IT Help Wanted: [itroundtable] Assoc Dir/Dir, Project Mgr

Company Overview:

Valeant is a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company with a diverse product portfolio with focus on branded pharmaceuticals, branded generics and over-the-counter products. Valeant specialization is in neurology and dermatology. Valeant is a progressive, exciting place to work - a place where opportunities are abound for new and current employees. At Valeant, we have a strong belief that the company's success coincides with employee achievement of personal and professional goals. Valeant is currently seeking an Associate Director/Director of Project Management join its US headquarters in Bridgewater, NJ.

Position Title: Associate Director/Director, Project Management-Job #1867

Please visit our website to apply at www.valeant.com

General Functions

· Facilitate the development of overall project strategy.

· Manage the project plan and ensure alignment with the approved strategy.

· Ensure project activities are being accomplished on schedule, within budget and in accordance with established strategic plans/timelines.

· Proactively identify potential resource constraints.

· Determine critical path activities and alert team members and/or management of issues likely to impact company commitments and project milestones.

· Work with project leader to assure risks are identified and mitigation plans are in place.

· Manage the project budget with support from line functions and finance resources.

· Facilitate active communications and strategic decision-making between various departments, disciplines, and management.

· Effectively applies agreed project management methodology and enforces project standards.

· Supports alliance and due diligence activities.

· Accountable for vendor and invoice management processes spanning multiple development sites.

Responsibilities:

· Create and execute project work plans and where possible ensures the work is completed on time, within budget and with acceptable quality.

· Identify resources needed and assigns individual responsibilities.

· Collaborate with the Project Team Leader to conduct regularly scheduled team meetings and teleconferences for the purpose of capturing issues, reviewing overall project activities and identifying action steps.

· Closely monitor project activities and alerts team members and/or management of any problems or issues that may effect company commitments and the attainment of project milestones.

· Provide risk assessments and recommends solutions to avoid/minimize project delays.

· Prepare and circulate interim, monthly, and quarterly project reports.

· Prepare presentations for Senior Management, project meetings and development partners.

· Ensure all necessary approaches are being considered and pursued to keep the projects on schedule within the earliest possible completion timeframe.

· Solicit opinions to validate realistic work schedules and project goals.

· Attend relevant project meetings (e.g. Senior Management/project, budget/finance, Partner, Task Force, and ad hoc) as necessary.

· Accountable for vendor and invoice management processes spanning multiple development sites.

· Define vendor work specifications and prepare requests for proposals.

· Manages the competitive bidding and vendor selection processes. Produces the final contract and secures necessary approvals.

Qualifications:

· BS or MS in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology or related scientific discipline from an accredited college or university. PMP certification desirable.

· A minimum of 5-9 years of project management experience in pharmaceutical drug development with an in-depth understanding of the full development cycle from preclinical to launch. Orphan drug experience or knowledge of dermatological, ophthalmologic or CNS disease areas is a plus.

· Experience with vendor selection and management processes. Understanding of contracts including legal understanding of terms and conditions.

· Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude, possessing the initiative required to achieve desired goals both independently and within a team structure.

· Excellent communication (verbal and written), presentation, organizational, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and problem solving skills.

· Experience in managing cross functional teams and the ability to interface effectively with senior management is essential.

· Excellent IT skills, specifically including proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and Outlook Express.

· In-depth proficiency in the use of project management software tools; advanced proficiency with MS Project desirable.