Program Director, Capital Projects

Zoetis; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis seeks a Director, Capital Project Management to lead major capital build and construction activities within the GMS Manufacturing portfolio. You will shape technical solutions, oversee planning, and drive value across the enterprise from front-end loading to startup, reporting to the Senior Director of Capital Project Execution.

The role requires coordinating resources across sites, securing governance, and ensuring right-first-time delivery while aligning with business strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field.
• 14+ years in engineering/design/installation/commissioning/qualification of capital projects.
• 8+ years as Capital Project Manager on large-scale projects (total cost $100–$250M USD).
• Experience negotiating contracts with suppliers/contractors/vendors and knowledge of EPC/EPCM contracting.
• Strong project controls, risk management and benchmarking capabilities.
• Proficient in English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of select strategic investments from front-end loading through execution, commissioning and startup.
• Lead development, review and submission of Capital Project Appropriations (CPAs) to investment committees.
• Lead or support technical peer reviews for global capital projects and drive continuous improvement of processes and tools.
• Champion Communities of Practice and develop global standards, processes, and tools for Capital Project Management.
• Coach and mentor site teams, evaluate competency, and design training to meet current and future needs.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Construction Management

MBA (preferred)

Job description

The Global Engineering team is responsible for Real Estate and Facilities Management, Reliability & Maintenance, Capital Project & Portfolio Management and Engineering & Technology across the end-to-end Global Manufacturing & Supply (GMS) network. Our goal is to engineer, build and maintain innovative and reliable systems and solutions enabling our business to best serve our customers. Zoetis Global Engineering has established a new Capital Project Execution team with the primary objective of directly overseeing the planning and implementation of the highest value, strategic and business critical capital investments in the GMS capital portfolio. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Capital Project Execution, the Director, Capital Project Management will combine their background and know-how in engineering & design and project & construction management to shape and right-size technical solutions that proactively and efficiently address complex business needs. The Director will lead all aspects of major capital build and construction efforts working with internal and external stakeholders and team members to shape and guide project definition, planning, and execution. This includes securing and coordinating resources, managing governance, and encouraging cross functional alignment to ensure projects are driven with excellence.

Position Responsibilities

Responsible for all phases of select, assigned strategic investments from the front-end loading through execution, commissioning and qualification, start-up and transition to steady-state operations ensuring the scope, deliverables and benefits case are aligned with enabling with the business strategy, commitments, and goals.

Lead and manage the development, review and submission of the Capital Project Appropriations (CPAs) serving as the speaker to capital investment committees. Determines the project structure, resource needs, and associated skills to successfully execute consistently advocating and modelling the Home Safe, Every Day mindset and behaviors. (55%)

Lead and / or support Technical Peer Reviews for site or global capital projects outside their immediate portfolio to ensure right-first-time delivery of the entire GMS Manufacturing portfolio. Drive and / or contribute to Post Implementation Reviews partnering with Internal Audit, PMO and other functional peers to drive continuous improvement of the capital project management process and related systems and tools. (15%)

Lead, champion and sponsor Communities of Practice, Working Groups, Task Forces, or other forums to enable knowledge sharing across sites, platforms, and the global network. Design, develop, and deliver global standards, processes, and tools to drive consistency, efficiency, and quality of Capital Project Management. (15%)

Engage, coach (teach, counsel) and mentor peers and subordinates throughout the entire Global site resources toward the objectives of enhanced technical knowledge/awareness, career satisfaction/development, and personal growth. Assist in the evaluation of competency levels to develop and recommend training programs in order to improve employee skills in areas which will meet with the company's present and future needs. (15%)

Education and Experience

Required:

A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical field is required.

A minimum of fourteen (14) years of progressively responsible experience in the engineering and design, installation, commissioning and qualification, and vertical start-up of capital projects. Prior experience serving as the Capital Project Manager across / in all phases is required.

Minimum of eight years (8) years' experience serving as the overall project manager on capital projects with total project cost ranging between 100 to 250 MM USD.

Hands-on experience in the negotiation and management of contracts and agreements with suppliers and contractors, vendors, regulatory and government agencies, and deep knowledge of project controls, construction law, risk management, and contracting strategies (EPC, EPCM, etc.) is required.

Strong understanding of project performance management systems and benchmarking. Ability to evaluate and benchmark project performance, identify areas for improvement, implement best practices, and provide strategic insights and recommendations for project improvement.

Proficient in English language - writing, speaking, and understanding is required.

Preferred:

Advanced degree (i.e., MBA) is preferred.

Deep knowledge of current Life Science industry Quality standards (i.e., GMP) and practices complying with global regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA) as well as environmental, health and safety regulations is strongly preferred.

Experience working with and / or managing geographically dispersed teams is preferred.

Physical Position Requirements

This position requires permanent relocation to the designated work location. Onsite presence is required. This is NOT a remote role.

Ability to support domestic travel is required based on project and business needs. Occasional or intermittent international travel may be required with average durations of less than one week.

About Zoetis

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.