Project Manager

When our values align, there's no limit to what we can achieve.
 

Parexel is currently seeking a Project Manager (PM) to join us in Belgium. This role requires a scientific background (e.g. Labs) as well as proven PM skills. You will be assigned to one of our key sponsors in the region.

Working as a PM at Parexel FSP offers tremendous long-term job security and prospects. We undertake vital clinical studies for sponsors including the leading global biotechs and Pharma top 50. And we have an incredible pipeline of work.

Expect exciting professional challenges in inspiring studies, but with time for your outside life.

The PM will oversee complex Research & Development pharma projects. Business stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, Quality, Regulatory, Clinical Development, Medical Affairs, Technical R&D, Laboratories as well as third parties.

Please note that this role will require attendance 2 – 3 days/week at the sponsor’s site in Rixensart.

Responsibilities

Project initiation:

Create comprehensive project charter for purpose, goals and objectives as well as identification of key stakeholders and their roles.

Prepare, lead and facilitate project kick-off meeting (KOM) including pre-reads, agenda and minutes.

Create all Project management documents including, but not limited to, stakeholder lists (internal and external), project requirements, timelines, objectives, deliverables, RACI, change management processes, etc. Set clear expectations for project outcomes, define scope and exclusions and milestones.

Project planning & execution:

Establish project plan and work breakdown structure (WBS) per project requirements.

Detail project schedule with tasks, work packages, dependencies, timelines and critical path.

Create and maintain resource allocation matrix and strategy by key stakeholder, assign roles and responsibilities including skills and expertise.

Assess resource availability and constraints with contingency plans for allocation challenges.

Routine review with project team to maintain up-to-date project plan or WBS including timelines and visualization (roadmap). Plan and lead project follow-up meetings including call for topics, agenda and minutes.

Project Risk Management & Communication:

Create template for risks identification and one-to-one meetings with each project team member for risk review. Gather and map out a risk register. Assess with team risk responses (treatment, mitigation, etc.)

Maintain comprehensive list of identified risks, potential impacts and probabilities.

Assign risk owners and ensure understanding of their responsibilities including mitigation strategies and contingencies.

Create and maintain project log to track communication, actions, decisions and issues.

Project Budget & Reporting

Create and maintain budget and cost reports with regular submission to demonstrate adherence to financial parameters. Analysis of variances and detailed explanations for discrepancies (actual cost to budget). Maintain comprehensive reports of project expenditures.

Ensure weekly/monthly reporting on project status (progress, issues and risks, timelines and milestones).

Develop, approve and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for project efficiency and effectiveness.

Project Change Management:

Document change control procedures, change request forms, evaluation criteria and approval workflows for stakeholders.

Identify change management team to review/approve change requests.

Communicate change request status to stakeholders including impacts on project objectives or deliverables.

Present change impact assessment findings to change control board or project sponsors for decision-making.

Maintain change request logs throughout project life cycle (include key information, requestor, description, rationale, priority and status).

Ensure regular review and prioritization of change requests by the change management team based on predefined criteria.

Project Documentation:

Review and maintain action, decision and risk logs Ensure regular updates and maintenance of a centralized document repository.

Ensure proper documentation of document review/approval process to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements including protocols for archiving outdates/obsolete documents.

Implement version control system for key project documents for traceability and auditability including version control system. Ensure regular audits for compliance to version control procedures.

Establish process for review and approval of project documents with evidence adherence including efficient workflow and escalation procedures for unresolved issues.

Project close out:

Responsible for Project Close-out Report with evidence of approval/ sign off by key stakeholders. Ensure final report reflects outcomes, lessons learned and recommendations for future initiatives.

Document project achievements, deliverables met, milestones achieved and budget adherence.

Analyze project performance against objectives and success criteria as well as areas for improvement.

Distribute report to key stakeholders for approval ensuring transparency and alignment.

Responsible for Post Implementation Review (PIR) / After Action Review (AAR) assessing project outcomes against objectives with actionable recommendations for future projects.

Here are a few requirements specific to this advertised role.

Knowledge and Experience:

Degree qualified, preferably in a science subject.

Expertise in science background e.g. labs, to ensure proper project planning, prevent and mitigate risks and meet timelines.

Clear project management skills. Good stakeholder management skills and a problem-solving mindset.

Result-driven with a sense of urgency.

Requires the ability to negotiate and manage competing priorities.

Fluency in French and English.

Skills:

Expertise with MS Project and Excel, proficiency in Microsoft Office Products—Word, PowerPoint, Project, SharePoint.

Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate senior level scientific management personnel and to resolve project issues across organizations.

Excellent communication, leadership, conflict resolution, risk management, delegation, decision-making and documentation skills.

Demonstrated ability to think and act strategically, tactically, and operationally as well as proven ability to plan, identify risks, anticipate various outcomes and, balance short-term and long-range objectives.

We care about our people and your passion, as they are the key to our success, and provide an open and friendly work environment where we empower people and provide them with opportunities to develop their long-term careers. In addition, you will have the opportunity to develop within your role and tackle further responsibilities or develop your skill set within other related departments of Parexel.

Who are Parexel

Parexel supports clinical studies across the full range of therapeutic areas, and we have longstanding partnerships with a vast client base.

We supported the trials of most of today’s top 50 best-selling drugs, but equally we enable more niche drug developments that are critical to the well-being of many patients.

You’ll be an influential member of the wider team.

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