Maryam Nourbakhsh is a dynamic and results-driven project management professional with over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. She has built a distinguished career leading complex strategic initiatives, optimizing global quality frameworks, and driving operational excellence in research and development. With a proven track record in orchestrating high-impact projects, she excels at fostering collaboration, implementing change management strategies, and enhancing portfolio planning through data-driven decision-making.
Previously serving as Director of Project Management at Bristol Myers Squibb, Maryam plays a pivotal role in executing multifaceted strategic initiatives within Global Quality. She leads cross-functional teams to develop and implement innovative project management methodologies that enhance productivity and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Her ability to establish robust governance structures ensures accountability and transparency across all project lifecycles, while her strategic insights strengthen the annual portfolio planning process, optimizing resource allocation and alignment with corporate objectives.
Formally, as Director of Strategy and Business Operations for R&D Quality at Bristol Myers Squibb, she was instrumental in designing and executing enterprise-wide strategies, including the Global Quality Resource Management Strategy, Talent Engagement Strategy, Data Analytics Strategy, and Innovation Strategy. She championed continuous improvement and operational excellence frameworks, standardized project management methodologies, and facilitated staff training to ensure the seamless adoption of strategic initiatives. Her ability to communicate evolving industry best practices and implement agile methodologies significantly enhanced organizational adaptability and responsiveness.
Earlier in her tenure at Bristol Myers Squibb, Maryam held leadership roles in clinical quality assurance, data sharing, and disclosure, where she successfully optimized resource allocation, established stakeholder-driven problem-solving frameworks, and enhanced lifecycle management of critical documentation. She worked closely with senior leadership to develop comprehensive resource planning models, ensuring efficiency and compliance in clinical and regulatory processes.
Before joining Bristol Myers Squibb, she honed her expertise at Merck & Co. (formerly Schering-Plough) as a Global Clinical Project Manager, where she led cross-functional teams to drive clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, and respiratory diseases. She played a critical role in ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing enrollment timelines, and optimizing trial execution strategies.
Maryam’s early career at Janssen Pharmaceuticals further solidified her expertise in clinical trial management. She successfully spearheaded protocol-level study budgets, implemented cost-saving initiatives, and provided strategic oversight to clinical operations. Her ability to lead and mentor teams contributed to organizational growth and improved operational efficiencies.
Holding an MBA in Pharmaceutical Marketing from St. Joseph’s University and a Master of Arts in Community Health Promotion from Trinity University, Maryam blends business acumen with a deep understanding of healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. She also holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and a Gold-Level Change Management Certification, further demonstrating her commitment to process optimization and strategic transformation.
A dedicated member of the American Management Association and the Project Management Institute, Maryam remains at the forefront of industry best practices, continually driving innovation and excellence in global pharmaceutical project management. Her career is a testament to her ability to bridge strategy and execution, ensuring impactful outcomes in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Character
Maryam Nourbakhsh is a dedicated and results-oriented leader who thrives on solving complex challenges, driving continuous improvement, and fostering high-performing teams through mentorship and collaboration.
Knowledge
With over 18 years of experience in pharmaceutical project management, clinical trials, and strategic operations, Maryam possesses deep expertise in regulatory compliance, resource optimization, and quality assurance across multiple therapeutic areas.
Strategic
Maryam excels in designing and implementing enterprise-wide strategies that enhance operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and align with corporate objectives, ensuring sustained business growth and innovation.
Communication
A skilled communicator and collaborator, Maryam effectively engages with stakeholders at all levels, translating complex data into actionable insights and fostering transparency, accountability, and alignment within cross-functional teams.
