Principal Project Engineer

CooperVision Limited; Eastleigh; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Healthcare cover

Life assurance

Wellness platform

Discounted contact lenses

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

CooperVision UK Packaging is seeking a Principal Project Engineer to take full project management responsibility for state-of-the-art automation in packaging and distribution. You'll lead cross-functional teams, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle.

The role requires extensive travel, strong leadership, and deep technical expertise in packaging automation, with a focus on delivering robust, validated processes that meet time, cost and

Qualifications

• Extensive project management experience in packaging automation.
• Experience with FDA/medical packaging regulations and protocols.
• Strong leadership and ability to lead global multi-discipline teams.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Appraise, specify, develop, commission and test new and existing production automated systems.
• Lead vendor selection and development to meet business requirements.
• Project Manager for global projects delivering time, cost and quality targets.
• Conduct safety compliance assessments and validation programs per regulatory requirements.
• Mentor technical staff and manage design history documentation.

Skills

Project Management

Packaging automation

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

Global travel

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor / Master in Engineering

Tools

Automation equipment

Validation protocols

Job description

Job title: Principal Project Engineer

Department: UK Packaging

Location: Mount Park

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, full time on-site

A brighter future awaits you

CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improvethe way people see each day. It’s more than makingcontact lenses, it’s about giving lens wearers freedom andconfidence to move about their daily lives. We’re all about bright futures – for our people and those who wear our contact lenses.

Job summary – What to expect:

This position has full project management responsibility for the supply of “state of the art” technology, and technical quality of project work undertaken in terms of time, cost and quality. This position will interact cross-functionally across global packaging and distribution operations as well global vendors and suppliers. It is responsible for the investigation, development and delivery of advanced automation technology to support the business requirements of PTIG Global Packaging and Distribution Operations.And to provide high level Project Management and technical engineering knowledge to the business from the onset of project initiation through post implementation.

Responsibilities include:

• Appraise, specify, develop, commission and test new and existing production automated systems and equipment.
• Lead the selection of automated equipment, vendors and development of the best vendors to meet business requirements.
• Project Manager for global projects, to design, deliver and implement new technology projects that meet time, cost and quality targets, delivering new, validated, robust and commercially beneficial processes.
• Conduct equipment and process safety compliance assessments, appraisals, capability studies and validation/verification programs in accordance with FDA and medical device regulatory requirements and provide significant technical contribution to projects.
• Manages projects of high complexity, including budgets and resources (internal and external), if appropriate.
• Participate in global multi-functional project teams as an expert/module leader to ensure the effective delivery of business objectives.
• Is responsible for mentoring the technical discipline, personal development and career progression of other staff, as required.
• Approval and management for all the technical content of the design history files including regulatory documentation, such as qualification protocols and specifications.
• Leads Design Review Process and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) process for projects where appropriate
• Leads appropriate management meetings and reports on projects.
• To support the Global Packaging and Distribution - Technical forums as required.

A full job description is available upon request.

About you:

We are looking for someone with:

• Ability to apply sound problem solving skills utilizing technical risk assessment and analytical skills.

• Ability to work with and lead global multi-discipline teams.

• Ability to carry out significant travel domestically and internationally.

• Ability to work closely and effectively with other company disciplines as well as outside vendors and organizations to achieve company goals.

• Motivated to explore new technologies whilst maintaining awareness of industry developments and innovation opportunities.

• Enthusiastic and results-oriented, with a proactive, forward-thinking approach that emphasises early engagement, thorough preparation, and effective execution.

• Must demonstrate self-motivation, flexibility, attention to detail, and persistence, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure while consistently delivering against agreed deadlines and project milestones. Willing to learn new skills and adapt to new situations.

• Excellent written, presentation and verbal communications skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with all levels of an organization.

• Strong leadership, planning and decision-making capabilities

Experience & Education:

Required:

• Extensive & demonstrable Project Management experience.
• Strong background in packaging automation, manufacturing processes, distribution methods, product coding, printing and verification processes.
• Experience with FDA/medical packaging regulations and protocols.
• Excellent understanding of packaging operations, production lines and equipment.
• Excellent understanding of distribution environments and testing.
• Knowledge of contact lens industry preferred.
• Strong Process engineering background.
• Good analytical and problem solving skills.
• 8 years’ + experience in a relevant automated industry.

Preferred:

• Minimum of Bachelor / Masters degree in Engineering or equivalent experience

What we offer:

You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, healthcare cover, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more!

We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we’ll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours.

We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in your career and grow with CooperVision.

What you can expect:

As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. We appreciate how important fostering an inclusive culture is and how different perspectives add value and contribute to our success.

All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.

Please view our careers page at https://hcjy.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1 to view all other opportunities.