with the ability to influence and lead across the organization.
- Ability and willingness to travel (25-50%) to customer sites and global operating sites, occasionally on short notice.
Why CordenPharma?
At CordenPharma, we strive for excellence, share our passion, and are dedicated to making a difference in patients' lives. This is an exciting time to join us. Become part of our team and play a key role in shaping the future of global pharmaceutical innovation.
Please note: We do not accept applications from Recruitment agencies for this position.
If you enjoy working in a team and are interested in a varied area of responsibility, if you think and act beyond your own area of responsibility, then you should join our team.
Do you require more information?
In case of questions to your application, the position or something else I am very happy to support you.
Mirjam Engel
Talent Acquisition Manager
