Technical Project Manager R&D Delivery

About Xebia

With over 20 years of experience, our global network of passionate technologists and pioneering craftsmen deliver cutting-edge technology and game-changing consulting to companies on the brink of transformation. Since 2001, we have grown from a Java company into a full-service digital consulting company with 4500+ professionals working on a worldwide ambition.

We are organized in complementary chapters – teams with a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience within a particular field, such as Agile, DevOps, Data and AI, Cloud, Software Technology, Functional Programming, Low Code, and Microsoft.

We help the world’s top 250 companies and category leaders overcome digital challenges, embrace innovation, adopt new technology, and implement new business models. In addition to high-quality consulting, we also provide offshoring and nearshoring services.

For more details please visit www.xebia.com

Position Overview

We are seeking a Technical Project Manager to support R&D delivery initiatives for a leading pharmaceutical company's life sciences platform and application development programs. This mid-level role focuses on tactical execution excellence, sprint orchestration, and dependency coordination across engineering teams while building strong technical literacy in cloud platforms and scientific computing environments.

As a Technical Project Manager, you will coordinate multiple tactical projects simultaneously OR support focused delivery streams within larger strategic initiatives. You'll work within a hybrid delivery model combining waterfall-style governance with agile/Scrum execution, ensuring smooth sprint operations and dependency management across interconnected R&D systems.

This role emphasizes delivery fundamentals: robust sprint planning, clear communication, comprehensive reporting, and proactive risk escalation.

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

Core Project Management Skills

• 3+ years of experience in technical project management or software delivery
• Strong understanding of agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
• Proven experience managing sprints and coordinating engineering teams
• Demonstrated ability in dependency tracking and multi-team coordination
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficient user of Jira for sprint management and reporting
• Experience with ticketing systems and support workflows

Technical Skills

• Working understanding of cloud platforms (GCP experience highly valued)
• Basic knowledge of Google Cloud services: BigQuery, Workflows, Cloud Run, GCS
• Ability to learn technical concepts and communicate with engineering teams
• Familiarity with software development lifecycle and DevOps practices
• Understanding of technical dependencies and integration points
• Capacity to read technical documentation and participate in technical discussions

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret delivery metrics and identify improvements
• Proven ability to facilitate meetings and drive decision-making
• Self-motivated with excellent problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated leadership in coordinating technical teams across time zones (UK/US)

Life Sciences & Domain Knowledge

• Experience in pharmaceutical or life sciences industries is a plus
• Understanding of scientific research workflows and R&D environments
• Familiarity with GxP and compliance requirements

What You’ll Do

Sprint Delivery & Execution

Run bi-weekly sprint ceremonies (planning, stand-ups, retros, reviews), track velocity and burndown in Jira, and ensure delivery momentum while proactively removing blockers.

Dependency & Cross-Team Coordination

Manage cross-team and vendor dependencies, map critical paths, and coordinate integrations. Run alignment meetings and escalate issues via Program Managers when needed.

Planning & Reporting

Own delivery plans, sprint schedules, resourcing, and risk tracking. Maintain dashboards, provide weekly status updates, and prepare Shiproom/executive-ready reporting.

Risk & Issue Management

Identify and track risks, define mitigations, and escalate critical issues promptly. Drive contingency planning and monitor resolution through to closure.

Technical Coordination

Develop working understanding of cloud (GCP) and system architecture to support engineering discussions, resolve dependencies, and navigate technical workflows.

Stakeholder Management

Communicate clear, timely updates on progress, risks, and changes. Facilitate demos and reviews, manage expectations, and build strong relationships across PM and engineering teams.

Knowledge & Documentation

Maintain Confluence documentation, capture decisions and outcomes, and support operational handovers and continuous improvement.

AI-Enabled Delivery (Learning & Application)

Leverage AI tools (e.g., Gemini Pro, Atlassian AI) to automate reporting, improve Jira hygiene, and enhance forecasting and sprint insights.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Xebia is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age