Project & Programme Manager - 12 Month Contract - Life Sciences

Project & Programme Manager Life Sciences 

12 Month Day Rate Contract 

£500 - £600 per day (Inside IR35)

3 days per week on site in West London (minimum) 

We are looking for an experienced Project & Programme Manager with a passion for scientific innovation to join our team. In this role, you will lead the delivery of complex scientific and technical projects focused on therapeutic research and technology development. This is an exciting opportunity to drive impactful change and contribute to ground-breaking work in the life sciences.

You'll work closely with senior leaders and cross-functional teams to ensure strategic goals are translated into clear, actionable project plans. You will be responsible for managing multiple interrelated projects, aligning resources, and ensuring that milestones are met on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Project Delivery: Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of high-priority projects and programmes within therapeutic research, from inception through completion. Ensure all projects are aligned with strategic objectives and are delivered to the highest standards.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with project sponsors, functional heads, and key stakeholders to ensure alignment on project scope, deliverables, timelines, and resources. Facilitate regular communication and reporting to maintain transparency and stakeholder engagement.

• Financial and Resource Management: Oversee project budgets and financial forecasts, ensuring accuracy in tracking costs, resource allocation, and spending. Develop resource management plans to optimize team capacity and project outcomes.

• Risk & Issue Management: Identify potential risks to project success and proactively create mitigation strategies. Ensure contingency plans are in place for high-risk activities and manage any emerging issues swiftly.

• Governance and Reporting: Guide project teams through governance processes, ensuring timely decision-making and adherence to project management best practices. Provide regular updates to senior management, outlining progress, risks, and key project milestones.

• Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by applying best practices in project management, capturing lessons learned, and optimizing processes for future projects.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Educational Background: A BSc or higher in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field. A strong scientific foundation is essential for understanding project goals and challenges.
• Project Management Expertise: Significant experience in managing complex projects or programmes, ideally in early-stage research, drug discovery, or life sciences. Formal project management qualifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) are highly desirable.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Management: Strong leadership abilities with a track record of managing cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders at all levels. Experience in a matrix organization and the ability to drive decision-making without direct authority is key.
• Technical Acumen: Ability to critically evaluate scientific and technical information, challenge assumptions, and provide insights to optimize project outcomes.
• Communication & Negotiation: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Negotiation skills are essential for resource allocation and stakeholder alignment.
• Financial and Resource Management: Proven experience in managing project budgets, financial forecasting, and resource planning. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.