Project Manager - Pharma Manufacturing

Our Client is a leading multinational company operating in the Pharmaceutical industry. They are dedicated to innovation, wellness and sustainability with a rich legacy of trust and excellence in the healthcare industry. The client has a new pharmaceutical manufacturing setup in Dubai.

They are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Project Manager to lead the development of their Manufacturing site for pharmaceutical products in Dubai, UAE. The Project Manager will oversee the entire project lifecycle from construction through to qualification, ensuring compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and readiness for regulatory audits by authorities including US FDA, Europe, UAE, Brazil, and others.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Project Leadership: Manage all phases of the project, including planning, execution, monitoring, and completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budget and quality standards. Manage the project scope to avoid any delays or cost escalations. Provide regular updates to senior management and other stakeholders.

- Site Construction and Qualification Management: Oversee the construction of the manufacturing site, coordinating with contractors, architects and all external and internal stakeholders to ensure the project meets design specifications and regulatory requirements.

- Regulatory Compliance: Work with engineering and design teams to ensure that the site is designed and built to meet cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) standards and is audit-ready for global healthcare regulatory authorities.

- Site Qualification: Oversee commissioning and qualification of the facility and equipment. Develop and implement a transition plan for handover to the operations team.

- Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, contractors, and senior management, to align project goals and expectations. Establish and maintain relationships with third parties/vendors.

- Clear Communication: Communicate with all project stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment. Report and escalate to management as needed.

- Risk Management: Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the project stays on track.

- Resource Allocation: Manage project resources, including personnel, materials and budget, to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. Monitor project progress and identify and mitigate risks.

- Documentation and Reporting: Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation for audit requirements.

- Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the project team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

- Project Management Tools: Use appropriate verification techniques to manage changes in project scope, schedule and costs as well as measure project performance using appropriate systems, tools and techniques. Perform risk management to minimize project risks.

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION

- Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering, Construction Management or a related field. Advanced degree or PMP certification is a plus.

- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of project management experience in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry with hands on experience in building green-field manufacturing sites and qualification.

- Knowledge: Deep understanding of cGMP requirements and experience with regulatory audits (e.g. US FDA, EMA, UAE, Brazil).

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS

- Strong leadership and team management skills.

- Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

- Proven ability to manage large-scale projects within budget and timeline constraints.

- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

- Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.

- Proficiency in project management software and tools such as MS Project or Prima-Vera

- Willingness to do the job and get the job done!