Project Manager, Process Excellence

Job Description Summary

The Project Manager will lead cross-functional initiatives within a research-driven environment, ensuring timely delivery of strategic projects that enhance operational performance. This role emphasizes structured project execution, stakeholder engagement, and robust change management to support Biomedical Research (BR) goals. The Project Manager will collaborate with scientific and operational teams to drive alignment, transparency, and measurable impact across BR, while fostering a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement.

#LI-Hybrid
Internal Title: Project Manager
Location: Cambridge

This role is based in Cambridge, MA. Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage complex projects from initiation through execution and closure, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and timely delivery.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and resource allocations, and monitor progress against milestones.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, ensuring effective communication and coordination among scientific, operational, and support teams.
• Apply structured change management methodologies to guide teams through transitions, ensuring stakeholder engagement, adoption, and sustainability of new processes or systems.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Prepare and present project updates, dashboards, and reports to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across project teams.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation including charters, plans, meeting minutes, and lessons learned.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners to ensure alignment and support.
• Serve as a change agent by coaching teams through organizational shifts and fostering resilience in dynamic environments.

 Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in life sciences, engineering, business discipline or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management,
• Proven track record of successfully managing cross-functional projects in a matrixed organization.
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.
• Demonstrated experience in change management, including stakeholder analysis, communication planning, and implementation support.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., MS Project, JIRA).
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels.
• Demonstrated proficiency in leveraging AI-powered productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar) to enhance project planning, data analysis, documentation, and stakeholder communication.

Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in a research or drug discovery environment.
• PMP or equivalent certification is highly desirable; certification in change management (e.g., Prosci, ACMP) is a plus.
• Experience working across multiple sites or in international settings

The salary for this position is expected to range between $114,100 and $211,900 per year.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

To learn more about the culture, rewards and benefits we offer our people click here.

 

EEO Statement:

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to us.reasonableaccommodations@novartis.com or call +1(877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

 

Salary Range

$114,100.00 - $211,900.00

 

Skills Desired

Analysis, Innovation, Lifesciences, Operational Excellence, Scientific Support, Waterfall Model