Project Planner

Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2007 sales were nearly $2.5 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co., Inc. and sanofi-aventis.  For more information, please see www.merial.com

 

Job Description:

The incumbent is responsible for planning and coordination of assigned development projects during the product development process, with the goal of facilitating timely movement of the process from Stage 0 to product launch. Coordinates activities of New Product Development Project Teams and Task Forces thereof, and ensures that Senior Management is provided with up-to-date information, plans, and status of assigned development programs. Prepares special reports as required to assist strategic planning and product development. Responsible for managing the activities necessary to plan for, monitor, and document the progress of a product candidate through the development process from Stage 0 to launch. The incumbent is expected to fully understand the assigned projects and use proven methods in supporting the projects through various stages of development.

Facilitates and coordinates the activities of the assigned New Product Development Project Teams and Task Forces according to the established product development processes. Analyzes and anticipates project issues and obstacles and facilitates their resolution. Included in these functions are the organization and facilitation of meetings, the preparation of agendas and minutes to document progress through the development process, and the coordination and follow-up of assignments generated during Team meetings. Constructs project timelines in close collaboration with members of NPD Project Teams and Task Forces, detailing start/finish dependencies among tasks, and critical paths to success. Works with team members to create project plans that minimize time elapsed from start of development to product registration. Tracks resources across functional groups. Continuously tracks progress of development activities against planned timelines and facilitates resolution of issues to ensure timely completion of development activities. Negotiates and facilitates resolution of conflict in a professional manner to obtain consensus on issues.

Coordinates preparation of key stage review documents for presentation to the Steering Committees and Product Approval Committees as required to secure go/no-go decisions during the development process. Reviews documents for accuracy and coherence of presentation. Organizes and documents proceedings of cross-project status review meetings and generates reports regarding project status and critical issues for Senior Management, as required.

The incumbent must understand the needs of Senior Management and assist the various functional areas to address problems and issues facing projects. Contributes to and facilitates the timely resolution of project issues in such a way as to maximize the time and resources of Merial. Interfaces with representatives from Analytical Development; Process; Industrial Operations; Clinical Operations; Quality Control; Global Enterprise; Pilot; Packaging; Supply Chain and Procurement; Quality Assurance; and Regulatory Affairs to accomplish the above responsibilities. Builds close working relationships with all team members to ensure confidence in the planning role. Travel will be required on an occasional basis.

 

EEO/AA/M/F/D/V

 

Qualifications:

Advanced degree or equivalent in Sciences or Engineering preferably with experience in the Pharma or Biotech industry. Published research experience in biology, chemistry,pharmaceutical/vaccine development, and engineering/manufacturing, or derivative fields in academic/institutional/industrial settings constitutes a framework to meet the demands of the job. Direct experience in vaccines/ immunology or pharmaceutical product development a clear plus. Project management skills will be essential in job performance. Demonstrated writing skills are essential. Computer skills include Microsoft Office, Project, and other resource management systems. Reasoning and negotiation skills in driving toward consensus building in complex development projects will be critical. Must work well in a team setting. Must be able to travel for meetings.