Senior Technical Project Manager

About

At Thermo Fisher’s PPD clinical research business, we’re using digital innovation, data science, and AI to reimagine how life‑changing therapies reach patients. Our teams combine deep scientific expertise with advanced analytics, automation, and digital platforms to make research smarter, faster, and more connected.

We value experimentation, learning, and collaboration. Whether you’re a data engineer, product manager, software developer, or AI scientist, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your skills to work that truly matters—improving global health outcomes.

Position Summary

The Senior Technical Project Manager (STPM) within Digital IT (Sr Staff IT Projects, band 8) leads enterprise‑level digital initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, data intelligence, and customer experience. This role is responsible for end‑to‑end program delivery, integrating project management excellence with technical acumen across domains such as cloud modernization, cybersecurity, data analytics, application integration, and digital transformation. The STPM partners closely with senior leadership, technical teams, and business stakeholders to define strategy, prioritize initiatives, and deliver scalable, secure, and compliant IT solutions across Thermo Fisher’s global enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Project Leadership

• Lead and deliver large‑scale, multi‑year programs aligned with Digital IT’s global transformation roadmap.
• Define strategic objectives, success metrics, and business value realization for each initiative.
• Partner with Enterprise Architecture, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Business Relationship Management (BRM) teams to ensure technical alignment and integration.
• Drive portfolio‑level governance, ensuring projects meet compliance, quality, and cybersecurity standards.

Execution Excellence

• Oversee multiple concurrent IT and digital projects, including system modernization, platform migration, and automation.
• Manage cross‑functional teams (engineers, developers, architects, analysts, vendors) to ensure timely, quality delivery.
• Facilitate Agile or hybrid delivery models using Jira, Smartsheet, Planview, and ServiceNow ITBM for execution and reporting.
• Proactively manage RAID logs (Risks, Actions, Issues, Dependencies), escalate roadblocks, and implement mitigation strategies.

Governance and Compliance

• Ensure full adherence to IT Quality Management (QMS), GxP, GDPR, HIPAA, and Thermo Fisher’s Data Integrity standards.
• Oversee project validation documentation (e.g., IQ/OQ/PQ, CSV, Change Control) and ensure audit readiness.
• Champion continuous improvement within the PMO—streamlining processes, templates, and delivery frameworks.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between business units, technical teams, and leadership for program communications.
• Partner with external technology vendors and system integrators to drive execution and service excellence.
• Provide clear, concise communication of technical progress, dependencies, and risk to executive audiences.
• Influence cross‑functional decision‑making through data‑driven insights and solution‑oriented leadership.

Skills and Competencies

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of enterprise IT systems, cloud architecture (AWS, Azure), and data integration frameworks.
• Experience delivering solutions across infrastructure, cybersecurity, ERP/CRM platforms, and data analytics.
• Strong command of SDLC, Agile/Scrum, DevOps, and ITIL frameworks.
• Familiarity with enterprise‑grade platforms such as SAP, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Workday, Snowflake, Databricks, and Power BI.

Project & Program Management

• Proven experience managing multi‑million‑dollar IT programs with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Expertise in program budgeting, forecasting, resourcing, and financial governance.
• Ability to manage multiple projects within complex global environments.
• Advanced proficiency in project portfolio management (PPM) tools (Planview, Jira, Smartsheet, Power BI).

Leadership Skills

• Strong strategic and analytical thinking with an enterprise mindset.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills across global teams.
• Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and lead in a matrixed environment.
• Proactive, adaptable, and committed to delivering measurable business outcomes.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or equivalent.
• Comparable to 10 years of relevant experience, including prior IT Project Management or Digital Transformation roles.
• Minimum 3 years in a senior project or program management role.
• Experience leading projects within regulated industries (life sciences, pharma, healthcare, or manufacturing) strongly preferred.

Certifications (Highly Desirable)

• PMP, PRINCE2, or PMI‑ACP
• Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)
• ITIL Foundation or Cloud Certification (AWS/Azure)

Equivalency consisting of appropriate education, training, and/or directly related experience may be considered.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups.
• Ability to work upright and stationary for typical working hours.
• Proficiency with standard office equipment and technology.
• Ability to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing multiple projects.
• May require as‑needed travel (0‑20%).

Location & Eligibility

• Remote US‑based position (relocation assistance NOT provided).
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, including drug screening.

Compensation

• Annual salary range (North Carolina estimate): $150,000 – $180,000 USD.
• Eligible for a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results.