Senior Director, Project Management

Role Description

The Senior Director, Project Management leads the Project Management functions of primary market research and operations for Escalent Global Health & Life Sciences, providing operational direction for a department that includes multiple project management teams. This US-based role is accountable for ensuring that client work across the department and geographic regions is delivered consistently on time, at a high level of quality, and in alignment with agreed scope, budget, process, and financial expectations. The Senior Director is also expected to lead and manage individual projects, as needed, as well as support the commercial process including proposal cost estimating and contracting.

As a Senior Director-level leader, this position owns the short- to mid-term execution of the Project Management functional strategy, typically over a one- to three-year horizon. The Senior Director translates business, client, and functional priorities into operating plans, staffing and resource approaches, process expectations, and performance goals for the department.

The Senior Director contributes to client satisfaction, retention, operational discipline, and financial performance by leading through Managers and/or Team Leaders, influencing cross-functional partners, and communicating effectively with executive leadership. Problems faced are often complex and require extensive investigation, analysis, stakeholder alignment, and sound decision-making.

The Salary Range for this position is $120,000 - $135,000. For this remote position, must be based in the United States.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the short- to mid-term execution of the Project Management functional strategy for Escalent Health & Life Sciences.
• Provide operational direction for a global department that includes multiple project management teams led by Managers and/or Team Leaders.
• Set department-level goals, objectives, operating expectations, and performance measures to support project delivery, quality, financial stewardship, client service, and team development.
• Lead, coach, and develop Managers and/or Team Leaders.
• Ensure Project Management policies, practices, procedures, compliance expectations, pharmacovigilance, and quality standards are understood and followed.
• Oversee end-to-end Global Primary Research Health & Life Sciences project delivery.
• Partner with leaders across Insights & Consulting, Sales & Strategic Growth, Operations, Finance, and Centers of Excellence.
• Serve as a senior project management leader ensuring department-level oversight of scope, time, cost, quality, resources, and risk.
• Communicate and influence executive leadership on project delivery priorities and operational risks.
• Influence clients, colleagues, vendors, and senior stakeholders to align around effective project management practices.
• Provide consultative project management guidance to clients and internal leaders.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve complex operational and project delivery issues.
• Use data, tools, analysis, and sound judgment to evaluate complex problems.
• Drive consistent project management practices, documentation standards, and continuous process improvement.
• Maintain accountability for project financial performance.
• Anticipate operational risks and capacity needs across the department.

What Success Looks Like

• The Project Management team has clear goals, operating expectations, performance measures, and delivery standards.
• Managers and/or Team Leaders are effectively leading their teams and supporting consistent execution.
• Projects are delivered on time, within scope, on budget, and with a strong focus on quality and client satisfaction.
• Complex delivery issues are investigated thoroughly and resolved effectively.
• Clients, internal partners, vendors, and executive leaders experience proactive communication and strong project management leadership.
• Escalent project management practices are applied consistently across multiple global teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Typically requires 10+ years of project management, research operations, consulting, healthcare, life sciences, or related professional services experience.
• Experience managing Managers, Team Leaders, or multiple global project teams is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to translate functional strategy into operating plans and measurable outcomes.
• Strong experience managing complex project delivery issues.
• Proven ability to communicate with and influence executive leadership and senior stakeholders.
• Strong expertise in project financial management and continuous process improvement.
• Breadth of research methodology knowledge and experience.
• PMP certification or formal project management training preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management software is preferred.

Skills & Attributes

• Strategic operators who can translate functional priorities into practical execution plans.
• Experienced leaders who can lead through Managers and/or Team Leaders.
• Strong communicators who build credibility with executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Influential change leaders who can align others around practices and process improvements.
• Analytical problem solvers who can investigate complex issues and recommend solutions.
• Highly organized, process-oriented leaders who can manage multiple teams and projects.
• Collaborative, professional, and situationally aware.
• Calm under pressure, detail-oriented, and committed to execution excellence.
• Experienced in successfully coaching and mentoring team members.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance - Large carriers on a national level (domestic partner coverage included).
• 401k with Company Match.
• Flexible PTO - Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation time.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• 12 Paid Company Holidays.
• Hybrid/Virtual Work - Virtual-first workforce with employees in most states.