Job Description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Manager to join a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing site and support the delivery of GMP laboratory systems and infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing projects across the full project lifecycle, from concept development and business case creation through design, procurement, installation, commissioning, qualification, and project closeout. Projects will primarily focus on laboratory instrumentation, analytical technologies, laboratory data management systems, and associated facility and utility upgrades within a highly regulated GMP environment.

This position requires close collaboration with Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Engineering, Validation, Automation/IT, Procurement, and Manufacturing stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, compliantly, on schedule, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities Project Management & Delivery

• Lead and manage GMP laboratory systems projects from initiation through completion.

• Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, resource plans, and execution strategies.

• Ensure delivery of project objectives relating to safety, quality, cost, schedule, and compliance.

• Manage project activities in accordance with established stage-gate and project governance processes.

• Coordinate project teams and external contractors to achieve project milestones.

• Monitor project performance and provide regular updates to stakeholders and senior leadership.

Scope Development & Business Planning

• Collaborate with business stakeholders to define project requirements and user needs.

• Develop business cases, cost estimates, budget proposals, and project justifications.

• Support project approval processes and governance reviews.

• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory capability, efficiency, compliance, and operational performance.

Financial & Procurement Management

• Develop and manage project budgets and forecasts.

• Track project expenditure and ensure effective cost control throughout project execution.

• Support procurement activities including preparation of specifications, supplier selection, and contractor management.

• Collaborate with procurement and finance teams to ensure compliance with purchasing and financial procedures.

Design, Engineering & Compliance

• Ensure solutions are designed and implemented in accordance with GMP requirements, engineering standards, regulatory expectations, and company procedures.

• Support the specification, procurement, installation, and qualification of laboratory equipment and systems.

• Coordinate engineering and validation activities required to bring systems into operational use.

• Ensure all project documentation is completed and maintained in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.

Risk Management

• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.

• Manage project issues and escalations to minimize impacts on schedule, budget, quality, or operational continuity.

• Assess operational risks associated with project implementation and develop contingency plans where necessary.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key point of contact between project teams and business stakeholders.

• Collaborate effectively with Quality, Engineering, Validation, Automation/IT, Manufacturing, Procurement, Finance, and EHS functions.

• Build strong working relationships across internal teams and external suppliers.

• Facilitate project meetings and communicate project status, risks, and decisions effectively.

Commissioning, Qualification & Closeout

• Support commissioning and start-up activities for laboratory equipment and systems.

• Coordinate validation and qualification activities as required.

• Ensure successful project handover, documentation completion, lessons learned, and project closure activities.

Requirements Essential

• Degree in Engineering, Science, Pharmaceutical Technology, Biotechnology, or a related discipline.

• Minimum 5 years of project management or project engineering experience within a pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environment.

• Proven experience managing projects through the full project lifecycle.

• Strong understanding of GMP environments and compliance requirements.

• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and managing multiple stakeholders.

• Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication and influencing abilities.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Project.

Desirable

• Experience delivering laboratory systems, laboratory instrumentation, or analytical technology projects.

• Knowledge of validation and qualification requirements for GMP equipment and systems.

• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP.

• Experience managing project budgets, financial forecasting, and capital expenditure.

• Familiarity with pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, particularly biologics or sterile manufacturing environments.

• Exposure to automation, laboratory informatics, or data management systems.

Key Competencies

• Project Leadership

• Stakeholder Management

• Financial & Budget Management

• Risk Management

• GMP Compliance

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Strategic Planning

• Communication & Influencing Skills

• Problem Solving

• Continuous Improvement

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a proactive and accountable Project Manager who enjoys working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will be comfortable managing multiple priorities, driving project execution, and engaging with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to critical laboratory and quality operations projects that support the continued growth and success of a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing operation.