Director Project Management

About us

As a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) within the pharmaceutical industry, Ardena is dedicated to supporting pharmaceutical companies, from virtual biotech to major players, in bringing their valuable molecules to the clinic and market. Our commitment extends to providing a comprehensive and integrated portfolio covering drug substance and drug product development, manufacturing, logistics, and bioanalytical services.

With a rapidly growing international orientation, Ardena boasts a team of 500+ professionals operating across five strategically located sites. Our presence spans Belgium (Gent), The Netherlands (Oss and Assen), Spain (Pamplona), and Sweden (Södertälje). Embracing an open and transparent culture, we hold team spirit, an open mindset, and ownership as key values within our organization.

We are a dynamic force in drug development, offering compelling career opportunities to skilled and motivated individuals seeking to make their mark in the rapidly expanding global pharmaceutical industry. If you're looking to thrive in a challenging contract research and development environment, collaborating with experts to innovate drugs for unmet medical needs, Ardena could be the ideal workplace for you.

For the Ardena Business Unit Drug Product Development and Manufacturing (DDM) based in Mariakerke (Gent, Belgium), we are looking for a

DIRECTOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The Ardena DDM Business unit located in Belgium provide clients with a full-service solution from formulation development, analytical method development and validation, demo batch production, stability studies, clinical GMP batch production, QC testing, labelling and randomization, QP release, storage and shipping through to regulatory support for molecules in the early phase of development. In 2023, our current drug product services in oral dosage forms (granules, capsules, tablets, solutions, etc.) wasexpanded with aseptic fill and finish capabilities for the development and clinical production of small and large molecule injectable formulations.

The DDM Project Managers are the primary point of contact for our customers. Together with the customer, they define the project scope and design. They manage the project on a daily basis, from negotiation with the customer on project design and budget, through high level follow up on the execution of the project plan within Ardena Gent DDM, until completion of all deliverables. They make the connection between the customer and the internal DDM organization to assure project deliverables in accordance to set timelines, budget and agreements.

Your key role

As Director Project Management, you are responsible for a senior and independent team of Project Managers. In this position you will coordinate and supervise the planning and execution of all activities assigned to the Project Managers. You keep an overview on the project progression, think along and act as a problem solver when necessary. An important point of attention in this position is to coach the Project Management team in a commercial and customer driven way of working. In addition to heading the Project Manager team, you will manage a limited number of customer projects yourself and support the DDM technical sales team. The Director Project Management is part of the Management team of the Drug Product Development and Manufacturing site in Belgium.

Your key responsibilities

• Manage the Project Managers with respect to processes, planning, price setting, invoicing and escalated issues
• Coaching and supporting the team and individual team members; follow up on personal development
• Responsible for task delegation, workload, resources and backup in the project manager office
• Monitor progress in work orders and projects

Participates in customer meetings to support the Project Manager and/or help to identify new business opportunities

Control and implement actions to improve and/or increase efficiency and ensure uniformity in project management processes

• Project management & business development support
  • Developing project design (content, overall plan, budget, timelines) together with Ardena Gent DDM technical experts
  • Draft Statement of Work and follow-up approval process
  • Planning, management, coordination, and financial control of approved projects
  • Maintaining relationship with existing customers and pro-actively advise customers on next steps/projects for their current and future projects.
• You will report to the Business Unit Director and you represent the Project Managers within the local management team

Your profile looks like/resembles

• You have a master or PhD degree in a scientific discipline (Pharmacy, biotechnology, bioengineering, biomedical sciences or similar)
• You have knowledge of pharmaceutical development of new drugs and understands the challenges and risks in early phase development projects from pre-clinical to phase I/II. You are familiar with early phase GMP quality and regulatory standards
• You have +5 years of experience in project management
• You are customer and business oriented with a track record in working with customers (preferentially in a CDMO/CRO environment)
• You have proven skills to lead and motivate a team in a challenging, commercial, and growing environment
• You are flexible, a problem solver and stress resistant
• You feel comfortable in a dynamic and changing environment

What we offer

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of new drugs.
• A supportive learning environment for skill development and growth.
• Involvement in a rapidly growing international company with an intriguing services, product, and customer portfolio.
• Dynamic working environment with friendly and collaborative colleagues.
• Open, straightforward, and caring company culture.
• Attractive remuneration package including company car.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility for partial telework.
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days.

Join us in shaping the future of drug development and be part of a team that values your contributions and personal growth. Apply now and embark on an exciting journey with us!

Ready to apply? Please click on the application button

For more information about the role, please contact Stijn Maertens. Email: , Tel:

Only candidates eligible to work in the EU will be considered for the position. Unfortunately, given the high volume of applications we receive for our vacancies, these professionals (not entitled to work in Belgium) will not be given a status update.

Agency calls will not be appreciated.