For our client, a well renowned pharmaceutical actor, we are seeking an experienced
Project Director
to provide strategic and technical leadership for the successful finalization of a major capital investment project — the commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV) of a new state-of-the-art aseptic filling line at our biologics manufacturing site.
This role is a key member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT), responsible for ensuring that major project milestones, budgets, and resources are planned, executed, and delivered according to strategy and schedule.
Location: Neuchâtel
Initial Duration: 10 months
Remote work possibility: 1 day/week
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide strategic direction and expert project management guidance to the SLT and internal stakeholders.
* Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams through the final phases of a complex capex project, including Engineering Runs (ER) and Process & Performance Qualification (PPQ).
* Oversee all aspects of project execution — scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk — ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery and seamless transition to operations.
* Communicate project performance and progress to senior leadership, global stakeholders (OpU Biologics, Global Engineering), and external partners.
* Develop, validate, and control detailed project plans, Gantt charts, budget forecasts, and variance analyses.
* Drive proactive risk assessment and contingency planning to ensure successful project outcomes.
* Act as the project's
subject matter expert in project management and aseptic operations
, ensuring compliance with internal standards, policies, and cGxP requirements.
* Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration, decision-making, and change management throughout project handover.
Profile & Qualifications:
* Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Biological Sciences, or related discipline.
* At least
15 years of project/operational management experience
in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, including
10+ years in matrix or people leadership roles
.
* Proven track record leading large-scale, multidisciplinary
capex projects
, ideally involving aseptic filling lines in biologics.
* In-depth understanding of CQV activities, ER and PPQ, and strong knowledge of aseptic processing and cGxP.
* PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification required.
* Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
* Strategic thinker with strong organizational discipline and a hands-on approach to execution.
This is a
high-impact leadership role
offering the opportunity to deliver a critical project that will define the next generation of our manufacturing capabilities.