General Manager - Projects (API Pharma)

Piramal Pharma; Digwal; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 6,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Piramal Pharma Limited in India is seeking a General Manager – Projects (API Pharma) to lead end-to-end API facility projects at Digwal. You will manage budgets, schedules, and cross-functional teams across engineering, QA, regulatory, and procurement to ensure quality delivery.

You will drive compliance with cGMP, EHS, and regulatory standards, coordinate with EPCs, and ensure readiness for audits while optimizing safety, cost, and timelines. Full-time on-site role in Digwal.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of API or bulk drug project management experience.
• Experience leading Greenfield and Brownfield API projects from concept to commissioning.
• Strong GMP facility design, process equipment, utilities and HVAC knowledge.
• Familiarity with USFDA, EMA, MHRA, WHO guidelines.
• Proficiency with Primavera, MS Project and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end API project management for new facilities and expansions.
• Coordinate with EPC contractors, design, procurement and construction teams.
• Drive IQ/OQ/PQ, installation and commissioning activities.
• Ensure delivery within scope, budget and schedule with compliance.
• Report progress and KPIs to senior management; manage risk.

Skills

Project management

GMP knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional leadership

Vendor coordination

Education

Chemical Engineering (B.E./B.Tech./M.Tech)

Tools

Primavera

MS Project

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title

General Manager - Projects (API Pharma)

Job Description

General Manager – Projects (API Pharma) will be responsible for leading and managing end-to-end project activities for Greenfield and Brownfield API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) manufacturing facilities at Digwal locations. The incumbent will oversee all phases of the project lifecycle—conceptualization, design, engineering, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning, and handover—ensuring timely delivery, adherence to budget, and full compliance with cGMP, EHS, and regulatory standards. This role requires a highly skilled project management professional with a strong background in pharmaceutical engineering, process design, and cross-functional coordination, capable of managing complex projects while driving excellence in quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Band: 4 Department: Global Engineering & Projects Location: Digwal Reports To: Sr. VP Global Head Project / Engg Employment Type: Full-time / Permanent

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning & Execution Lead end-to-end project management for new API manufacturing facilities, plant expansions, and capacity enhancement projects. Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, timelines, and resource plans using tools such as Primavera or MS Project. Coordinate with consultants, architects, and EPC contractors for basic and detailed engineering, procurement, and construction activities. Drive installation, commissioning, and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of process, utility, and ancillary systems. Ensure on‑time delivery of projects within approved budgets and scope.
2. Engineering & Technical Oversight Review and approve Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), equipment data sheets, and layout drawings. Ensure engineering design adheres to cGMP, USFDA, EMA, MHRA, and WHO standards. Support technology transfer, process scale-up, and equipment selection in coordination with R&D and Manufacturing teams. Provide technical leadership in areas such as utilities (WFI, clean steam, HVAC, chillers, compressed air) and cleanroom design.
3. Cross-Functional Coordination Collaborate closely with internal teams including Production, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, EHS, and Procurement for smooth execution. Work with Finance and Procurement for cost estimation, vendor selection, contract negotiation, and budget tracking. Lead site-based project teams, ensuring effective communication, accountability, and goal alignment. Build strong relationships with external partners, consultants, and suppliers to ensure best‑in‑class project delivery.
4. Compliance, Quality & Safety Ensure strict adherence to EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) and Quality Management standards throughout project execution. Conduct Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), risk assessments, and implement mitigation strategies. Ensure all activities comply with statutory, local, and international regulatory requirements. Support readiness for regulatory audits and inspections related to project and facility setup.
5. Reporting & Documentation Prepare comprehensive project reports, including progress updates, risk analysis, and deviation reports, for senior management. Maintain accurate documentation as per GMP and project management protocols. Track project performance against defined KPIs and milestones, recommending corrective actions as needed. Present updates in management review meetings and provide visibility into project health and financial status.

Qualifications & Experience

Education: B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech in Chemical Engineering Project Management certification will be an added advantage. Experience: Minimum 20 + years of experience in API or bulk drug project management, preferably with leading pharmaceutical companies. Proven experience in executing Greenfield and Brownfield projects from concept to commissioning. Exposure to Multiple Projects handling Strong understanding of GMP facility design, process equipment, utilities, and HVAC systems. Familiarity with international regulatory guidelines – USFDA, EMA, MHRA, WHO. Proficiency in project management tools such as Primavera, MS Project, and AutoCAD.

Key Competencies & Skills

Strong leadership and people management skills; ability to lead cross-functional teams. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management capabilities. Strategic thinker with a hands‑on execution approach. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, timelines, and multiple priorities under pressure. Commitment to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Willingness to travel extensively (domestic and international) based on project needs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Timely completion of projects within approved budget and scope. Compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards. Effective vendor and contractor management. Achievement of project milestones and financial targets. Stakeholder satisfaction and cross-functional collaboration effectiveness.

Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Inactive)

Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Inactive)

About Us

Piramal Pharma Limited, offers a portfolio of differentiated products and services through its 17 global development and manufacturing facilities and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. PPL includes Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS), an integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization; Piramal Critical Care (PCC), a Complex Hospital Generics business; and the India Consumer Healthcare business, selling over-the-counter products. In addition, one of PPL’s associate companies, AbbVie Therapeutics India Private Limited is a JV with AbbVie Inc. and has emerged as one of the market leaders in the ophthalmology therapy area. Further, PPL has a minority investment in Yapan Bio Private Limited. In October 2020, PPL received a 20% strategic growth investment from the Carlyle Group.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PPL provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. It prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin or ethnicity, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Our employment decisions are based on merit considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, selection, training, social programs, placement, promotion, demotion, compensation and benefits, transfers, terminations, and working conditions.