Maria Jose Callero
Tampa
Summary
Results-oriented Certified Project Manager with over ten years of experience leading complex projects across the pharmaceutical, retail, and technology industries. Proven record of accomplishment delivering projects on time and within budget, driving operational efficiencies and business growth through strategic leadership and Agile methodologies. Skilled in project management office (PMO) operations, stakeholder management, risk mitigation, and Agile transformations. Adept at building strong cross-functional, cross-cultural relationships to drive results. Known for bringing energy, determination, and a solution-oriented mindset to every project. Authorized to work for any US employer.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Manager
Nilogen Oncosystems
03.2025 - Current
- Lead cross-functional oncology research projects for pharmaceutical clients, overseeing study design, execution, and client communication to ensure timely, high-quality data delivery.
- Collaborate closely with scientific, lab, and business development teams to define project scope, manage resources, and address technical and operational challenges.
- Manage end-to-end project lifecycle for multiple preclinical tumor-based assays, including 3D tumor models, flow cytometry, and high-content imaging.
- Develop project plans, timelines, and deliverables in collaboration with internal stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment across departments.
- Lead client communications, including kick-off meetings, project updates, and final reports, ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and client satisfaction.
- Streamline project documentation and tracking using Smartsheet, SharePoint, and standardized reporting tools, improving operational efficiency and data visibility.
- Support quality assurance and compliance in regulated laboratory environments (CLIA, GxP), maintaining meticulous records and SOP adherence.
- Coordinate internal meetings with Business Development, Scientific, and Operations teams to proactively identify risks, define mitigation strategies, and optimize project execution.
Pharma Technical Operations (PT) Chief of Staff Team / ORDP Program Coordinator
Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Collaborate with the PT Chief of Staff to manage and execute high-impact initiatives for the PT Head, PT Leadership Team (PTLT), and PT Strategy, driving alignment with organizational goals and ensuring seamless execution across the PT organization.
- Improve team efficiency by 25% through strategic project planning and risk management.
- Manage a $500,000 budget for talent development, achieving a 15% cost reduction through optimized resource allocation and vendor negotiations.
- Support the ORDP (Operational Rotational Development Program) Management team in designing and executing talent development strategies, enhancing employee engagement and skill acquisition.
- Lead daily stand-ups for the PT Strategy projects and ORDP initiatives, monitoring progress, ensuring timely completion of milestones, and accelerating overall project timelines.
- Define project tasks and resource requirements, develop comprehensive project plans, and manage budgets while optimizing resource allocation.
- Plan, execute, and report on priority PTLT projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Drive change management initiatives to adapt to evolving project needs, managing scope changes and minimizing disruptions to timelines.
Sr. Manager Business Administration
Shoppers Drug Mart, Specialty Health Network
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Led project management for two software projects in the Warehouse and Distribution division (SAP Enhancement and SAP Ship ERP), improving operational efficiency and delivering projects on time and budget with a cost saving of 15%.
- Led an expansion project, including building, office, pharmacy, and warehouse expansions, while adhering to strict project timelines and budget constraints.
- Supported PMO team in defining the scope of work and determining project priorities, improving project efficiency and clear division of responsibilities.
- Developed and optimized schedules and project plans across cross-functional teams, partners, and customers, increasing the delivery of the project on time and budget.
- Communicated progress, issues, and risks for onboarding projects to stakeholders and the Leadership Team, delivering regular reports and presentations. Enhancing transparency and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Applied change management techniques to adapt to project modifications, reducing issue resolution time by 20%.
- Oversaw the renovation of the Call Center, including vendor coordination, scheduling, and cost control, completing the project 10% ahead of schedule.
- Managed all vendors and maintenance of the building, including negotiations with the property owner, resulting in a 10% cost reduction.
- Provided executive assistance to the VP by coordinating monthly Leadership Team meetings, including preparing the team, agenda, presentations, and external presenters.
- Ensured action items were tracked and executed, driving alignment and accountability across the team.
- Assisted in coordinating and preparing office events and Town Halls, ensuring seamless execution and strong engagement across the organization.
Project Manager
Omnifission Inc., Filtec - Canada
03.2016 - 01.2021
- Managed project timelines, resources, and budgets for the fabrication of inspection modules equipment to provide quality control to the Food and Beverages Industries.
- Coordinated with the Production Manager on planning, scheduling and performing final walkthrough on projects.
- Developed project estimates to customers for their new line of production and turn-key improvement projects.
- Conducted risk assessments on all projects.
- Monitored project progress and addressed any issues that arose.
- Ensured projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Maintained clear and effective communication with stakeholders, providing regular updates on project progress, issues, and impediments.
- Increased business with existing customer accounts by negotiating pricing agreements, showcasing strong stakeholder management.
- Utilized Agile frameworks and tools such as Jira and MS Project to ensure successful project execution and team collaboration.
- Reduced labor hours by 25 hours per week, enhancing resource allocation and productivity through effective project planning and process optimization.
- Developed and implemented guidelines for office procedures, resulting in a 50% improvement in operational efficiency and streamlined workflow processes.
- Spearheaded the development of a paperless environment by implementing online systems to manage data, process orders, and integrate orders, resulting in a 45% improvement in overall efficiency.
Lease Administrator
Cushman & Wakefield
Toronto
02.2015 - 03.2016
Office Manager
Dr Luis Ezqueda's Dental Office
Toronto
03.2013 - 01.2015
General Manager
CER Ltd.
Toronto
11.2011 - 02.2013
Director of Pension Benefit Accounts (HR)
INAU
Montevideo
11.1997 - 02.2011
Education
Credential Evaluation - Honors Bachelor of Biological Sciences – Genetics
University of Toronto
01.2013
Honors Bachelor of Science - Genetics
Universidad de la Republica
Montevideo, Uruguay01.2010
Skills
- Project planning and scheduling
- Stakeholder management
- Budgeting & cost control
- Risk and change management
- Resource allocation and optimization
- Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban)
- Team leadership and motivation
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Google Workspace
- Smartsheet
- Microsoft Projects
- Jira
- Trello
Certification
- Project Management Certification - Sheridan College
- Building Business Acumen
- Six Sigma Yellow Belt
- SAFe Agile Framework
- Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Certification
- JHSC Certification
Languages
Advanced, Native, Working Proficiency
Language Skills
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Project Manager
Nilogen Oncosystems
03.2025 - Current
Pharma Technical Operations (PT) Chief of Staff Team / ORDP Program Coordinator
Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd
01.2023 - 01.2025
Sr. Manager Business Administration
Shoppers Drug Mart, Specialty Health Network
01.2021 - 01.2023
Project Manager
Omnifission Inc., Filtec - Canada
03.2016 - 01.2021
Lease Administrator
Cushman & Wakefield
02.2015 - 03.2016
Office Manager
Dr Luis Ezqueda's Dental Office
03.2013 - 01.2015
General Manager
CER Ltd.
11.2011 - 02.2013
Director of Pension Benefit Accounts (HR)
INAU
11.1997 - 02.2011
Credential Evaluation - Honors Bachelor of Biological Sciences – Genetics
University of Toronto
Honors Bachelor of Science - Genetics
Universidad de la Republica