Portfolio Project Manager

Position Purpose

As a Portfolio Project Manager, you will plan, coordinate and deliver cross-functional pharmaceutical portfolio projects, including product transfers, new product launches, alternative-source implementation, optimization and troubleshooting initiatives.

You will ensure projects are delivered in line with agreed scope, objectives, budget, timelines, quality requirements and applicable pharmaceutical standards.

Working closely with internal functions and external partners, you will assess project feasibility, establish implementation plans, monitor progress, manage risks and support timely decision-making. You will also act as a central point of coordination throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring stakeholders have clear and timely information about project strategy, progress, changes, risks and required escalations.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Project definition and planning

• Contribute to defining project scope, objectives, deliverables, budget and implementation strategy.
• Coordinate cross-functional feasibility assessments covering technical, quality, operational, supply and implementation considerations.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, including milestones, dependencies, resources, responsibilities and timelines.
• Establish appropriate project governance, reporting routines and escalation pathways.
• Identify the internal and external resources required for successful project delivery.
• Ensure individual project plans are aligned with the broader portfolio strategy.

Project execution and coordination

• Lead portfolio projects in line with agreed scope, timelines, budget and quality expectations.
• Apply appropriate project management methodologies, tools and good practices throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate cross-functional project teams and stakeholders.
• Monitor critical-path milestones and dependencies, taking corrective action when needed.
• Assess and coordinate proposed changes to project scope, timelines, resources, costs or implementation approach.
• Facilitate project meetings and decision-making, ensuring decisions, responsibilities and follow-up actions are clearly documented and communicated.

Risk, issue and change management

• Maintain project risk and issue registers and coordinate risk identification, assessment, mitigation and monitoring.
• Develop mitigation measures, contingency scenarios and back-up plans for significant project risks.
• Establish escalation plans for issues that may affect scope, milestones, budget, quality, supply continuity or regulatory commitments.
• Evaluate the impact of project changes and support informed decision-making.

Monitoring, reporting and governance

• Track project progress against agreed objectives, timelines, budgets and performance indicators.
• Prepare accurate and timely project status reports, dashboards and management updates.
• Communicate achievements, risks, decisions, changes and upcoming milestones to relevant stakeholders.
• Identify deviations and recommend recovery actions where necessary.

Stakeholder and network management

• Build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote cooperation and accountability across cross-functional project teams.
• Engage relevant stakeholders when their expertise or approval is required.
• Address communication gaps and misalignment promptly and constructively.
• Collaborate with functions including Product Technology and Transfers, Analytical Development, Quality, Production, Strategic Procurement, Supply Chain, EHS, Regulatory Affairs, Life Cycle Management, Portfolio & New Products, Development and B2B, as well as external suppliers, partners and, where applicable, relevant authorities.

Quality, compliance and continuous improvement

• Perform project activities in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements, applicable legislation, internal procedures and pharmaceutical quality standards.
• Promptly communicate quality risks, product complaints, deviations or other matters that may affect products, processes or project delivery.
• Support a strong quality and compliance culture across project teams.

Qualifications & Required Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
• At least 3 years of experience coordinating cross-functional activities, projects or project teams.
• Proficient written and spoken English.
• Strong project planning, organization and execution skills.
• The ability to translate strategic objectives into structured implementation plans.
• The ability to coordinate several workstreams and manage complex cross-functional dependencies.
• Strong prioritization, follow-up and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of the pharmaceutical product lifecycle and the operational environment of a pharmaceutical company.
• Working knowledge of GMP principles and pharmaceutical quality requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong stakeholder-management, influencing and negotiation skills.
• The ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and matrix environment.
• A collaborative working style with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• A structured, organized, proactive and solutions-oriented approach.
• Attention to detail while maintaining a broader portfolio perspective.

Additional advantages

• A university degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Engineering, or another relevant scientific or technical discipline.
• Practical experience with pharmaceutical product transfers, product launches, alternative sourcing, manufacturing projects or optimization initiatives.

Our Recruitment Process

To be considered for this role, please apply through our Applicant Tracking System rather than sending your CV by email.

Following the sourcing period, applications will be reviewed by our recruitment team against the requirements of the role. Selected candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview, where further details about the selection process will be shared. Successful candidates will then progress to interviews with the relevant line managers. Candidates who are not selected will be informed in writing.

Diversity is a fact. Inclusion is an act @Zentiva

At Zentiva, we are a team of 5,000 unique talents, united by our purpose to provide health and well-being for all generations. We work to create a culture where everyone feels appreciated, can be their true selves and can contribute to the best of their ability.

We welcome applications from qualified candidates with different educational and industry experiences, cultural or ethnic backgrounds, life experiences and abilities, regardless of religious or philosophical beliefs or whom they choose to love.

Join our winning team. Be part of our winning culture. Be Zentiva!