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Project Manager, RD Program Management

Astellas Pharma
South San Francisco, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 5/14/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/25/2026
Do you want to be part of an inclusive team that works to develop innovative therapies for patients? Every day, we are driven to develop and deliver innovative and effective new medicines to patients and physicians. If you want to be part of this exciting work, you belong at Astellas!

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a pharmaceutical company conducting business in more than 70 countries around the world. We are committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the world. For more information on Astellas, please visit our website at www.astellas.com .

Purpose

Partner with SMEs from R&D functions in leadership of planning and execution of cross-functional non-pipeline projects within Research & Development that are aligned with broader strategies and business programs to improve how Astellas delivers innovative medicines to patients. These projects include internal initiatives / process improvements and associated IT system implementations. Project management will encompass elements of strategic planning / business case assembly, operational planning and leading execution to time, cost and scope. The role will also include stakeholder communication planning and management.

Essential Job Responsibilities

  • Lead / facilitate cross-functional teams in developing strategic options / solutions (and associated business cases as appropriate) for allocated organizational / process improvement projects that aim to solve current state business challenges.
  • Secure endorsement and Stakeholder / Sponsor alignment for team recommended solution/option incorporating any refinements.
  • Create a staged project implementation plan / roadmap with clear deliverables e.g. system requirements, training materials, and the business-as-usual support model.
  • Lead cross-functional execution of the plan ensuring within scope and on time / cost delivery.
  • Proactively identify, assess and manage risks throughout compilation and execution of the project.
  • Manage project costs, ensuring adherence to budget and regular reforecasting to alert sponsors / stakeholders of any projected over / underspend.
  • Employ best-practice change management practices / communication to ensure changes are successfully embedded within the business; including roles & responsibilities, business processes and systems.
  • Ensure post-implementation reviews occur to ensure lessons are learned and identify any deficiency in realizing the benefits defined in the business case.

Qualifications Required

  • Minimum BA/BS
  • Minimum 5 years in the pharmaceutical industry and/or 3 years management consulting group focused on clinical development, regulatory, medical, or product safety in the drug development setting.
  • Good understanding of the global drug development processes and business processes and procedures to ensure cross-functional connections and operational processes are appropriately and effectively developed and communicated across the organization.
  • Knowledge of enterprise-wide pharmaceutical software solutions in industry
  • Experience delivering transformational change through leadership of business improvement projects.
  • Proven track record of facilitating process optimization and process change initiatives in a cross- functional setting.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills, in English, with an ability to interact at all levels of personnel.
  • Experience working cross-functionally and cross-culturally in support of business processes and/or systems, especially as they impact and influence multiple departments and levels of management.
  • Strong and effective strategic thinker and problem solver with high degree of emotional intelligence, with the ability to both recognize and anticipate problems.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate solutions into viable action plans at a global level that are effectively disseminated and implemented through cooperation of stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively build business relationships and influence without authority as part of a matrix organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects efficiently.
  • May require up to 10% international travel.

Preferred

  • Advanced degree, MS, PhD, MBA.

Working Environment

  • At Astellas, we recognize the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimize the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver. Hybrid work from certain locations may be permitted in accordance with Astellas’ Responsible Flexibility Guidelines.

Salary Range: $119,000 - $170,000 (Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, and organizational equity considerations).

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Generous Paid Time Off options, including Vacation and Sick time, plus national holidays including year-end shut down
  • 401(k) match and annual company contribution
  • Company paid life insurance
  • Annual Corporate Bonus and Quarterly Sales Incentive for eligible positions
  • Long Term Incentive Plan for eligible positions
  • Company-paid fleet vehicle for eligible positions
  • Referral bonus program

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Category RD Program Management

Astellas is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment.

EOE including Disability/Protected Veterans

Salary : $119,000 - $170,000

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