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Drug Development Project Manager Jobs in Frederick, MD

Manage product development through stage gates * Plan and manage multiple project scopes, schedules, and risks/issues * Schedule, note, and facilitate project status briefings * Assist with ...

Manage product development through stage gates * Plan and manage multiple project scopes, schedules, and risks/issues * Schedule, note, and facilitate project status briefings * Assist with ...

General Summary / Position Purpose The R&D Project Manager keeps the research engine behind SUPERWOOD -- a molecularly densified wood material -- running on schedule. It's a coordination and ...

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Drug Development Project Manager information

See Frederick, MD salary details

$42.8K

$94K

$141.2K

How much do drug development project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development project manager in Frederick, MD is $93,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $107,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

How to become a drug development project manager?

To become a drug development project manager, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as life sciences, pharmacy, or engineering, along with experience in pharmaceutical or biotech project management. Many professionals pursue certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) to enhance their credentials. Strong organizational, communication, and regulatory knowledge are essential for managing complex drug development processes effectively.

What are popular job titles related to Drug Development Project Manager jobs in Frederick, MD?

For Drug Development Project Manager jobs in Frederick, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drug Development Project Manager jobs in Frederick, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug Development Project Manager jobs in Frederick, MD are:

What cities near Frederick, MD are hiring for Drug Development Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Frederick, MD with the most Drug Development Project Manager job openings:

Senior Director, Global Project Management, Cell Therapy

AstraZeneca

Gaithersburg, MD • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


AstraZeneca rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Senior Director, Global Project Management, Cell Therapy

Gaithersburg, MD, candidates from Boston, MA will also be considered

Global Portfolio & Project Management (GPPM)

Hybrid Work- on average 3 days/week in office

The Senior Director, Global Project Management, Cell Therapy is a key leadership position,accountable for theprojectmanagementofGlobal Project Teams (GPTs), working alongsideGlobalProduct, Scientific, ClinicalCommercialLeaderstoestablishthe brand strategy and deliverthe approved project plans.

You will be assigned to leadprogrammesof the highest complexity and priority and are regarded as key leaders within theGPT andGPPM organization.This is a critical and exciting opportunity to use your scientific knowledge and strategicexpertiseto lead and influence decisions that will have a direct impact on patients' lives. Working at the highest levels, you will ensure the decisions we make position AstraZeneca for maximum return on investment and positive patient outcomes.

What you'll do

StrategicBusiness Partnership

  • Provide program management leadership and excellence through active input into the project strategy ensuring alignment of the programstrategy with operational reality

  • Leaddevelopment of drug project, cross-project, or portfolio strategies

  • Where applicable, work with alliance partners and run joint alliance forums and governance committee

  • Identifykey business opportunities orneedsfor strategic shifts based on external and internal events

  • Partner with Business Development to provide strategic input to potential deal cases (investment & divestment)

  • Ensureappropriate linkagesbetween project strategy and key internal processes (TA strategy, TA prioritization, corporate scorecard)

Cross-functional Team Leadership and Delivery

  • Lead project management of cross functional drug development teams andensuredelivery of strategic objectives

  • Createa shared sense of purpose, inspiring andenergisingothers to build andmaintaina cohesive High Performing Team.

  • Coach project teamsandGPT towards successful issue resolution and decision making.Engage with critical stakeholders to address barriers or challenges facing team

  • Focusthe GPT on the right activities at the right time. Coordinate the efforts of sub-teams to ensure delivery at multiple levels of the development team.

  • Design, implement, andoptimizeeffective communication within and outside the team. Coordinate with corporate communicationstolead the team's external communication plan.

  • Ensurethe team hasa good informationmanagement system in line with AZ best practice.Ensure integrity of information management systems to connect to external parties. Drive continuous improvement in how the team approaches information management

  • Ensuredata quality as per agreed standards and monitoring metrics

  • Identifydevelopment opportunities for team members

Governance and Investment Decisions

  • Lead team towards optimized governance decisions -e.g.evaluate multiple strategic options and drive team to value-maximizing drug development decisions

  • Provide guidance to both the team and senior management / governance bodies that allows efficient (timelyand informed) decision making

  • Leverage broad influential network and ensures engagement at all levels prior to key decisions

Planning, Monitoring and Delivery

  • Ensure that overall GPT deliverables, budgets, schedules, and performance standards are realistically set, governance approved andattained, and that the project effectively fulfils all information management and business reporting requirements

  • Direct project support staff inmaintainingplans of the highest data quality, accountable for all integrated project management deliverables associated with the GPT

  • Accountable for all integrated Project Management deliverables associated with the program

Entrepreneurship

  • Serve as a role model for cross-functional collaboration and effective conflict resolution

  • Lead by example in learning and innovation,seek opportunities to change paradigms and remove barriers within and outside the team

  • Applyextensive business insight to drive cross project learning,championand embed better ways of working across the enterprise.

  • Proactivelypromotelearning and knowledge sharing. Expected to mentor or supervise other project managers. May provide input for staff development, recruitment, successionplanningand resource model.Helpestablishnew company best practices

  • Share lessons learned and communicate those throughout the GPM community to drive adoption of knowledge beyond the GPT

Essential for the role

  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific or business related field

  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with cross-functional drug development teams.

  • Extensive experience leading drug development projects including success in multiple roles/development phases/TAs related to drug development project or program management.

  • Track-record of expertly navigating governance processes to drive complex projects forward.

  • Successful track record of delivering complex/ high strategic business impact projects within agreed time, quality and cost. Expert knowledge of project management tools and processes.

  • Experience of driving cross portfolio, above-asset DA or TA drug development projects.

  • Experience in developing Business Development business cases including pressure testing of proposed timelines, and where applicable, Due Diligence activities.

  • Skilled at building, motivating, leading and inspiring high performing teams. Proven ability to develop and educate team members and mentor individuals within and outside own function.

  • Experience in project control, project reporting and ensuring high quality project data (milestone, cost, risk) in enterprise systems.

  • Track record of effective senior stakeholder management, demonstrating effective communication skills and strong ability to influence strategically using data.

Desirable for the role

  • Late stage drug development experience

  • Relevant therapeutic area expertise - CVRM and/or Respiratory & Immunology, and/or cell therapy experience.

  • Strong internal network with experience in AZ ways of working.

  • Track-record of building diverse, inclusive teams and delivering in multi-cultural environments.

Office Working Requirements

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $206,993.60 - 310,490.40 USD. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives-an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now and join us on this exciting journey.

#LI-Hybrid

Date Posted

27-Aug-2026

Closing Date

09-Sept-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.


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About AstraZeneca

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world's most serious diseases. But we're more than one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. A place built on courage, curiosity and collaboration - we make bold decisions driven by patient outcomes. Empowered to lead at every level, free to ask questions and take smart risks that write the next chapter for our pipeline and Oncology team. Make a meaningful impact that brings real benefits to society. By applying your knowledge of data, you will help to redefine our industry and ultimately save lives. Work with experts who share a common goal: to accelerate the potential of medicines and the science of tomorrow.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, GB