Advisory - Consulting - Life Science Project Manager - Assistant Manager/Senior Consultant - Dublin/Cork/Belfast

Job Description & Summary

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our growing Life Sciences Advisory team. With 3-8 years of relevant project management, consulting or industry experience depending on the role, you will lead and support the successful delivery of consulting projects across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical technology, diagnostic, laboratory, manufacturing and wider life sciences organisations, both nationally and internationally. Our work spans a broad range of industry-relevant engagements, including laboratory transformation, quality and regulatory transformation, manufacturing and operational excellence, PMO mobilisation, programme governance, digital transformation and operating model change.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with our life sciences consultants and client stakeholders to manage project execution, ensure adherence to timelines, budgets and scope, and drive practical, innovative solutions for clients across the life sciences sector. You will have the opportunity to support programmes such as ERP, MES, LIMS and other digital transformation initiatives, organisation and operating model transformation, change management and business readiness, and strategic planning and implementation programmes. As a key member of the team, you will also contribute to business development and client relationship management, while mentoring junior team members.

We are particularly interested in candidates with life sciences industry or life sciences consulting backgrounds. Experience in project delivery within regulated, operational or technology-enabled environments would be highly relevant.

Embrace the possibility to apply – at Grant Thornton we are constantly upskilling our staff. If you do not meet all of the listed requirements, please do not be discouraged from applying. We value a growth-oriented mindset and are dedicated to supporting you in reaching your full potential.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Project Manager in the Life Sciences Advisory team, you will play a key role in managing client projects and supporting colleagues in delivering tailored solutions for life sciences clients. With 3-8 years of relevant experience, you will be expected to take ownership of project execution, ensuring the successful delivery of projects. Candidates are expected to have a good understanding of the life sciences sector and the regulated environments in which our clients operate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and Support Project Execution: Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to manage and execute the delivery of complex projects for key clients across the life sciences industry, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical technology, laboratory, manufacturing and wider regulated environments. Typical engagements may include laboratory transformation programmes, quality and regulatory transformation, manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives, ERP, MES, LIMS and digital transformation programmes and strategic implementation programmes.

• Client Engagement and Relationship Management: Serve as a point of contact for clients, assisting in communication, addressing project-related queries and fostering strong client relationships to ensure high quality of project delivery.

• Research and Analysis: Conduct in-depth research and data analysis to support the development of strategic and operational solutions for life sciences clients. This includes analysing sector trends, regulatory requirements, operational data, process performance and business readiness considerations.

• Develop and Deliver Client Solutions: Contribute to the development and delivery of innovative life sciences solutions, collaborating with senior consultants to create actionable recommendations, implementation roadmaps and strategies tailored to each client.

• Prepare Reports and Presentations: Develop high-quality presentations, reports, business cases and deliverables that clearly communicate project findings, insights and recommendations to clients and senior stakeholders.

• Contribute to Business Growth: Assist in the preparation of pitches, proposals and tender documentation, business development activities, credentials and marketing initiatives to support the growth of the consulting firm's life sciences advisory practice.

• Risk, Governance and PMO Support: Identify and manage project risks and issues, escalating them as necessary, and working with the team to develop mitigation strategies. Support PMO mobilisation and programme governance by preparing project plans, RAID logs, status updates, governance materials, executive briefings and other core project documentation.

• Team Collaboration and Leadership: Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure project objectives are met. Mentor and guide junior team members, offering advice and support as needed.

• Stay Current with Life Sciences Industry Trends: Continuously monitor developments in the life sciences sector, including regulatory changes, market shifts, new technologies, operational models and digital transformation trends. Share relevant insights with the team to inform project strategies.

• Professional Development and Training: Participate in ongoing professional development activities to enhance expertise in life sciences consulting, project management methodologies, change management, business readiness and sector-specific delivery approaches.

Skills and Experience

Education and Certifications

- A third level degree, with a strong academic record. A degree in science, engineering, pharmacy, biotechnology, business, healthcare or a related discipline would be relevant.
- Project Management certification, with a demonstrated ability to apply best practices, tools and methodologies such as PRINCE2, Agile, PMP or tailored approaches to deliver measurable project outcomes.
- Change Management certifications such as Prosci Change Management Certification, Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) or Change Management Practitioner (CMP) are desirable but not essential.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience depending on the level being applied for.

Experience and Competencies

- Project/Program Management Experience: Proven experience in successfully delivering high-quality life sciences-related projects, ideally within industry, a consulting firm or professional services environment. Prior exposure to life sciences advisory services is highly desirable.
- End-to-End Project Delivery: Demonstrated ability to manage and oversee projects through all stages of the project lifecycle, from initiation to closure, ensuring successful outcomes within scope, timeline and budget.
- Strong Analytical and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent analytical capabilities with the ability to assess complex data and provide actionable insights. Skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with clients and stakeholders to ensure seamless collaboration.
- Multi-Tasking and Deadline Management: Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while ensuring deadlines are met in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Effective Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage with senior stakeholders, clients and team members. Experience in preparing clear, concise reports, presentations and tender documents.
- Time Management and Prioritisation: Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively, ensuring that critical deadlines are met without compromising quality.
- Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail, ensuring that all aspects of project deliverables and communications are accurate and thorough.
- Big-Picture and Detail-Oriented Thinking: Ability to balance strategic, high-level thinking with a focus on granular details, ensuring both vision and execution are aligned with client expectations.
- Curiosity and Business Development: A proactive, inquisitive mindset with a natural curiosity to explore new business opportunities and contribute to the growth of the consulting practice.
- Problem-Solving and Initiative: Self-motivated, solution-focused approach with the ability to identify challenges and implement effective solutions independently, driving continuous improvement and innovation. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.