Pharmaron
Portfolio Operations Lead
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Job Introduction
Portfolio Operations Lead, Integrated Drug Discovery
Location: Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire
Department: Integrated Drug Discovery
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced Portfolio Operations Lead to join our Integrated Drug Discovery team at our Hoddesdon site.
The Integrated Drug Discovery (IDD) Services group at Pharmaron is responsible for leading and delivering drug discovery projects for our client partners. The team comprises scientific expertise and strategic leadership across medicinal chemistry, CADD, biology, DMPK and translational science. Combined with Pharmaron’s global research capabilities we design and deliver integrated programmes from target identification and hit finding through to IND filing. Working closely with our partners we define strategy, coordinate execution across teams and with an AI enabled Design–Make–Test–Analyse cycle support the progression of projects and innovative medicines towards the clinic.
This is a highly collaborative role at the centre of our drug discovery portfolio, connecting scientific teams with clients, Business Development, Finance and operational stakeholders. You will provide the coordination, commercial oversight and portfolio visibility needed to support the successful delivery of complex, multidisciplinary drug discovery programmes.
Alongside managing pipeline and portfolio information, you will support proposal development, financial forecasting, client governance and project logistics. You will also help ensure that programmes remain aligned with agreed timelines, budgets and client expectations.
This opportunity would suit someone who combines a strong understanding of drug discovery with excellent project management, stakeholder engagement and organisational skills.
What You Will Be Doing
Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing revenue forecasts, invoicing schedules and financial tracking across the Integrated Drug Discovery portfolio.
- Working with Finance and operational teams to provide accurate monthly portfolio and financial reporting.
- Maintaining oversight of pipeline opportunities in partnership with IDD leadership, Business Development and Sales.
- Coordinating client proposal responses and ensuring high-quality submissions are delivered on time.
- Working with technical teams to develop realistic project timelines, resource profiles and delivery plans.
- Organising and chairing meetings involving IDD leadership, scientific teams, Business Development and commercial stakeholders.
- Acting as a key administrative and operational contact for clients, supporting effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
- Coordinating project activities across global technical teams, Finance and Business Development.
- Supporting joint steering committee and client governance meetings, including managing actions, decisions and key performance indicators.
- Identifying project risks and working with colleagues to implement appropriate mitigations and contingency plans.
- Creating and maintaining portfolio dashboards, pipeline charts and performance metrics.
- Identifying opportunities to improve portfolio processes, reporting and operational efficiency.
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What We Are Looking For
You will bring:
- A degree or equivalent qualification in Bioscience, Pharmaceutical Science or a related scientific discipline.
- At least five years’ industry experience within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, contract research or closely related organisation.
- Previous project or portfolio management experience within a scientific or pharmaceutical environment.
- Experience of the drug discovery process, ideally from hit identification through to IND filing.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary scientific teams.
- Experience managing external client relationships and expectations.
- Strong cross-functional project management capabilities.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Strong planning, organisational and time-management abilities.
- The confidence to influence stakeholders and bring different functions together around shared priorities.
- A good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
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A recognised project management qualification, such as PMP, PRINCE2 or an equivalent certification, would be advantageous. Direct experience of working within pre-candidate selection drug discovery teams would also be beneficial.
About You
You will be a proactive, organised and solutions-focused professional who is comfortable working across scientific, operational and commercial teams.
You will be able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. You will also bring a collaborative and customer-focused approach, sound judgement and the confidence to escalate issues or seek specialist input when required.
As the role supports global programmes and stakeholders, some flexibility may occasionally be required to accommodate meetings across different international time zones.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to take on a visible and influential role within an integrated drug discovery environment. You will work alongside experienced scientific and commercial colleagues, support relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients, and contribute to programmes focused on advancing new medicines.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Support a diverse portfolio of innovative drug discovery programmes.
- Work with multidisciplinary scientific teams and global stakeholders.
- Build strong relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.
- Influence portfolio processes, reporting and operational improvements.
- Develop your career within a collaborative, science-led global organisation.
Apply
If you have a strong understanding of drug discovery, proven project or portfolio management experience and the ability to build effective relationships across scientific, commercial and client teams, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Apply today to join our Integrated Drug Discovery team and help support the successful delivery of innovative drug discovery programmes.
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