PM Fire Protection

Panda International; Oberwallis; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site work

Job summary

Panda International in Visp, Switzerland, seeks an experienced Project Manager – Fire Protection to lead CAPEX initiatives at a pharmaceutical/biotech site. You will oversee design coordination, installation, commissioning, and handover of fire protection systems, coordinating with architects, contractors, and site teams to meet regulatory and project objectives.

Ideal candidates bring 5–10 years in engineering or project execution within pharma or chemical environments, strong knowledge of fire

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Process or Chemical Engineering or related field.
• 5–10 years in engineering, project execution or operations in pharma/biotech/chemical industries.
• Extensive experience with fire protection systems and related standards/regulations.
• Experience with commissioning, testing and handover of complex systems.

Responsibilities

• Define, develop and implement fire protection concepts for CAPEX projects.
• Oversee fire protection systems: sprinkler, deluge, dry extinguishing, firewater networks.
• Coordinate with architects, engineering partners, contractors and site fire brigade.
• Manage external contractors and vendors for fire protection installations.
• Ensure delivery according to cost, schedule, quality, safety and compliance.
• Conduct 3D design reviews and resolve interface clashes; support handover to operations.

Skills

Project management

Fire protection systems

Contractor management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology

Experience: Approximately 5–10 years

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager – Fire Protection to support capital investment (CAPEX) projects at a leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing site in Visp, Switzerland.

In this role, you will oversee the technical implementation of fire protection systems throughout the project lifecycle, from concept development and design coordination to installation, commissioning, testing, and final handover.

You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, external contractors, fire protection specialists, and the site fire brigade to ensure that fire protection solutions meet technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and project objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a fire protection professional with strong project management skills and experience in complex industrial environments, particularly pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, or manufacturing facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the definition, development, and implementation of fire protection concepts and requirements for CAPEX projects.
• Provide technical oversight of fire protection systems, including sprinkler systems, deluge systems, dry extinguishing systems, firewater networks, and firewater retention solutions.
• Coordinate with architects, engineering partners, fire protection specialists, project teams, and the site fire brigade.
• Manage external contractors and vendors responsible for fire protection installations.
• Ensure projects are delivered according to agreed cost, schedule, quality, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Participate in 3D design reviews and multidisciplinary coordination meetings to identify and resolve clashes and technical issues.
• Oversee commissioning, functional testing, integrated system testing, and acceptance activities for fire protection systems.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, contractors, and stakeholders during system testing and handover activities.
• Review and consolidate as-built documentation, ensuring the successful transfer of completed systems to operations and end users.
• Assess fire risks and support the selection of appropriate wet or dry suppression technologies for industrial, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and utility facilities.
• Provide additional engineering support to the CAPEX team as required.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Professional Experience

• Approximately 5–10 years of experience in engineering, project execution, or operational roles within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, or related industrial environments.
• Extensive experience with fire protection systems, applicable regulations, technical standards, and industry guidelines.
• Experience with sprinkler systems, deluge systems, dry extinguishing systems, firewater networks, or firewater retention solutions.
• Experience managing contractors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary engineering interfaces.
• Experience with commissioning, functional testing, and integrated system testing.
• Strong understanding of fire risk assessments and the selection of suitable fire suppression technologies.
• Familiarity with GMP and cleanroom environments is advantageous.
• Knowledge of Swiss fire protection standards, including VKF and SES guidelines, is highly beneficial.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of industrial fire protection systems and infrastructure.
• Understanding of fire safety codes, regulations, and applicable engineering standards.
• Ability to review technical designs, coordinate interfaces, and resolve engineering issues.
• Strong focus on quality, safety, technical documentation, and regulatory compliance.

Languages

• Basic to intermediate English proficiency is preferred.
• French is an advantage.

Working Style

• Structured, detail-oriented, and proactive approach to project execution.
• Strong stakeholder and contractor management skills.
• Ability to work independently in complex, multidisciplinary project environments.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Additional Information

• Work arrangement: 100% on-site

Interested?