Project Manager

Panda International; Oberwallis; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Panda International in Switzerland is seeking a Project Manager (Fire Protection) to lead the definition and delivery of fire protection concepts for capital projects. You will coordinate with architects, engineering partners, fire protection specialists, project teams, and the site fire brigade to ensure compliant, robust solutions.

The role covers technical oversight of sprinkler, deluge, dry extinguishing systems, firewater networks, and retention solutions, plus commissioning, testing, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Process, Chemical or related engineering discipline.
• Experience with fire protection systems; VKF/SES knowledge is a plus.
• Experience in pharma/biotech/chemical industries is preferred.
• Approximately 5–10 years of engineering, project execution or operations experience in related industries.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement fire protection concepts for capital projects.
• Coordinate with architects, partners, fire protection specialists, project teams, and site fire brigade.
• Lead technical oversight of fire protection systems including sprinkler, deluge, dry extinguishing, firewater networks, and retention solutions.
• Manage contractors and vendors for fire protection installations.
• Ensure delivery on cost, schedule, quality, and compliance requirements.
• Participate in 3D design reviews and multidisciplinary coordination to resolve clashes and issues.
• Oversee commissioning, functional testing, and acceptance activities for fire protection systems.
• Participate in integrated system tests with engineering teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Review, collect, and hand over as-built documentation and transfer to operations.

Skills

Fire protection systems

Code compliance

Contractor management

Commissioning testing

Multidisciplinary coordination

German/English communication

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Project Manager (Fire Protection)

Key Responsibilities

• Support the definition and implementation of fire protection concepts and requirements for capital projects.
• Coordinate with architects, engineering partners, fire protection specialists, project teams, and the site fire brigade.
• Lead the technical oversight of fire protection systems, including sprinkler systems, deluge systems, dry extinguishing systems, firewater networks, and firewater retention solutions.
• Manage contractors and vendors responsible for technical fire protection installations.
• Ensure project delivery with respect to cost, schedule, quality, and compliance requirements.
• Participate in 3D design reviews and multidisciplinary coordination to resolve clashes and technical issues.
• Oversee commissioning, functional testing, and acceptance activities for fire protection systems.
• Participate in integrated system tests together with engineering teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
• Review, collect, and hand over as-built documentation and ensure smooth transfer of systems to operations and end users.
• Support additional engineering activities within the CAPEX team as required.

Required Qualifications

Education

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

Languages

• German: Business Fluent (required)
• English: Basic to intermediate proficiency preferred
• French: Nice to have

Professional Experience

• Extensive experience working with fire protection systems and related regulations, standards, and guidelines (e.g., VKF, SES).
• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, or industrial manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of GMP and cleanroom environments is advantageous.
• Approximately 5-10 years of engineering, project execution, or operational experience within the pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, or related industries

Certifications

• VKF certification such as "Fachperson für Wasserlöschanlagen VKF" is considered a strong advantage.

Key Skills

• Technical expertise in fire protection systems and infrastructure
• Knowledge of fire safety codes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Strong contractor and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience with commissioning and integrated testing activities.
• Structured and detail-oriented working style.
• Ability to work independently in complex, multidisciplinary project environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, primarily in German and also in English.
• Strong understanding of fire risk assessments and selection criteria for wet versus dry suppression technologies in industrial, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and utility facilities

Additional Information

100% On-Site VISP -