Posted 14 May, 2026

Job Id: 627302

Project and Portfolio Lead, Discovery IT, Global R&D IT


Location: Cambridge, MA
Category: Professional Services
Salary: Apply for details
Country: United States
Employment: Contract
Worksite: On-Site
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Job Description

The Discovery Project and Portfolio Lead is accountable for the IT project portfolio for Discovery and leading global strategic transformational projects in Discovery R&D IT.

In this role, the Lead will partner with IT and Discovery leaders to deliver strategic projects and establish project governance and strategy, and actively manage the IT portfolio of projects. In this capacity, the Lead will be accountable to ensure the project delivers a business solution for the long-term growth of the company, and aligns the values and hhc mission.

Essential Functions
Discovery IT Project Delivery 40%
Accountable for the Delivery of strategic global R&D IT projects
a. Is a Project Leader who is accountable for delivering strategic Discovery IT projects on time and on budget. This includes all aspects of Project Management – from planning, tracking, reporting and managing delivery and quality risk.
b. Manages one or more IT projects at the same time
c. Effectively interacts with senior leaders in Discovery to understand business needs and translate those into IT requirements for projects
d. Oversees discussions with vendors ensuring their progress and quality delivery.
e. Leads development of integrated project plan prepared by work-stream leaders and vendor project managers.
f. Manages and communicates risks and issues of project and projects, taking corrective measures when necessary by applying change, risk and resource management techniques associated with internal and external resources
g. Partners with IT Security, Procurement to ensure the project adheres to SOPs.
h. Manages financial health of the project, ensuring project funding in partnership with Cost center managers and budget approvers.
i. Participate in effective communication of project health, timing, and milestones to stakeholders, EIT and discovery leadership.

Discovery IT Portfolio Management 40%
* Accountable for the Discovery IT project portfolio which includes
a. Establishes the global Discovery IT Portfolio Management process, which includes demand management, prioritization, resource allocation, budget management and reporting.
b. Coordinates with IT Business Analysts and Project Managers to manage the portfolio for all projects in their individual life cycle.
c. Publishes and communicates the Discovery IT Portfolio and roadmap to Senior Leaders in Discovery domains and functions.
d. Manage the Discovery IT portfolio processes, and roadmap for Strategic initiatives and operational projects in support of the global R&D Discovery IT mission
e. Partners with Discovery IT Lead and DHBL Office to ensure effective management of Discovery IT resources and project budgets.
f. Support the Discovery IT governance process to ensure strategic alignment to business objectives
g. Manage, the assessment, measurement and reporting of portfolio risk to ensure effective delivery
h. Define and analyze metrics on project and portfolio performance, generate and delivery timely reporting to stakeholders
i. Manages a global team of IT Business Analysts and Project Managers

Discovery IT Project Management Adoption 20%
* Responsible for adoption of a global Discovery IT Project Management practice
a. Collaborates with CIO Office, R&D IT PMs to define IT Project Management methodology
b. Coaches IT Business Analysts and PMs on best practices of business analysis and project management.
c. Participates in the continuous improvement processes to the benefit of project and portfolio people and process
d. Facilitates the advancement of project management methodologies such as Agile or Scrum based processes
e. Ensures the adoption and use of JIRA for the day-to-day management of Discovery IT Portfolio

Requirements
* Bachelors degree or Masters (preferred) degree in Engineering or Technology Management or equivalent experience required
* Experience in supporting Drug Discovery
* 6+ years of cross IT project management experience
* A record of successfully planning and driving projects as the sole project management lead
* Strong problem solving skills, ability to understand problem statements through active listening
* Ability to thrive in fast-paced environment and capable of motivating teams
* Established time management skills with the ability to direct multiple projects simultaneously
* Strong Communication skills, both verbal and written
* Proven record to lead cross-functional project teams to efficiently and simultaneously manage and deliver multiple projects on budget, on schedule, and above stakeholders expectations.
* Highly organized, detail oriented, with well-honed writing, editing, and organizational skills
* Ability to manage stakeholders expectations and deliver results as promised
* Demonstrated skills to present to large audiences and communicate results to leadership
* Good interpersonal skills and a team player
* Self-motivated and willing to take initiative; adept at problem solving; exhibits tact and diplomacy
* Experience with the implementation of project management process
* Experience working directly with clients and third-party vendors
* Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, as well as Microsoft Teams
* Experience with organizational change is a plus, but not required
* PMP/Scrum Master Certifications a plus

Pay ranges between 42-52/hr based on experience 

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations. It is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant or employee, and we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment across all locations in which we operate. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our mission and enhance our ability to serve clients globally. If you have a disability or require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please inform your recruiter or contact us directly so that we can explore the appropriate arrangements.

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