Principal Project Engineer

CooperVision; Southampton; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Healthcare cover

Life assurance

Wellness Platform

Lens discount scheme

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

CooperVision in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Project Manager to own end-to-end packaging automation projects. You will lead cross-functional teams across global operations, manage budgets, timelines and quality, and ensure compliant delivery from initiation through post-implementation.

The role requires extensive PM experience in medical device packaging, a strong engineering background, and the ability to travel internationally.

Qualifications

• Extensive project management experience in automated systems.
• Strong background in packaging automation and distribution.
• Experience with FDA/medical packaging regulations and protocols.
• Understanding of packaging operations, production lines and equipment.
• Analytical problem solving and data-driven decision making.
• 8+ years in a relevant automated industry.

Responsibilities

• Appraise, specify, develop, commission and test automation systems.
• Lead vendor selection and development to meet business needs.
• Manage global projects with budget, time and quality targets.
• Conduct safety assessments, validation and regulatory activities.
• Mentor technical staff and support career development.
• Lead Design Review, FMEA and project reporting.

Skills

Project management

Packaging automation

Cross-functional leadership

Regulatory compliance

Risk assessment

Mentoring

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor/Master in Engineering or equivalent

Tools

FMEA

Job description

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.

• 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.

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

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 improve the way people see each day. It's more than making contact lenses, it's about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives. We're all about bright futures - for our people and those who wear our contact lenses.

Benefits:

• 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.