Line Manager for Clinical Project Manager

• We are looking for a CPM Line Manager to join our cFSP team and provide leadership, coaching, and functional oversight to an assigned group of Clinical Project Managers.
• This opportunity could suit an established people manager, but previous formal line management experience is not essential for the right candidate. We are also keen to hear from high-performing Senior or Lead Clinical Project Managers who have demonstrated leadership through mentoring, coaching, study team oversight, stakeholder management, or similar responsibilities and are ready to take the next step in their career.
• The successful candidate will combine a strong clinical project management background with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine passion for developing people.
• Experience leading global clinical studies within a sponsor-dedicated/FSP model, CRO, or large pharmaceutical environment will be particularly relevant to this opportunity.

What you will be doing

• As a CPM Line Manager, you will provide dedicated line management, leadership, coaching, and functional oversight to an assigned team of Clinical Project Managers within the cFSP model.

Your responsibilities will include

• Conducting regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports, providing coaching, performance feedback, career development support, and oversight of project responsibilities.
• Setting clear performance expectations and objectives and supporting ongoing performance management.
• Coaching and mentoring team members to support their professional growth, leadership development, and longer-term career progression.
• Leading the onboarding, training, and integration of newly hired CPMs into the cFSP model.
• Completing and reviewing competency assessments and individual development plans with direct reports.
• Monitoring team performance, engagement, workload, training completion, and development needs.
• Supporting employee engagement initiatives and contributing to action planning based on employee feedback.
• Ensuring CPMs understand their responsibilities within the client-led work package and product delivery model, including appropriate communication, escalation, and adherence to required standards.
• Ensuring work is conducted in accordance with applicable processes, policies, procedures, quality standards, SOPs, and regulatory requirements.
• Reviewing resource allocation and workload across the CPM team and partnering with leadership on capacity planning, succession planning, and backfill activities.
• Producing and presenting team status reports, resource summaries, and operational updates for functional and senior leadership.
• Supporting direct reports with expectations relating to resource management, time reporting, compliance, training, and operational discipline.
• Partnering with functional leadership, client stakeholders, and operational teams to support effective resource management and clear ways of working.
• Driving continuous improvement activities and encouraging the sharing of best practices across the CPM team.
• Representing the CPM line management function during internal meetings, governance discussions, talent reviews, and client-facing forums as required.
• Supporting recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and workforce planning activities for the CPM function.
• Serving as an escalation point for team members and providing guidance on people-related, operational, and resource management challenges.
• Promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, engagement, and continuous development across the team.
• Participating in functional, organizational, and client-driven initiatives supporting talent development, resource management, and strategic business objectives.

What we are looking for

• We are looking for someone with strong clinical project management experience who can demonstrate both successful project delivery and the ability to lead, influence, and develop others.

You will ideally bring

• A Bachelor's degree in life sciences or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of clinical research experience, including minimum 3 years of leadership experience.
• Strong clinical project management experience, ideally including responsibility for global studies.
• Experience within a sponsor-dedicated/FSP model, CRO, or large pharmaceutical environment.
• Previous formal people management experience is valuable, but not essential. Leadership experience gained through mentoring, coaching, study team oversight, or similar responsibilities will also be considered.
• A strong understanding of clinical trial conduct and applicable clinical research regulatory requirements, including ICH-GCP and relevant local regulations and guidelines.
• A proven ability to deliver projects successfully against quality and timeline expectations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, including the ability to work effectively with clients, colleagues, and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong coaching, influencing, negotiation, judgment, and decision-making capabilities.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively identify and address performance or operational challenges.
• The ability to establish effective working relationships across functions and geographies, with awareness and understanding of cultural differences.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style with a genuine interest in supporting the development and success of others.
• Strong organizational and computer skills, including MS Office applications.