Senior Project Manager - Lab Services

Cerba Research is a leader in clinical research with over 40 years of expertise, seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee the delivery of central laboratory and specialty services. The role involves managing concurrent studies, owning budgets, and enhancing client partnerships through effective communication and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of concurrent central lab and specialty studies across the full project lifecycle
• Own study budgets with genuine accountability; invoice review, spend tracking against contract value, variance management, and proactive client forecasting
• Serve as the senior client contact for assigned sponsors, managing complex expectations and navigating difficult conversations without losing the relationship
• Translate technical laboratory processes and findings into clear, structured communication that non-scientific stakeholders can act on
• Coordinate across lab operations, logistics, quality, and finance to drive seamless execution, particularly around sample handling, accessioning, and shipment risk
• Monitor milestones, anticipate risks, and escalate with precision, keeping delivery on track without losing client confidence
• Contribute to the development of improved invoice review and budget management processes as part of a broader US PM capability initiative

Requirements:

• Formal project management experience in a clinical or laboratory services environment, with clear evidence of independent ownership
• Demonstrated accountability for study budgets; invoice review, spend tracking, forecasting, not just milestone oversight
• Experience in central lab, lab services, or pharma services; direct familiarity with sample handling, accessioning, and specimen logistics
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent studies, prioritising effectively across a complex, dynamic portfolio
• Exceptional written and verbal communication in English — structured, clear, capable of simplifying technical complexity for non-scientific audiences