Project Manager – Pharmaceutical Capital Projects (Engineering & Construction)

• Locals will be prioritise but can consider relocating candidate from neighbouring state whole over Indiana (who has done relocation projects not the candidate who has done project at a constant location)

- Look for candidate from Competitor pharma client

Job ID: NOVPJP
Client: Novartis
Position: Project Manager Pharmaceutical Capital Projects (Engineering & Construction)
Location: Durham NC (Onsite)
Duration: 12 Months (with possible extension)
Pay Rate: $70-$80/hr. on W2
Visa: USC & GC
MOI: Video

The candidate will be responsible for managing pharmaceutical facility engineering and construction projects such as plant expansions facility upgrades cleanroom renovations utility improvements and manufacturing equipment installations.

They will oversee the entire project from planning and budgeting through design construction equipment installation commissioning and final handover to operations. The candidate will coordinate engineers contractors vendors construction teams and internal stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time within budget safely and in compliance with GMP/GxP regulations.

• 5 years of Pharmaceutical Industry Experience in a GMP/GxP-regulated manufacturing environment.
• 5 years of Project Management experience leading large-scale Capital (CapEx) Engineering Projects.
• Strong experience in Engineering Design & Construction Management from concept through commissioning.
• Proven experience managing project budgets cost control scheduling forecasting and risk management.
• Expertise in GxP/GMP Compliance Quality Assurance (QA) and Regulatory Requirements.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams engineering consultants contractors and vendors.
• Strong knowledge of HSE (Health Safety & Environment) and construction safety management.
• Experience with Commissioning Startup Qualification and Operational Handover.
• Experience in Procurement Vendor Selection and Contract Management.
• Bachelors Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.

1. Eli Lilly and Company
2. Pfizer
3. Merck & Co.
4. Bristol Myers Squibb
5. Amgen
6. Genentech
7. Lonza
8. Catalent and more

• Experience managing Capital Projects exceeding $20M.
• Experience in Biologics/Large Molecule Manufacturing.
• Experience in Small Molecule Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.
• Experience in Aseptic Drug Substance and/or Aseptic Drug Product Manufacturing.

Job Description

Novartis is seeking a Project Manager of Engineering Design & Construction to oversee the execution of large-scale capital investment projects critical to the advancement of our technical operations and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

This position will be responsible for managing projects throughout their entire lifecycle-from conceptualization to commissioning-ensuring that all deliverables meet established timelines budgets and quality benchmarks.

The role involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams implementing advanced engineering solutions and supporting improvements in plant capacity safety and regulatory compliance.

This opportunity offers the ability to contribute significantly to global pharmaceutical manufacturing by providing strategic leadership in engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead execution of large-scale capital investment projects across assigned platforms and regions.
• Develop and implement project strategies aligned with cost schedule and quality targets (Capex Plan recapitalization of equipment budgeting etc.).
• Prepare and manage project initiation documents including scope cost and risk assessments.
• Oversee design coordination and ensure compliance with internal and legal standards.
• Drive project procurement and vendor selection processes.
• Monitor construction safety plans and conduct regular safety reviews.
• Manage project reviews including technical quality and constructability assessments.
• Execute commissioning plans and ensure successful project handover to operations.
• Support audits and lead facility improvement initiatives for energy and compliance.
• Mentor engineering teams and foster professional development across project functions.

Essential Requirements

• BS degree in Engineering or relevant discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing capital portfolios and major engineering projects.
• 5 years pharmaceutical industry experience.
• Proven leadership in managing external engineering resources and leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong knowledge of project cost control scheduling and quality assurance.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder alignment skills across technical and business domains.
• Proven success delivering safe effective and compliant projects in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Advanced understanding of HSE standards and GxP/QA compliance.
• Fluent in English.
• Ability to travel for the role.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience leading capital projects >$20M.
• Diverse pharmaceutical experience preferred:
  • Large molecule
  • Small molecule
  • Aseptic drug substance
  • Aseptic drug product