Project Manager- Research Operations/HEOR

Project Manager – Research Operations / HEOR

Location: Mettawa, IL
Work Model: Hybrid
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 40 hours/week
Contract: 12 months

$44-$49/hr based on health benefit selections
 
Position Overview

Orion Group is seeking an experienced Project Manager to support an Operations group within our global pharmaceutical client's scientific research organization.
This role supports global non-interventional research across multiple therapeutic areas within a highly regulated pharmaceutical environment.

The Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating research-related operational activities with a strong focus on contract execution, vendor management, budget tracking and forecasting, project timelines, data quality, and process improvement.

The ideal candidate will have previous pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry experience and be comfortable working across scientific, finance, purchasing, legal, compliance, medical, and commercial functions.

This position requires someone who is highly organized and detail-oriented while also being able to independently manage projects, anticipate risks, resolve issues, and keep multiple stakeholders and vendors moving toward established milestones.

Key Responsibilities

Project & Vendor Management

• Manage project timelines and drive activities toward established milestones and deliverables.
• Proactively identify projects that may be at risk and communicate concerns, delays, and potential solutions to study leads.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and obtain regular updates regarding project timelines, deliverables, and budget status.
• Coordinate activities across multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate resolution of project and process issues involving HEOR scientists, HEOR analysts, Finance, Purchasing, Legal, OEC, Medical, Commercial, and other cross-functional partners.

Contracts & SOW Execution

• Facilitate the intake and review of vendor proposals.
• Coordinate the execution of Statements of Work (SOWs) and service agreements in partnership with Purchasing, Legal, Study Leads, and external vendors.
• Track contracting activities and help ensure agreements progress through the appropriate review and approval processes.
• Serve as a coordinating point for contract template updates with the Technology Licensing and Collaborations team.
• Route documentation for appropriate review and approval in accordance with applicable corporate and divisional policies and procedures.

Budget Tracking & Forecasting

• Track project budgets and work with vendors and internal stakeholders to maintain visibility into project financial status.
• Support budget forecasting activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Request and monitor vendor budget updates to identify potential risks, changes, or discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate project and financial information within applicable systems and tracking tools.

Data Management & Quality Control

• Perform accurate data entry across multiple platforms and business systems.
• Conduct quality-control reviews to ensure that project information is complete, accurate, and consistent.
• Follow established step-by-step work guides and procedures while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
• Maintain project documentation and records in accordance with established processes and requirements.

Process Improvement & Systems Support

• Identify opportunities to improve existing operational processes and recommend practical solutions.
• Support process improvement initiatives from recommendation through implementation.
• Assist with projects focused on implementing systems and tools that automate or streamline operational processes.
• Support ongoing system maintenance with an emphasis on continuous improvement and operational efficiency.
• Review, update, and maintain job guides and process documentation.
• Translate high-level business requirements into clear, efficient, and repeatable processes.

Required Qualifications

• Previous experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry is required, including familiarity with industry terminology and experience working within a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated project management and/or Business Excellence experience.
• Proficiency with project management tools, methodologies, and techniques.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and SharePoint.
• Experience managing project timelines, milestones, and multiple priorities.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and step-by-step work guides.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated conflict-resolution and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders and external vendors.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to focus on details while maintaining awareness of broader project objectives.
• Ability to make rational, sound decisions when navigating ambiguity or "gray areas."
• Process-oriented mindset with the ability to translate high-level requirements into efficient processes.
• Ability to clearly present information, influence stakeholders, and logically support recommendations or proposed solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with contracting and SOW execution.
• Experience supporting compliance or quality-related processes.
• Experience working with business systems and process automation initiatives.
• Familiarity with SAP.
• Familiarity with Salesforce.
• Experience with budget tracking and forecasting.
• Experience managing external vendors within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or scientific research environment.
• Experience developing or maintaining SOPs, job guides, process documentation, or similar operational materials.

Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidate will combine pharmaceutical/biotech industry knowledge with hands-on operational project management experience.
This individual should be comfortable managing the details behind research projects—including contracts, vendors, budgets, timelines, documentation, systems, and approvals—while coordinating across numerous internal functions.

This role will be particularly well suited for someone who is self-motivated, process-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable operating independently in a regulated environment. The successful candidate will know when to escalate risks, communicate effectively with study leads and vendors, and maintain strong attention to detail without losing sight of overall project objectives.


People are our business worldwide
 
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.