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Manager Pharma Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Manager Pharma information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$58.7K

$114.5K

How much do manager pharma jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager pharma in California is $58,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a manager pharma do?

A Manager Pharma oversees the operations and management of pharmaceutical projects, products, or teams within a pharmaceutical company. Their responsibilities may include supervising staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating with research and development, and managing budgets. They are also involved in strategic planning, process improvement, and ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. The role requires strong leadership, project management, and knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manager pharma?

To thrive as a Manager Pharma, you need a solid background in pharmaceutical sciences, business management, and regulatory compliance, usually supported by a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with drug development processes, GMP regulations, ERP systems, and quality management certifications such as Six Sigma is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set exceptional candidates apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, regulatory adherence, and effective team management in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry.

What are some typical challenges a manager pharma might face when leading cross-functional teams in pharmaceutical projects?

As a Manager Pharma, one common challenge is effectively coordinating between diverse teams such as research and development, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and marketing to ensure projects stay on track. Balancing different priorities, timelines, and communication styles can be complex, especially in a highly regulated environment. Success often depends on strong project management skills, proactive problem-solving, and clear communication to align all stakeholders and meet critical milestones.

What is the difference between Manager Pharma vs Pharmacist?

AspectManager PharmaPharmacist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Pharmacy, management experienceDoctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or Bachelor's in Pharmacy, licensure
Work EnvironmentPharmaceutical companies, management roles, overseeing teamsCommunity pharmacies, hospitals, dispensing medications
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical firms, biotech companies, healthcare organizationsRetail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics

The Manager Pharma typically oversees pharmaceutical operations, focusing on management and strategy, while the Pharmacist is responsible for dispensing medications and patient care. Both roles require pharmacy credentials, but their work environments and responsibilities differ significantly.

How to become a manager in a pharma company?

To become a manager in a pharma company, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, life sciences, or a related field, along with several years of industry experience. Developing leadership skills, understanding regulatory requirements, and obtaining relevant certifications can also enhance prospects for managerial roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pharma jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pharma jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Manager Pharma jobs?

Cities in California with the most Manager Pharma job openings:

Manager Pharma jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Pharma job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,746 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Program Manager, Pharma

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA

$125K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

About this Role

Our pharmaceutical team is looking for a highly motivated and creative Pharma Program Manager who will manage efforts in driving pharma programs to completion and report to the VP, Pharma Program Management, This is an opportunity in an exciting area of growth for Varda, the role will shape Varda's product culture and will play a significant role in establishing the low Earth orbit economy.

Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with program leads to develop and track schedules and milestones, identifying critical path activities and dependencies.
  • Support pharma programs and meetings: set agendas, document decisions, assign owners, and follow up on action items.
  • Establish program objectives, define scope, and align with departmental strategy.
  • Ensure project deliverables meet expectations for quality, cost, and schedule.
  • Partner with technical leads to identify and manage program risks and issues, while also proposing mitigation strategies and maintaining a risk register with mitigation plans.
  • Align with technical leads to allocate resources, control costs, and ensure efficient use of personnel and resources.
  • Communication of project status via SmartSheet, reports, and dashboards.
  • Serve as the operational liaison to CDMOs, CROs, and contract testing laboratories on scheduling, deliverables, and issue escalation.
Basic Qualifications
  • 2+ years of program management experience, and 6+ years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry.
  • B.S. or M.S. in life sciences such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related fields.
  • Effective communication (verbal and written), well organized, collaborative with peers.
Preferred Skills and Experience
  • 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • 3+ years of program management experience, PMP / PgMP certification.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple programs.
  • Excellent communication across a diverse group of stakeholders. Must be able to tailor messaging to each audience.
  • Experience with program planning and coordination, aligning with organizational strategy.
  • Cross-functional team influence. Without direct reports, this role must influence and drive task completion from multiple stakeholders.
  • Strong critical thinking and troubleshooting experience to guide cross-functional teams toward achieving program objectives.
  • Understanding and implementation of change management during program lifecycle.
  • Extensive experience with MS Project and/or SmartSheet.
Pay Range
  • Salary range: $125,000 - $170,000/per year
  • This role is on-site in El Segundo, CA
  • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
  • You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

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