Senior Project Manager / Associate Project Management Director

Location: Spain, Poland, Serbia and Bulgaria

Who we are?

Optimapharm is a mid-sized, global Contract Research Organisation (CRO) turning science into hope through agile, patient-focused clinical development. We specialise in Phase I–IV clinical studies, delivering Full-Service and Functional Service Provision (FSP) solutions that help sponsors move faster and execute with confidence.

With operations in 40+ countries and 2x the patient reach of the average mid-sized CRO, we enable accelerated regulatory pathways, faster study start-up, and access to diverse patient populations worldwide. At Optimapharm, you’ll contribute to meaningful clinical research while growing your career in a dynamic, people‑focused, global environment.

Own global clinical trials. Influence strategy. Build lasting client partnerships.

We’re looking for a Senior Project Manager / Associate Project Management Director to join our growing global Project Management team. We're looking for someone who enjoys taking on complex challenges, building trusted partnerships, and turning ambitious goals into successful outcomes. At Optimapharm, you'll lead global clinical trials, partner directly with sponsors, influence key decisions, and help shape the future of a growing international CRO.

This role is designed for an experienced global project leader who combines strategic oversight, financial acumen, client leadership, and experience delivering complex global (oncology) studies. You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy creating structure, driving improvements, and helping shape how things are done, rather than simply operating within established processes.

What do we offer?

Working in a successful company that’s growing and developing every day

Being part of a clinical research team that transforms science into hope for patients

A highly visible role with direct impact on clients, projects, and business success

The opportunity to lead complex global clinical trials and strategic sponsor partnerships

Exposure to proposals, bid defenses, and commercial activities

Clear opportunities to your leadership scope, take on increasingly strategic responsibilities, and grow within our global PM organization

The chance to shape processes, drive improvements, and influence how we work

Performance bonus

Referral bonus

Employee engagement programs

Well-being initiatives

Training and development program

Additional location-specific benefits

Who are we looking for?

Qualifications and Experience

University degree in Life Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, or another relevant field

8+ years of clinical research experience, including 5+ years of recent CRO project management experience leading global, multi-country clinical trials (EU, US and/or APAC)

Strong Oncology experience is required, including oversight of global phase II-III oncology trials

Experience in immunology and autoimmune diseases will be considered an advantage

Experience managing project budgets, forecasting, financial performance, and change orders

Experience contributing to proposals, bid defenses, feasibility assessments, or other business development activities

Strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills

Knowledge of ICH-GCP and global clinical trial regulations

Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Fluent English, written and verbal

A proactive mindset, strong sense of ownership, and ability to drive solutions independently

Your responsibilities

Lead global clinical trials with accountability for timelines, budgets, quality, and client satisfaction

Build trusted sponsor relationships and serve as a strategic partner throughout the project lifecycle

Lead and inspire cross-functional teams across regions and functions

Maintain strategic oversight across complex global programs while empowering functional teams to deliver excellence

Own project financial performance through forecasting, budget management, change order control, revenue optimization, and risk management

Anticipate risks, identify opportunities, and turn complex challenges into practical solutions

Lead vendor and partner oversight to ensure quality, timelines, and performance expectations are met

Lead governance meetings and manage project escalations with confidence and transparency

Support business growth through proposal development, feasibility activities, and bid defenses

Mentor colleagues and contribute to the continued growth and evolution of our global Project Management organization

You will be successful in this role if you:

Enjoy balancing strategic oversight with operational excellence

Are comfortable making decisions in complex and evolving environments

Build trust quickly with sponsors, colleagues, and partners

See challenges as opportunities to improve, innovate, and grow

If you would be interested in joining the Optimapharm team, please send your CV and note that only shortlisted candidates who meet the requirements will be contacted for the further selection process.

We offer a competitive compensation, with the final position (Sr PM or aPMD) and offer tailored to the candidate’s experience, expertise, qualifications, and demonstrated leadership capabilities.

Disclaimer: Unsolicited CVs sent to Optimapharm (Talent Acquisition Team, Hiring Managers or any other OPT employee) by recruitment agencies will not be considered for this role. Optimapharm follows a direct sourcing strategy and collaborates exclusively with selected recruitment partners when external support is required.