Associate/Assistant Director, Project Management

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. (OPDC) ensures full integration of development and commercialization activities, from initiation of the clinical program for a compound through product positioning and global life cycle management, which will lead to globally consistent branding of our products.

 

Otsuka is seeking an Associate/Assistant Director/Director, Project Managementfor our Princeton, New Jersey office with a proven track record in successfully managing/leading teams to achieve timely development and commercialization of new therapies and life-cycle extensions.  The individual works with team leaders and members in facilitating collaborative team interactions, timely communications and resolving issues throughout a product's lifecycle.  When required, the individual works with the Vice President, Project Management and Functional Area Leaders to implement new ways to improve cross functional collaboration and contribute to corporate initiatives.  In addition, this individual is responsible for playing a leadership role in the Project Management function in terms of the function's "value added" role to the company's objectives and continued skills development with the staff.  This individual is a role model for solid leadership skills and good citizenship behaviors. 

 

The specific duties assigned to the Associate/Assistant Director/Director, Project Management include:Provides professional project management for one or more complex U.S./global pharmaceutical development programs depending on the scope of the project.  Works with the Team Leader and members to prepare and implement the development & commercialization strategy and operational plan, inclusive of budget and timelines.Manages/facilitates team members' strategic and operational progress to plan through the conduct of productive team meetings and other mechanisms.  Exhibits good judgment as to when to elevate an issue for resolution to the VP Project Management and other senior management when potential actions will delay a program.Manages project progress on a continual basis, identifying resource, timeline, and budget issues. Works proactively with the team and functional management, to achieve timely resolution of any issues that impact achieving project objectives. These activities include those that are out-sourced.  Seeks guidance from Vice President, Project Management on an "as needed basis". Ensures that communications between the team, functional management and senior management, particularly the VP, Project Management, are handled in an efficient, effective and timely fashion so as to ensure a "no surprises" management environment. Provides drug development expertise to the team and functional managers to enhance team effectiveness, specifically on the drug development and commercialization process, based on previous international and U.S. drug development knowledge and experience. Develops and maintains good relationships with functional representatives to foster positive interactions and ultimately achievements of the desired project outcomes.  Has frequent contact with all levels throughout the organization with respect to projects, operational decisions, and scheduling requirements. Is responsible for the direct or matrixed supervision of one or more direct project management staff, in terms of modeling productive behaviors, mentoring, guiding and developing the individual(s) to meet their professional and organizational goals. Uses previous experience and accumulated knowledge to work on broader organizational responsibilities, such as corporate goals, to ensure the organization's goals are met on time and with quality.Is experienced in accomplishing results through technical professionals in a matrix environment. Establishes and maintains transparency of project activities and status through the creation and maintenance of key project documentation, including tracking of performance against plan for all project development activities and deliverables.

The successful candidate must meet the following minimum requirements:MS/MBA degree with more than 7 years project management experience, of which at least 4 years is in the pharmaceutical industry. The lack of a post-graduate/professional degree can be compensated for by additional experience in project management, the pharmaceutical industry and knowledge of the drug development process.  Some component of international drug development experience is a must. Good working knowledge of clinical operations and the regulatory process as measured by experience with Phase II/III clinical development and IND/NDA/MAA preparations/submissions as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the drug development and commercialization process, and active participation in drug development teams. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with basic software applications (e.g., scheduling, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc.).

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package plus a positive work environment, which encourages personal growth and achievement.

For immediate consideration, qualified candidates should apply online at www.otsuka.com   Click on OPDC, Careers, then Employment Opportunities.  Enter 07-004 for keyword search.  Applicants may also submit resumes via email to humanresources@otsuka.com .  Due to the volume of resumes, only applicants considered for interviews will be contacted. 

 

Otsuka is an Equal Opportunity Employer.