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Drug Development Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elanco

R&D Project Manager

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

A deep understanding of the veterinary drug development process, including the interdependencies of ... Advanced Project Management & Technical Proficiency: Demonstratedmastery of core project management ...

RETTEW

Land Development Project Manager

State College, PA · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

Manage land development projects from proposal and initial concept through design, permitting, construction support, and project closeout. * Take responsibility for project scope, schedule, budget ...

RETTEW

Land Development Project Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$97K - $125K/yr

Manage land development projects from proposal and initial concept through design, permitting, construction support, and project closeout. * Take responsibility for project scope, schedule, budget ...

Hillpointe

Site Development Project Manager

Phoenix, AZ · On-site +1

Site Development Project Manager Hillpointe is a vertically integrated multi-family development designer and builder, with in-house engineering and construction teams that manage developments through ...

Stantec

Community Development - Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

Our established Community Development group is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support development projects for various private and public clients. In this role, you will contribute to the ...

WTTW

Development Project Manager (WFMT)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$52K - $61K/yr

With passion for WFMT's purpose, the Development Project Manager will bring their enthusiasm, organizational skills, and creativity to the role and collaborative team, raising revenue through WFMT ...

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Drug Development Project Manager information

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$94.5K

$142K

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

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for drug development project manager in the United States is $94,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $108,500.00 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.
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Drug Development Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Development Project Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,541 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

R&D Project Manager

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Elanco Animal Health Incorporatedexternal

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!
Your Role: R&D Project Manager
As an R&D Project Manager, you will serve as a strategic partner to project leaders, responsible for guiding complex Global R&D projects from concept to completion. You will work at the intersection of science and project execution, interfacing with global teams in Regulatory, Manufacturing, R&D, and Marketing. Your role is critical in ensuring robust, proactive project plans are designed and implemented, helping to manage risk and successfully deliver Elanco's R&D portfolio. This is a role for a strategic thinker who can provide macro-level planning while also managing micro-level details to drive novel scientific developments forward.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Strategic Project & Scope Management: Act as a strategic partner to project leaders by independently managing all project management activities for complex, high-impact development programs. You will guide the execution of deliverables by managing schedules, costs, and performance risks, facilitating scenario planning to develop realistic milestones, and maintaining all scope documentation to ensure alignment with strategic goals.

  • Timeline & Performance Oversight: Take full ownership of the project plan, which includes developing and maintaining up-to-date timelines and process maps. You will identify, manage, and communicate the critical path and leading indicators of progress, monitor performance-to-plan, and proactively guide team action to keep the project on track, ensuring data completeness and quality across all systems.

  • Budget & Financial Partnership: Partner with Finance, functional areas, and geographies to manage the team's overall development budget. This includes consulting with the development team to understand and report on variances, driving re-forecasts, updating budget data in the appropriate tools, and providing the team with a clear understanding of the cost of different development options.

  • Proactive Risk & Contingency Planning: Guide the comprehensive assessment of development risks, establishing robust mitigation and contingency plans with clear ownership. You will proactively identify and communicate risks that may affect the critical path and independently trigger the implementation of contingency plans to avoid or mitigate those risks.

  • Process Improvement & Shared Learning: Advocate for a culture of quality and continuous improvement by generating ideas for new processes and sharing learnings with the team and function. You will identify methods to streamline effectiveness, decrease development cycle times, and ensure the consistent application of PM tools and concepts to ultimately maximize business value.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
  • Education & Experience: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a scientific or related field with 8-10 years of relevant experience in project management or a related scientific role.

  • Comprehensive Scientific & Regulatory Expertise: A deep understanding of the veterinary drug development process, including the interdependencies of various tasks that require coordination among global teams, functional groups, and third parties. This includes demonstrated experience with regulatory submission processes/requirements and a strong grasp of GCP, GLP, and GMP quality principles.

  • Advanced Project Management & Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated mastery of core project management fundamentals and processes as defined by the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Strong technical proficiency with project management software, the Microsoft Office Suite, and emerging AI platforms is essential.

  • Cross-Functional Influence & Team Leadership: Proven ability to influence without direct authority and guide global, cross-functional teams through complex and ambiguous situations. Possesses strong interpersonal and team-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop effective teams with diverse interpersonal styles and deliver effective coaching and feedback.

  • Proactive Problem-Solving & Adaptability: A proactive and anticipatory approach to problem-solving, with the proven ability to anticipate and recognize systemic problems, diagnose root causes, and take corrective action to prevent recurrence. Must be able to demonstrate high flexibility and adjust quickly and effectively to frequent change and altered priorities.

What will give you an advantage (preferred qualifications):
  • PMP or CAPM certification, demonstrating a strong foundation in project management principles.

  • Direct experience in the Animal Health industry.

  • A growth mindset and curiosity, with an eagerness to ask questions and learn rapidly.

  • Proven ability to work effectively both on your own and as a highly collaborative team member.

Additional Information:
  • Travel: Up to 10% annually.

  • Location: Global Elanco Headquarters - Indianapolis, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
  • Multiple relocation packages

  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)

  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus offering

  • Flexible work arrangements

  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

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