Senior Project Manager

Novartis Group Companies; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 109,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis Group of Companies in Durham, NC seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead end-to-end GMP capital programs, from concept through handover, coordinating engineering, construction, QA, automation, EHS and external partners to deliver world-class facilities.

This role manages $400M+ projects, ensures regulatory compliance, drives proactive risk management, mentors teams, and supports on-site expansions that enable patient-focused manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field.
• 9+ years leading large GMP capital projects.
• Experience delivering projects from design through closeout.
• GMP, cGMP, FDA and regulatory knowledge.
• Experience with facilities, utilities, equipment, automation, and cleanrooms.
• Strong budgets, schedules, risks, change controls, and exec communications.
• Exceptional leadership and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale GMP capital projects for sterile manufacturing and facility expansion.
• Direct projects from business case through design, procurement, CQV, turnover and closeout.
• Serve as primary engineering and project leadership representative for major capital programs.
• Collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, quality, automation, procurement, EHS, and partners.
• Develop and manage scope, budget, schedule, governance, and KPIs.
• Drive risk management and resolve complex project challenges.
• Oversee A/E firms, contractors, and vendors to ensure delivery.
• Ensure GMP, site standards, quality, and EHS compliance.
• Communicate performance, financial status, risks, milestones to senior leadership.
• Mentor teams and promote standardized delivery practices.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

Risk management

Communication with executives

GMP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction/PM or related field

Job description

Job Description Summary

What does it take to lead some of the most significant capital investments in pharmaceutical manufacturing? As a Senior Project Manager at Novartis, you will provide end-to-end leadership for large-scale GMP capital programs that support the growth and future of our Durham campus. This role is designed for an experienced project leader with a proven track record of successfully delivering multiple capital projects valued at approximately $400 million or more, from initial concept through operational handover. Working across Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, Quality, Automation, EHS, and external partner organizations, you will drive complex facility expansions and strategic investments that strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality medicines to patients worldwide.

Job Description

Location:

• This position will be located in Durham, NC and will be an onsite role.
• Novartis is unable to offer relocation support for this role: please only apply if this location is accessible for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead large-scale GMP capital projects supporting sterile manufacturing, packaging, and facility expansion initiatives.
• Direct projects from business case development through design, procurement, construction, CQV, turnover, and closeout.
• Serve as the primary engineering and project leadership representative for major capital investment programs.
• Partner across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Automation, Procurement, EHS, and external contractor organizations.
• Develop and manage project scope, budget, schedule, governance, KPIs, and execution strategies.
• Drive proactive risk management, mitigation planning, and resolution of complex project challenges.
• Oversee A/E firms, construction partners, OEMs, vendors, and contractors to ensure successful project delivery.
• Ensure compliance with GMP requirements, site standards, quality expectations, and EHS requirements.
• Communicate project performance, financial status, risks, and key milestones to senior leadership.
• Mentor project teams and promote operational excellence through standardized capital project delivery practices.

Essential Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related technical discipline.
• 9+ years leading large-scale capital projects within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Proven success managing multiple capital projects valued at approximately $400M+ from initiation through completion.
• Experience delivering complex projects across design, procurement, construction, CQV, operational readiness, turnover, and closeout.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, cGMP, FDA, validation, and regulatory requirements within regulated manufacturing facilities.
• Experience leading capital programs involving facilities, utilities, process equipment, automation, and cleanroom environments.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, schedules, risks, change controls, and executive stakeholder communications.
• Exceptional leadership, influencing, and cross-functional collaboration skills within complex matrix organizations.

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $108,500 and $201,500 Annually.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

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EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Salary Range

$108,500.00 - $201,500.00

Skills Desired

• Business Continuity
• Cost Management
• Decision Making
• Operational Excellence
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Quality Compliance
• Risk Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Vendor Management