Business Excellence and HR Technology Project Manager

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd., is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, cell & gene therapies and CNS. With several marketed products and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage investigational assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website https://www.us.sumitomo-pharma.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

This position reports to VP, HR Technology and Business Excellence and is part of the HR Technology and Business Excellence team, which leads, advises and assists in cross-functional initiatives that drive operational efficiency, process improvement, and the adoption of innovative solutions. The role is responsible for using lean and agile methodologies, and similar tools, to shape and execute strategic projects that enhance business performance, support organizational transformation goals, and embed a continuous improvement mindset into SMPA’s culture of excellence.

Essential Functions Required for Job

• Project Leadership: Oversee projects from initiation through delivery, ensuring alignment with business objectives, stakeholder expectations, and Lean principles. Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables in partnership with senior leadership, integrating Lean strategies to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

• Planning & Execution: Develop and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets. Track progress against key milestones and adjust plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes, leveraging Lean tools such as value stream mapping and Kaizen for continuous improvement.

• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for project status, risks, and milestones. Facilitate clear and timely communication with stakeholders at all levels, and report on Lean initiative effectiveness using key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster collaboration across departments, ensuring project teams are aligned and working toward shared goals. Work closely with teams from frontline workers to senior management to understand current operations and develop Lean improvement strategies.

• Continuous Improvement & Lean Integration: Integrate Lean, Agile, and other process improvement methodologies to drive efficiency and effectiveness. Identify and eliminate wasteful practices using Lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen, and value stream mapping. Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and promote ongoing improvement.

• Training and Mentorship: Lead training sessions to educate employees on Lean principles and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Coach employees and project teams on Lean Six Sigma principles, problem-solving, and continuous improvement tools.

• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate project risks, developing contingency plans to address potential challenges and ensure Lean initiatives are sustainable.

• Outcome Measurement: Define and track KPIs to measure project and Lean initiative success and impact. Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and future initiatives.

• HR Technology Support: Partner with the HR Technology team on system implementations and key initiatives, ensuring technology solutions meet business needs and support Lean process improvements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (general & technical):

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to guide teams and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

• Experience with Lean, Agile, or other process improvement methodologies, including training and mentorship in Lean principles.

• Analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify inefficiencies and develop effective solutions.

• Proficiency with project management tools, HR technology platforms, and Lean tools is a must.

• Excellent facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Ability to lead without authority and coach teams at all levels.

• Comfort working in fast paced, ambiguous environments with multiple competing priorities.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Project Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.

• 4+ years of project management experience, ideally in HR Technology, Business Excellence, or Lean Management.

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2) required.

• Lean or Six Sigma certification strongly preferred.

Preferred (licenses, certifications, specialized training, and physical or mental abilities required):

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM, PRINCE2) required.

Travel Requirements:

Primarily remote role with periodic on-site meetings in office. Must be able to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

Fast-paced environment handling multiple demands is involved. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

People Management

This is an individual contributor role and does not have direct reports or formal people‑management responsibilities.

The base salary range for this role is $99,200 to $124,000. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state.  Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter.  Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data: All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential.

Compliance: Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the "best" industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Mental/Physical Requirements: Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.