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Drug Development Project Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Project Manager

Redmond, WA · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

It specializes in developing innovative cancer treatments using its established drug development ... We are seeking a Senior Project Manager, R&D to support cross-functional planning and execution for ...

R&D Project Manager

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

We are advancing innovative long-term ophthalmic drug delivery technologies designed to provide ... Summary: SpyGlass Pharma is seeking a high-potential R&D Project Manager with strong execution ...

Land Development Project Mgr

Davenport, FL · On-site

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D.R. Horton, Inc. is currently looking for an Land Development Project Manager . The right candidate will be responsible for managing vendors and contractors to develop raw land for home and ...

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Drug Development Project Manager information

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$43K

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

As of Aug 6, 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 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.
More about Drug Development Project Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Drug Development Project Manager jobs? Cities with the most Drug Development Project Manager job openings:
What states have the most Drug Development Project Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Drug Development Project Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drug Development Project Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,541 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Associate Director, Drug Development Excellence

Bristol Myers Squibb

Madison, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Bristol Myers Squibb rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren't words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You'll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.

Position Summary

The Associate Director, Drug Development Excellence supports the advancement of Drug Development (DD) strategy and enables consistent, high-quality execution across high priority cross-functional strategic initiatives. This role partners with business leaders and subject matter experts across Drug Development domains to translate strategic goals into practical frameworks, operating models, process improvements, and improved ways of working that drive measurable and sustainable outcomes across the portfolio. An important focus of this role is the deep analysis of end-to-end processes and ways of working-integrating performance metrics and KPIs to identify gaps and opportunities, and driving improvement through process re-engineering and digital enablement as BMS advances toward an AI-enabled Drug Development operating model. This role reports to the Executive Director, Drug Development Excellence and operates within a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Ways of Working Analysis

  • Conduct deep, data-driven analysis of end-to-end Drug Development processes and ways of working to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, capability gaps, and improvement opportunities.
  • Translate process analysis insights into actionable recommendations, connecting process health to KPIs and strategic performance outcomes.
  • Map, document, and maintain process maps and standard operating frameworks to drive efficient day-to-day execution and organizational clarity.
  • Apply fit-for-purpose process re-engineering methodologies to redesign workflows, eliminate waste, and improve quality, speed, capacity and value.

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

  • Partner with cross-functional business leaders and subject matter experts to establish, monitor, and report on KPIs and performance metrics that track critical health indicators against strategic targets.
  • Support the design and evolution of performance management frameworks in alignment with Portfolio Insights & Reporting (PIR) and broader DD Excellence priorities.
  • Leverage data and analytics tools and root cause analyses to surface performance trends, risks, and opportunities, and inform prioritization and improvement actions.
  • Project manage and drive strategic execution of initiatives end-to-end, with clearly defined scope, project plans, allocated resources, and value realization.

Digital Enablement & AI-Ready Operations

  • Identify and embed relevant technologies, workflow automation tools, and digital solutions that enhance process performance and move DD toward an AI-enabled operating model.
  • Partner with AI Enablement and technology stakeholders to ensure digital tools are integrated as part of broader process and capability solutions, not standalone enablers.
  • Maintain knowledge of external best practices, frameworks, and emerging tools in process management, performance management, and digital operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Change Enablement

  • Collaborate with functional leads and process owners across Drug Development (e.g., Clinical Development, Trial Operations, Biostatistics, Regulatory, Safety) to drive strategic alignment and operational excellence from a people, process, technology perspective.
  • Shape and support change management activities to ensure adoption and sustainability of new operating models, capabilities, and new ways of working.
  • Contribute to communities of practice and capability-building efforts that foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across DD functions.

Qualifications & Experience

  • BA/BS degree required; advanced degree in a related discipline preferred (e.g., Life Sciences, Business, MBA, MS, PhD, PharmD).
  • 5-7 years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or strategy execution roles within the pharmaceutical industry; experience within Drug Development functions (Clinical Development, Trial Operations, Biostatistics, Regulatory, Safety, or Project Management) strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct deep process and ways-of-working analysis, connecting process health to KPIs and operational outcomes.
  • Experience with process re-engineering methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma); certification a plus but not required.
  • Familiarity with project management and process modeling tools (e.g., ADONIS, OnePlan, MS Project); exposure to workflow automation or digital enablement tools a plus.
  • Experience with performance management frameworks, data analytics, and root cause analyses to drive insight-led decision making.
  • Demonstrated curiosity and working knowledge of AI and emerging technologies as applied to Drug Development operations; ability to critically assess opportunities for AI and digital enablement to improve processes and ways of working, and to engage credibly with technical and data science partners on implementation.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization-including the ability to listen, synthesize requirements, and convey information clearly and concisely.
  • Ability to lead and motivate teams, facilitate discussions, and influence stakeholders to drive process improvement initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
  • High proficiency in critical thinking, problem-solving, and structured decision making.
  • Demonstrated innovation, flexibility, and adaptability to meet objectives in a rapidly changing and often uncertain environment with shifting priorities.
  • High service orientation and track record of delivering results with a commitment to quality.
  • Ability to build trusting relationships and work effectively across various divisions, business backgrounds, and cultures.

If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn't perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.

Compensation Overview:

Madison - Giralda - NJ - US: $156,890 - $190,117 Princeton - NJ - US: $156,890 - $190,117

The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee's work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.

Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:

  • Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.

  • Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).

  • Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.

Work-life benefits include:

Paid Time Off

  • US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)

  • Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays

Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.

All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.

*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.

Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as "Transforming patients' lives through science ", every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

On-site Protocol

BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:

Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.

Supporting People with Disabilities

BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.

If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information:https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/

Data Protection

We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection.

Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.

If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com. Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.

R1603887 : Associate Director, Drug Development Excellence

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About Bristol-Myers Squibb

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a world-renowned global Biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York, NY, US. Established in 1887, the company has more than 130 years’ worth of history dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. The company operates in the healthcare industry and thrives on providing a range of pharmaceutical products and services for various medical fields, like oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and immunoscience. Notably, Bristol-Myers Squibb is known for its commitment to relentless research and innovative drug development, which has led to breakthroughs like Opdivo, one of the first immunotherapies.

Industry

Scientific research and development services and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US