Project Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: The Program Management Associate is responsible for being the primary interface with clients regarding both existing and potential development projects. The incumbent will ensure that the expectations and needs of the client are being met in a timely and efficient manner throughout the lifecycle of a project. Additionally, the incumbent will support the Business Development team in the RFE process for new projects, and will be the owner for managing the cost and progress of each active project.

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required:

• Shall adhere to all applicable regulatory requirements, including FDA, EPA, OSHA, and related safety, health and environmental procedures, policies and practices.
• Consistent support and practice of all Ash Stevens’ mission and values.
Identify and protect the original technical information as part of the company property.

Key accountabilities:

• Client Relations :
  • Serve as primary client contact for development projects.
  • Act as liaison for internal and external communications with clients.
  • Lead role in determining specific client requirements.
  • Ensure that client expectations are managed and met.
  • Work with Ash Stevens employees to ensure that commitments made to clients are realistic and achievable.
  • Responsible for identifying potential problems in meeting commitments made.
  • Resolve potential shortfalls in meeting commitments first by working internally with Ash Stevens team so commitment can be made, or if it not feasible, contacting the client as soon as possible to renegotiate a new commitment that they can accept.
  • Manage communications such as conference calls and meetings with clients to ensure a positive relationship.
  • Maintain detailed meeting minutes for internal and external use and send out as appropriate.
• Program Management :
  • Develop and update project schedules for all development projects in a level of detail appropriate to each project considering all technical and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure that time and resource availability estimates are reasonable so that project schedules are feasible and achievable.
  • Partner with all involved in each project to maintain a reliable flow of information.
  • Provide regular status reports internally and to clients as appropriate.
  • Recognize early on any potential problems and communicate to internal management immediately so that corrective action can be taken.
• Program Business Management :
  • Ensure that all work to be performed is under a client purchase order.
  • Quote and order any new work requested from a client that has not been previously ordered so that it may be billed correctly.
  • Manage the amount of “complementary work” so that a reasonable amount is done. Clearly communicate to all parties both internal and external the reason the company is performing the work at no charge.
  • Ensure that all work completed is billed to the client immediately upon completion. Complementary work is to be listed on an invoice to the client and designated as ‘no charge’ in order to document the work and clearly identify it as an item that would otherwise be invoiced, but in this case is complementary.
  • Seek to identify ways to conduct the project work in more efficient ways to maximize profitability of the project while still meeting or exceeding client expectations.
  • Identify revenue opportunities within assigned accounts. Assist the company in pursuing and quoting on these opportunities.
• Project Initiation and Assessment :
  • Assist as needed in communicating and explaining Ash Stevens’ capabilities to customers.
  Ensure that regulatory requirements are assessed and addresses by Ash Stevens. Includes but not limited to EPA, FDA/MOH, and OSHA including Ash Stevens internal safety hazard and safety reviews.
  

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• B.S. in Organic or Medicinal Chemistry; other similar life science disciplines may be considered.
• Advanced degree in Business is desirable.
Minimum five (5) years’ experience in a project or business management role, pharmaceutical industry highly preferred.

job competencies:

• Able to lead without formal authority and interact with team members.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Have the ability to develop, perform, evaluate, and troubleshoot within a scientific discipline.
• Self-motivated, creative, and independent.
Able to understand pharmaceutical client requirements and communicate them to the organization.

Physical demands and work environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical Demands :
  • Frequent lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, pushing and pulling can be expected.
  • Long periods of sitting and walking may also be expected in this position.
  This position may require long periods of sitting, typing, computer entry or looking at a computer.
  

• Work Environment :
  • Ash Stevens is engaged in the business of pharmaceutical research and contract pharmaceutical manufacturing. As such, all ASI staff work in or nearby either chemical/pharmaceutical research or chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and processes.
  • Potential limited exposure to hazardous chemicals.
  • Personal protective equipment including safety glasses, lab coats, gloves, specialized clothing including laboratory uniform and appropriate shoes may be required in areas associated with this position.