Associate Director, Project Management

Associate Director, Project Management Responsible for portfolio‑level delivery performance of customer projects at site level, ensuring projects are executed on time, within scope, on budget, and in compliance with quality and regulatory requirements. Leads the Project Management function at site or portfolio level, owns overall customer delivery performance and satisfaction, is accountable for site‑level project governance, escalation framework, reporting, and financial forecasting in partnership with Finance. Acts as the key interface between clients, site leadership and global functions. Key Responsibilities Project Delivery & Customer Accountability – Hold overall accountability for portfolio delivery performance, ensuring commitments to scope, timeline, cost, quality and compliance are met through effective PM execution; act as escalation point for high‑risk, cross‑project or unresolved issues; maintain customer satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle. Governance, Meetings & Escalation – Establish and own the site‑level governance framework aligned to Global PMO standards; ensure clear meeting cadence, agendas, minutes, action tracking and escalation pathways; provide structured portfolio visibility and escalation to site leadership. Planning, Risk & Delivery Management – Apply project planning disciplines across the PM team, including schedules, critical‑path management and RAID processes; proactively identify and address cross‑project risks; drive a proactive, risk‑based approach to delivery. Scope Change & Commercial Alignment – Manage scope change processes across the project portfolio; guide PMs on scope changes; partner with Business Development for commercial or non‑routine changes; ensure contractual, governance and communication standards are followed. Financial Oversight & Portfolio Reporting – Provide accurate project financial inputs to PMs, partner with Finance for demand visibility; deliver portfolio‑level reporting on status, schedule, cost variance and key risks; oversee invoicing activities for accurate, timely billing. People Leadership & Capability Development – Lead, coach and develop the PM team; support performance management, capability development and succession planning; promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and customer focus. Systems, Process & Continuous Improvement – Use project management systems and tools; partner with Global PMO for standardized processes; drive continuous improvement in project delivery practices; contribute to cross‑functional operational excellence initiatives. Cross‑Functional & Site Leadership Interface – Serve as key interface between customers, site leadership and global functions; balance customer expectations with site capacity, delivery risk and business needs; contribute to demand planning and capacity discussions. Success Measures On‑time, on‑budget project delivery Customer satisfaction and retention Effective governance and escalation management Portfolio visibility and forecast accuracy PM team capability, engagement and consistency Compliance with quality and regulatory expectations Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in a scientific, technical or business discipline (advanced degree preferred). Formal Project Management training or certification (PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent). Demonstrated experience leading client‑facing, cross‑functional project teams and delivering projects in a regulated environment. Strong working knowledge of project management tools such as Smartsheet or MS Project. Strong commercial, financial and customer‑management acumen. Behavioral & Leadership Competencies Customer & patient centric. Strategic thinking with operational rigor. Strong communication and influence. Risk‑based decision‑making. Accountability and ownership mindset. Ability to lead through complexity and ambiguity. EEO Statement PPL provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. It prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin or ethnicity, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our employment decisions are based on merit considering qualifications, skills, performance and achievements. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, selection, training, social programs, placement, promotion, demotion, compensation and benefits, transfers, terminations and working conditions. #J-18808-Ljbffr