General Manager - Projects (API Pharma)

Piramal Pharma Limited; India; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Piramal Pharma Limited is seeking a General Manager - Projects (API Pharma) to lead end-to-end API facility projects from concept through commissioning at the Digwal locations. The role requires strong pharmaceutical engineering expertise, cross-functional leadership, and strict adherence to regulatory standards across global teams.

The successful candidate will drive project planning, budgeting, and technology transfers while ensuring safety, quality, and cost optimization in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Minimum 20+ years of API/bulk drug project management experience.
• Greenfield and Brownfield project execution from concept to commissioning.
• Strong GMP facility design, process equipment, utilities, and HVAC understanding.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project management for API facilities and expansions.
• Oversee engineering deliverables: PFDs, P&IDs, equipment data sheets, layouts.
• Coordinate with Production, QA, Regulatory, EHS, and Procurement for budget, timelines, and risk management.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, USFDA, EMA, MHRA, WHO standards; support technology transfer.
• Prepare project reports, KPIs, and management updates.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional coordination

Education

B.E./B.Tech/M.Tech in Chemical Engineering

Project Management certification

Tools

Primavera

MS Project

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title: General Manager - Projects (API Pharma)

Be the First to Apply Division Piramal Pharma Solutions Piramal Pharma Solutions is a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), offering end-to-end development and manufacturing solutions across the drug life cycle. We serve our clients through a globally integrated network of facilities in North America, Europe and Asia. This enables us to offer a comprehensive range of services including Drug Discovery Solutions, Process & Pharmaceutical Development services, Clinical Trial Supplies, Commercial supply of APIs and Finished dosage forms. We also offer specialized services like development and manufacture of Highly Potent APIs and Antibody Drug Conjugation. Our capability as an integrated service provider & experience with various technologies enables us to serve Innovator and Generic companies worldwide. For more details, please visit : www.piramalpharmasolutions.com

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.

Employment Details

• 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)

Company Overview

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.