The final salary or hourly wage, as applicable, paid to each candidate/applicant for this position is ultimately dependent on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s/applicant’s qualifications, skills, and level of experience as well as the geographical location of the position.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sponsorship not available.

Our client is seeking a Program Manager – Business Capability – Lead in Princeton, NJ

Role Description

We are seeking highly skilled professionals to support process optimization and strategic transformation initiatives within Drug Development. Contractors will work alongside internal leaders to drive operational excellence, project management, and change management across a portfolio of high-impact workstreams. This role requires strong program management capabilities, process design and analysis expertise, and the ability to deliver clear, actionable recommendations that improve cycle time, productivity, and quality. Successful candidates will thrive in a dynamic environment, demonstrate intellectual curiosity, and bring a practical, hands-on approach to executing complex initiatives.
• Provide program management support across multiple workstreams, including project planning, milestone tracking, risk identification, and progress reporting
• Partner with Business Process Owners and leaders to design, document, and implement future-state processes, ensuring alignment across functions and governance structures
• Develop and maintain process maps, SOP updates, and supporting documentation using enterprise tools (e.g., Adonis, MS Project, OnePlan)
• Lead implementation and change management activities, including communication and socialization plans, training development support, and stakeholder engagement
• Support value realization through tracking of benefits, performance metrics, and initiative outcomes; provide analysis to diagnose root causes of underperformance and recommend corrective actions
• Manage initiative portfolio dashboards and reporting to ensure visibility and alignment with org priorities
• Deliver high-quality materials for exec communications, including presentations, dashboards, and briefs
• Contribute to knowledge transfer and sustainability by creating playbooks, transition materials, and tools to embed continuous improvement practices within the organization

Skills & Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in project management, operational excellence, or business process improvement within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industry
• Strong background in change management and implementation planning, with demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders across functions and levels
• Experience in process mapping, performance analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean Six Sigma certification preferred)
• Familiarity with relevant technologies and tools used in business process management (e.g., Adonis, OnePlan, MS Project, workflow automation tools)
• Excellent communication skills, with proven ability to prepare executive-level presentations and engage stakeholders effectively
• High proficiency critical thinking, problem-solving, & decision-making under dynamic and shifting priorities
• Demonstrated adaptability, flexibility, and resilience in transformation environments
• Track record of delivering results in large, complex organizations with competing demands
• 5+ years of pharma R&D industry experience; strong preference for drug development experience
• 5+ years of experience in leading important cross-functional strategic initiatives through robust strategic change execution methods and best practices with accountability for achieving the expected business outcomes
• Strong background in project and change management and implementation planning, with demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders across functions and levels
• Excellent communication skills, with proven ability to prepare executive-level presentations and engage stakeholders effectively
• High proficiency critical thinking, problem-solving, & decision-making under dynamic and shifting priorities
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Life Sciences, Engineering, or related field required
• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD, PharmD) preferred but not required

Benefits/Other Compensation

This position is a contract/temporary role where Hays offers you the opportunity to enroll in full medical benefits, dental benefits, vision benefits, 401K and Life Insurance ($20,000 benefit).

Why Hays?

You will be working with a professional recruiter who has intimate knowledge of the industry and market trends. Your Hays recruiter will lead you through a thorough screening process in order to understand your skills, experience, needs, and drivers. You will also get support on resume writing, interview tips, and career planning, so when there’s a position you really want, you’re fully prepared to get it.

Nervous about an upcoming interview? Unsure how to write a new resume?

Visit the Hays Career Advice section to learn top tips to help you stand out from the crowd when job hunting.

Hays is committed to building a thriving culture of diversity that embraces people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better we serve our candidates, clients, and employees. We are an equal employment opportunity employer, and we comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, HIV-positive status, as well as any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. One of Hays’ guiding principles is ‘do the right thing’.
We also believe that actions speak louder than words.
In that regard, we train our staff on ensuring inclusivity throughout the entire recruitment process and counsel our clients on these principles. If you have any questions about Hays or any of our processes, please contact us.

In accordance with applicable federal, state, and local law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, Hays will attempt to reasonably accommodate those individuals unless doing so would create an undue hardship on the company. Any qualified applicant or consultant with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should call or text 813.336.5570.

Drug testing may be required; please contact a recruiter for more information.

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