For one of our clients, a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals, we are currently looking for a Global/Principal Project Manager.
General Information:
- Start Date: 24.08.2026
- Latest possible start date: 01.11.2026
- Planned Employment Duration: 12 months with the possibility of extension (depending on the project extension)
- Workplace: Basel
- Workload: 100%
- Home Office: Not possible
- Travel: Yes, within Switzerland, approximately 10-20%.
- Department: Project Management (MMDZBC7A | 50711879)
- Working Hours: Standard
About the job:
For one of our clients, we are looking for a Principal Project Manager (PM) to manage a range of projects, based on their stage and complexity. This role encompasses a variety of assignments including development pipeline, line extensions, post-approval, technology, and continuous improvement initiatives. The PM will work independently, effectively prioritizing and managing workload to meet team goals with limited direction. The role includes flexibility for global time zone interactions and occasional travel to external partners for collaboration and planning activities.
The Perfect Candidate:
Holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field, supported by 8 to 11 years of professional experience, including a minimum of 5 years within the medical device, pharmaceutical, or biopharmaceutical sectors. They should possess significant expertise in managing drug or medical device development and commercialization projects, with a focus on combination products and vendor collaboration. Proficiency in industry-standard project management tools, such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, and Google Suite, is required, alongside a thorough understanding of 21CFR820.30 design control requirements. A PMP certification is considered a valuable asset for this role. Furthermore, the candidate should demonstrate the ability to manage complex projects independently within a fast-paced environment and possess excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in German, Japanese, or Danish is advantageous.
Tasks & Responsibilities:
In collaboration with the Technical Development Team Lead (TDTL) & Device Team Leader (DTL), the PM will translate device strategy into actionable plans, focusing on three key areas:
- Planning: Define “inspection ready” Design & Development Plans
- Execution: Drive team activities to meet project and design control deliverables
- Team Dynamics: Ensure effective communication and facilitate team performance in a regulated environment using various processes and tools for planning, communication, budget, schedule, compliance, and risk management
Project Management responsibilities:
- Maintains full understanding of program milestones for the Core, Lifecycle, Technical Development and associated teams and links them to the Device Team plan
- Effectively applies PM best practices and utilizes tools for planning, communication, team building, collaboration, decision-making, issue & risk management, lessons learned, knowledge management and budget tracking
- Develops & updates Design & Development Plan and establishes contingency plans as needed
- Ensures transparent communication of key team information and escalates issues as appropriate
- Establishes positive team dynamics through team building
- Promotes collaborative environment across team members
- Facilitates efficient decision-making and issue resolution
- Identifies team risks and mitigation plans
Project Planning and Execution:
- Manages project scope and facilitate necessary changes
- Facilitates project plan development and execution, and monitor the project schedule
- Integrates deliverables with other teams linked to the product
- Ensures effective team dynamics and positive team environments
- Risk and Issue Management:
- Anticipates and manage risks with proactive contingency plans
- Facilitates risk management process and issue resolution
Collaboration and Team Building:
- Assesses Team dynamics and leads team building activities to enable and sustain a high performing team environment
- Establish relationships and network with other stakeholder Teams and PMs
Communication:
- Develops and adapts project communication tools to drive awareness of project progress and risks across stakeholders including external collaborators (e.g. dashboard)
- Acts as Device Team Leader back-up for Team communication as required
- Liaises with other Teams to manage cross-functional activities and issues and risks
Meeting and Budget Management:
- Facilitate effective team meetings with clear outcomes and follow-up actions
- Forecast and monitor team resources and project costs
Knowledge Management:
- Establishes centralized Team access to all relevant project information
- Manages Team uncontrolled document repository (e.g. Project History File)
- Conducts lessons learned exercises during project execution and share outcomes to a broader audience
Governance:
- Effectively navigates the Device Team through business process stage-gates
- Supports Team Leader with technical advisory and governance committee reviews at predefined check-in points and/or identifies appropriate check-in points
Continuous Improvement Initiatives:
- Leads business process continuous improvement initiatives through applying project lessons: business process updates, PM tool optimization & implementation, best practice sharing and driving awareness across teams
Must Haves:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
- Min. 8 to 11 years of experience, with at least 5 years in a relevant industry, preferably within a global medical device, pharmaceutical, or biopharmaceutical company
- Experience in project management in drug and/or medical device development and commercialization, particularly with combination products
- Proficiency in Project Management best practices and software (Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Google suite)
- PMP certification is an asset.
- Knowledge of 21CFR820.30 design control requirements
- Experience with vendor / partner collaboration.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to manage complex projects independently in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
- Fluent English is required. German, Japanese or Danish is of advantage
Sounds interesting? Apply now – we’re looking forward to receiving your applications!
Application Submission Deadline: 30.06.2026
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