Senior Project Manager

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

Job summary

Novartis in Durham, NC is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead end-to-end GMP capital programs valued at $400M+. You will coordinate across Engineering, Construction, Manufacturing, Quality, Automation, EHS and external partners to deliver facility expansions that enable high-quality medicines globally.

This role requires an experienced leader with a proven track record of delivering complex capital projects from concept to handover, ensuring GMP compliance, risk management and successful

Qualifications

• 9+ years leading large-scale GMP capital projects in pharma/biotech or GMP manufacturing.
• Experience delivering $400M+ capital projects from initiation to turnover.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, cGMP, FDA, validation and regulatory requirements.
• Leadership across facilities, utilities, process equipment, automation and cleanrooms.
• Ability to manage budgets, schedules, risks, change controls and executive communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale GMP capital projects supporting 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 programs.
• Partner across engineering, manufacturing, quality, automation, procurement and EHS.
• Develop and manage scope, budget, schedule, governance and KPIs.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory knowledge

Budget and schedule management

Education

Bachelors in Engineering

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.

About The Role

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.

Why Novartis

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

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 & 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 [email protected] 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.