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Drug Development Project Manager Jobs in California

Totex Manufacturing Inc

Project Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

The project manager is the primary company contact with the customer 's various departments involved in the development project and communicates the customer's needs to internal departments ...

Propedix, Inc.

Technical Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$5K - $6K/mo

- Program Director/Technical Project Manager (New Product) About the Company: Propedix is a biopharma ... Strong understanding of FDA OTC monograph, drug development workflows, CMC processes, and clinical ...

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Drug Development Project Manager information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drug Development Project Manager, and why are they important?

A Drug Development Project Manager requires expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, regulatory requirements, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree and PMP certification. Familiarity with project management tools (like MS Project or Smartsheet), clinical trial management systems, and documentation platforms is essential. Excellent leadership, strategic communication, and problem-solving abilities help navigate complex timelines and cross-functional teams. These skills ensure efficient project execution, regulatory compliance, and successful advancement of drug candidates through development phases.

What does a Drug Development Project Manager do?

A Drug Development Project Manager oversees and coordinates all aspects of pharmaceutical product development, from early research through clinical trials to regulatory approval and market launch. They manage cross-functional teams, timelines, budgets, and communications to ensure projects meet scientific, regulatory, and business goals. These professionals play a critical role in identifying risks, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Their work helps bring new therapies to market efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Drug Development Project Manager vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectDrug Development Project ManagerClinical Research Associate
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in life sciences, PMP certification often preferredBachelor's in life sciences, clinical research certification beneficial
Work EnvironmentCoordinates multiple teams across drug development phasesMonitors clinical trial sites and ensures protocol compliance
Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical and biotech companies during drug developmentPrimarily in clinical trial sites and CROs

The Drug Development Project Manager oversees the entire drug development process, coordinating teams and managing timelines. In contrast, the Clinical Research Associate focuses on monitoring clinical trials at sites to ensure compliance and data integrity. Both roles are essential in the drug development pipeline but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Drug Development Project Managers, and how can these be managed effectively?

Drug Development Project Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating cross-functional teams, managing shifting regulatory requirements, and ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget. Effective communication and proactive risk management are essential to navigate these complexities. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and maintaining transparent project plans can help address issues early and keep development efforts aligned with company goals.
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Drug Development Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Development Project Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution.
Sr. Program Manager - Drug Development (Immunology)

Sr. Program Manager - Drug Development (Immunology)

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$123K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Who We Are:
At Neurocrine Biosciences, we pride ourselves on having a strong, inclusive, and positive culture based on our shared purpose and values. We know what it takes to be great, and we are as passionate about our people as we are about our purpose - to relieve suffering for people with great needs.
What We Do:
Neurocrine Biosciences is a leading neuroscience-focused, biopharmaceutical company with a simple purpose: to relieve suffering for people with great needs. We are dedicated to discovering and developing life-changing treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological, neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric disorders. The company's diverse portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, endometriosis* and uterine fibroids,* as well as a robust pipeline including multiple compounds in mid- to late-phase clinical development across our core therapeutic areas. For three decades, we have applied our unique insight into neuroscience and the interconnections between brain and body systems to treat complex conditions. We relentlessly pursue medicines to ease the burden of debilitating diseases and disorders because you deserve brave science. For more information, visit neurocrine.com, and follow the company on LinkedIn, X and Facebook. (*in collaboration with AbbVie)
About the Role:
Lead drug development teams in partnership with the Program Lead, to develop cross-functional program strategy and long range plans from pre-clinical development through regulatory approval and commercialization. Drive team alignment in execution of the program plan following strong Project and Program Management theory and practice, including management of stakeholders, schedule, risks/issues, budget, resources and governance processes. Manage program reporting and escalate risks/issues to management as well as highlight team successes to the wider organization. Interact with stakeholders across the organization, including research, CMC, pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory and commercial functions to ensure alignment on program strategy, goals, timelines and resources.
Your Contributions (include, but are not limited to):
  • Partner with Program Lead and Development Team members to manage the development and execution of program strategy
  • Establish and maintain functionally integrated program schedules in accordance with established structures to enable accurate project analyses, identification of critical path activities and areas of resource constraint
  • Assess program risk and support mitigation planning and tracking
  • Lead scenario planning efforts to prepare teams for differing outcomes at key milestones
  • Identify and leverage inter-dependencies in short-, mid-, and long-term program plans and advise teams on areas of risk or possibilities to accelerate development
  • Challenge assumptions constructively to improve outcomes and/or provide recommendations to improve processes
  • Drive clarity and alignment in complex, ambiguous environments
  • Facilitate and document meetings, cross-functional communication and decision making, ensuring alignment with internal functional groups and leadership
  • Develop relationships with key functional stakeholder groups and their leadership across the organization to support the execution of program goals
  • Serve as a Program Management expert resource for the broader organization
  • Contribute to the development of the Program Management function through the introduction of new tools and/or processes
  • Contribute to successful execution of Program Management department goals and activities
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:
  • BS/BA degree in Life Sciences discipline and 8+ years of multi-disciplinary experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry, including experience with both early and late phase pharmaceutical program management including IND/CTA, NDA/MAA submissions. Experience managing global drug development efforts OR
  • Master's degree in Life Sciences discipline and 6+ years of similar experience noted above OR
  • PhD in Life Sciences discipline and 4+ years of similar experience noted above
  • PMP Certification highly desired
  • Demonstrated ability to build trust and influence without authority
  • Track record of challenging team thinking to improve decisions and outcomes
  • Ability to drive alignment across diverse stakeholders in high-ambiguity environments
  • Strong bias toward operational efficiency and continuous improvement
  • Demonstrated self-awareness and leadership presence. Lead by example with accountability, ownership, and transparency.
  • Sees broader picture and longer-term impact on division/company.
  • Ability to meet multiple deadlines across a variety of projects/programs.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of project management practices, tools and methodology
  • Knowledge of the drug development process and inter-dependencies between key functions including research, CMC, non-clinical development, clinical development and operations, and regulatory affairs
  • Experience as a PM on early and late phase global drug development programs including some of: IND/CTA, NDA/MAA submissions, pediatric development, rare diseases.
  • Ability to manage conflict, drive consensus, and promote decision-making
  • Ability to independently identify and manage project objectives, timelines, budgets, providing formal and informal status updates to stakeholders as needed
  • Ability to challenge assumptions
  • Proficiency in Smartsheet, MS Project or other project management software

Neurocrine Biosciences is an EEO/Disability/Vets employer.
We are committed to building a workplace of belonging, respect, and empowerment, and we recognize there are a variety of ways to meet our requirements. We are looking for the best candidate for the job and encourage you to apply even if your experience or qualifications don't line up to exactly what we have outlined in the job description.
The annual base salary we reasonably expect to pay is $158,100.00-$216,000.00. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as primary work location, complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. In addition, this position offers an annual bonus with a target of 30% of the earned base salary and eligibility to participate in our equity based long term incentive program. Benefits offered include a retirement savings plan (with company match), paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.

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