Senior Director, Project Management - Health & Life Sciences

About Escalent

Escalent is a recognized leader in data analytics and advisory services, dedicated to helping clients interpret human and market behaviors to manage change effectively. For over four decades, the company has driven growth for top global brands by integrating primary, secondary, syndicated, and internal data to deliver strategic consulting from insights to application. Escalent’s approach focuses on understanding the motivators behind human behavior and market trends to enhance brand strength, improve customer experiences, fuel product innovation, and boost productivity. The company promotes a culture of listening, learning, innovation, and delivering impactful solutions for both clients and colleagues.

Role Overview

The Senior Director of Project Management will head the Project Management divisions pertaining to primary market research and operations within the Escalent Global Health & Life Sciences segment. This role directs multiple geographically dispersed project management teams, ensuring delivery of client work aligns with agreed timelines, quality standards, budgets, scope, and financial targets. The position includes hands-on management of select projects and involvement in commercial activities such as proposal cost estimation and contracting. This US-based role demands leadership in executing the functional strategy of Project Management over a short to medium term (1-3 years), turning business priorities into actionable operational plans, staffing strategies, process protocols, and measurable success objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Health & Life Sciences Project Management function by setting operational goals and measurable achievements aligned with company strategy.
• Direct a global department comprising multiple teams under various managers or team leaders.
• Establish department-wide expectations covering project delivery quality, financial management, client service excellence, and talent development.
• Coach and develop managerial staff to effectively lead their teams and meet performance expectations.
• Ensure adherence to project management policies, procedures, compliance, pharmacovigilance requirements, audit readiness, and quality standards among all stakeholders, including vendors and clients.
• Oversee comprehensive delivery of global primary research projects, including scheduling, scope, budgeting, resource allocation, vendor coordination, and client communication.
• Collaborate with leaders across multiple departments such as Insights & Consulting, Sales, Operations, Finance, and Centers of Excellence to support accurate proposals, resource planning, and business objectives.
• Maintain department-wide oversight of scope, time, cost, quality, resources, and risk to ensure projects proceed smoothly.
• Communicate project management priorities, risks, and improvements to executive leadership and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide expert guidance on project management best practices and execution tailored to Health & Life Sciences research methodologies.
• Resolve complex operational challenges related to timelines, budgets, quality metrics, vendor performance, resources, and client expectations by analyzing data and consulting stakeholders.
• Drive consistent application of project documentation, risk management, financial controls, and process enhancements across teams.
• Monitor and manage financial performance ensuring projects remain within budget and meet margin goals.
• Anticipate and address operational risks and resource needs by adjusting priorities, staffing, workflows, and escalation procedures.

What Success Looks Like

• Clear departmental goals, expectations, and performance metrics are in place, aligned with Health & Life Sciences business targets.
• Managers and Team Leaders are equipped and effective in leading their teams and ensuring reliable project delivery.
• Projects consistently meet timelines, budgets, scopes, and quality criteria while achieving client satisfaction and financial expectations.
• Challenges are thoroughly investigated and resolved, improving processes and communication continuously.
• All stakeholders, including clients and leadership, benefit from proactive communication and strong project management leadership.
• Consistent and compliant project management practices are applied globally across multiple teams and projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline required; advanced degrees are advantageous. Equivalent education and experience combinations will be considered.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in project management, research operations, consulting, healthcare, life sciences, data collection, or related fields, including leadership of teams or functions.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience managing multiple global project teams through managers or team leaders.
• Proven skills in translating functional strategies into operational plans, goal setting, resource deployment, and measurable outcomes.
• Experience successfully managing complex project deliveries involving scope, timelines, budgets, quality standards, vendor relations, and resources.
• Ability to effectively communicate and influence executive leadership and varied stakeholders to adopt productive practices and solutions.
• Expertise in financial oversight, vendor management, research operations, and operational compliance with industry regulations.
• Familiarity with quantitative, qualitative, and data collection research methodologies, ideally within Health & Life Sciences.
• PMP certification or formal project management training preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), AI tools, and project management software is preferred.

Skills and Attributes

• Strategic thinking that transforms priorities into effective execution plans.
• Experienced leadership capable of managing through managers while maintaining oversight of projects and outcomes.
• Strong communication skills establishing credibility with executives, clients, vendors, and teams.
• Change leadership with the ability to align stakeholders on process improvements and delivery standards.
• Analytical problem-solving to investigate issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Organizational prowess managing multiple projects, teams, risks, and priorities efficiently.
• Collaborative, professional demeanor sensitive to client and executive contexts.
• Composure under pressure, keen attention to detail, and relentless focus on execution quality and accountability.
• Success in mentoring and developing team members to foster skills and career growth.

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance through top national providers, including coverage for domestic partners.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Flexible paid time off policy encouraging at least three weeks of vacation.
• Paid parental leave.
• Twelve paid company holidays annually.
• Virtual-first workforce with hybrid/remote work options available in most states.
• Annual salary range between $120,000 and $135,000 for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Escalent is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any legally protected status.