Senior Portfolio Manager

Yolk Recruitment Ltd; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is looking for an experienced Senior Portfolio Manager to oversee multiple pharmaceutical construction projects in Macclesfield, with budgets up to £5 million. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the project lifecycle, ensuring compliance with NEC4 contract standards, and integrating project teams with safety and regulatory practices. Candidates should have a strong background in design management and at least 5-7 years of experience in a regulated environment. This position offers a salary of up to £100,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years in construction or project management within a regulated pharmaceutical or manufacturing environment.
• Proven background in design management with knowledge of life science technologies.
• Expert working knowledge of NEC4 contracts; NEC4 Accredited Project Manager status is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage delivery of multiple concurrent pharmaceutical projects up to £5m.
• Lead the design process ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Coordinate between project teams and consultants for seamless integration.

Skills

Portfolio Oversight

Design Management

Contract Administration

Stakeholder Integration

Risk Management

Financial Accountability

Tools

NEC4 Contracts

Engineering Drawings

P&IDs

Job description

MERITUS are recruiting for a Senior Portfolio Manager to join our client in a permanent position to support projects up to £5m.

SENIOR PORTFOLIO MANAGER - Up to £100,000 per annum - NEC4 Contracts - Macclesfield, ONSITE - Pharmaceutical/Medical Background

We are seeking an experienced Senior Portfolio Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical construction projects, typically ranging up to £5m in value. This role is critical in bridging the gap between technical design and operational delivery within a highly regulated environment. The successful candidate will oversee the full project lifecycle-from pre-construction and design management to final commissioning-ensuring all works strictly adhere to NEC4 contract standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Portfolio Oversight: Manage the delivery of multiple concurrent pharmaceutical projects (up to £5m), ensuring they remain on schedule, within budget, and compliant with client specifications.
• Design Management: Lead the design process from pre-construction through delivery, ensuring technical solutions are buildable, cost-effective, and fully coordinated with pharmaceutical regulatory standards (cGMP/non-cGMP).
• Contract Administration: Act as the primary lead for NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contracts (ECC), managing compensation events, early warnings, and the "Accepted Programme" to maintain a collaborative and "no-surprises" culture.
• Stakeholder Integration: Coordinate between internal project teams, external consultants, and specialized supply chain partners to ensure seamless integration of health and safety, sustainability, and technical standards.
• Risk & Quality Control: Implement proactive risk management strategies and maintain accurate risk registers. Ensure all clean utility systems and facilities meet stringent pharmaceutical industry standards and mechanical completion requirements.
• Financial Accountability: Oversee procurement, budget tracking, and financial reporting for the portfolio, identifying opportunities for value engineering and profit enhancement.

Experience & Qualifications

• Industry Experience: Minimum 5-7 years in construction or project management within a regulated pharmaceutical or manufacturing environment.
• Technical Expertise: Proven background in design management and a deep understanding of life science technologies, clean room processes, and engineering drawings (P&IDs).
• NEC4 Proficiency: Expert working knowledge of NEC4 contracts; NEC4 Accredited Project Manager status is highly desirable.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage complex stakeholder maps (scientists, engineers, and regulatory agencies).

Preferred Skills

• Expertise in Design & Build (D&B) and EPCM procurement routes.
• Exceptional negotiation skills for managing contractors and major procurements.