I contribute to clinical research with expertise and empathy. And I do it
Associate Manager, Project Planning and Support
Primary Location: South Africa, Bloemfontein Job ID R0000043483 Category Project Leadership Date Posted 07/08/2026
Overview
As a part of the global Project Leadership group at Parexel, you are responsible for leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality and patient-focused clinical trials and help bring life-changing treatments to market faster. You collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders to identify project requirements, develop project plans, and manage project timelines and budgets. The role requires strong leadership and communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a passion for improving patients' lives.
In return, Parexel offers a supportive work environment, and a high degree of empowerment and accountability to lead your studies. Within this role, you work with a diverse set of clients and therapeutic areas, and you are encouraged to take on new challenges and pursue your interests.
Success Profile
Do you have these soft skills and interpersonal traits to succeed at Parexel?
- Adaptable
- Communicator
- Collaborative
- Leadership
- Proactive
- Problem-solver
About This Role
About the Role;
The Associate Manager;
- has responsibility for the group of direct line reports.
- Ensures efficient resourcing of sponsor projects with highly motivated and suitably developed Project Specialists (PSs) and Project Data Coordinators (PDCs) and takes responsibility to retain and develop these professionals, while overseeing their performance and growth.
- Ensures that the Project Team and client requirements are being met to the highest standards.
- Has responsibility to communicate departmental objectives to line reports in line with the corporate goals and to enable the line reports to meet those objectives.
- Manages change within the group of line reports and makes decisions considering finance and people impact.
Essential Knowledge and Experience you will be required to have:
Experience in a people Manager role is preferred (minimum 1 year) within a related industry (CRO/Pharma), including experience in managing remote groups of individual contributors.
Demonstrated experience in onboarding, mentoring and coaching line repots for a minimum of one year.
At least four years of experience in working with project planning tools and systems.
Good financial management knowledge
IH/GCP knowledge and experience in coaching others in this area
Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to manage difficult conversations and negotiations.
Demonstrated ability to provide direction, lead, and engage line reports to achieve department and corporate goals.
Ability to build interpersonal relationships and cooperate with peers cross- functionally.
Ability to manage multiple and varied tasks with enthusiasm and to prioritize workload with attention to detail.
Ability to work in a matrix environment and to foster teamwork.
Ability to role model and drive in line reports behaviors and ethics in line with Parexel Mission, Vision and Values.
Client focused approach to work.
Organization skills.
A flexible attitude with respect to work assignments and new learning.
IT literate – Experience with Microsoft based applications and general knowledge of PC functions.
Education:
Advanced to excellent English level for non-native English speakers
Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree (health sciences preferred)
Master’s degree, post-graduation or equivalent desirable
Some of the Key Accountabilities include the following;
Efficient resourcing of line reports
Efficient utilization of budget
Hiring and development of appropriately skilled and highly motivated staff
Daily Performance management
Change Management
People development
Effective communication
Work direction to and mentoring for Associate Managers, is assigned
’s degree, post-graduation or equivalent desirable
Potential Career Path
Parexel offers a growth path with diverse therapeutic areas and clients, so you can grow according to your interests.
- Associate Project Leader
- Project Leader
- Senior Project Leader
- Associate Project Director
- Project Director
- Director, Project Leadership
- Senior Director, Project Leadership
Employee Insights
Why Project Leaders work at Parexel
