Program Management Specialist

Job Title: Assistant Manager Program Management

Location: Hyderabad

Department: Program Management

Reporting To: Head Program Management

Business Unit: Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD)

Position Overview

The Assistant Manager Program Management will be responsible for end-to-end coordination, planning, and execution of Drug Discovery projects across multidisciplinary scientific teams including Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, DMPK, Process R&D, and Analytical functions. The role acts as a bridge between clients and internal project teams, ensuring delivery excellence, compliance, and scientific alignment with client expectations and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution

• Coordinate and manage multiple Drug Discovery / Integrated programs across Chemistry, Biology, and DMPK functions.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and dashboards using project management tools.
• Ensure adherence to project milestones, budget, and quality requirements.
• Track deliverables and proactively highlight risks, delays, or dependencies to internal stakeholders.

Client Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, ensuring effective communication and regular project updates.
• Schedule and facilitate periodic project review meetings, MOMs, and follow-ups.
• Partner with scientific leads to prepare and deliver technical presentations and project progress reports.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Medicinal Chemistry, Biology, Analytical, and DMPK teams for seamless execution.
• Coordinate with Supply Chain, EHS, QA, and Facility teams for project logistics and compliance.
• Drive timely data collation, compilation, and documentation for project closure and invoicing.

Risk & Quality Management

• Identify and monitor potential project risks; develop mitigation plans in consultation with scientific and operational leads.
• Ensure adherence to internal quality systems, client confidentiality, and regulatory standards (GLP, ISO, PSCI, IMS).

Business Support & Reporting

• Support proposals, budgeting, and resource estimation for new and ongoing projects.
• Maintain project metrics and KPIs for monthly management review.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and best practices in project management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Masters degree in Life Sciences / Pharmacy / Biotechnology / Chemistry or related field.
• 58 years of experience in Program / Project Management within CRO, CDMO, or Drug Discovery organizations.
• Strong understanding of the Drug Discovery workflow from hit identification to candidate nomination.
• Hands-on experience in client communication, project planning tools (MS Project, Kytes, etc.), and cross-functional coordination.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent planning, analytical, and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office, Excel, and project tracking tools.
• Scientific understanding of discovery and preclinical functions.
• Collaborative mindset with attention to detail and delivery focus.

Behavioral Competencies (Aligned to PI Values)

• Curious: Demonstrates learning agility and interest in scientific processes.
• Creative: Identifies innovative solutions for project challenges.
• Courageous: Takes ownership and drives decision-making under ambiguity.
• Caring: Builds trust-based relationships with clients and internal teams.