Sr. Project Manager, Engineering

Novartis Group Companies; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 108,500 - 201,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentive

Equity awards opportunity

Health, life and disability benefits

401(k) with company match

Generous time off

Job summary

Novartis Group of Companies in the United States seeks a Sr. Project Manager, Engineering to lead a portfolio of capital projects within a regulated manufacturing environment, guiding teams through ambiguity and ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery.

The role partners with site leadership to drive manufacturing strategy and operational excellence while balancing cost, quality, and schedule, with emphasis on FDA/GMP compliance and strong stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a technical field; 9 years pharma/biopharma experience in regulated environments.
• Experience leading FDA regulated and GMP compliant projects in highly regulated facilities.
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and GMP systems.
• Experience delivering capital improvement projects, including process and production layout development.
• Experience managing GMP construction in brownfield/renovation environments.
• Applied knowledge of Quality by Design, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including technical writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple capital projects from initiation through closeout, delivering on time and within budget.
• Act as primary client contact, managing stakeholder expectations and relationships.
• Manage scope, schedule, and budget changes with clear impact assessments and approvals.
• Oversee contractors and internal teams ensuring safe, compliant project execution.
• Resolve issues, risks, and constraints with site leadership.
• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and funding documentation.
• Develop project objectives aligned with business plans and user requirements.
• Coordinate planning and scheduling across project teams and manufacturing operations.
• Communicate project performance, risks, and mitigation plans to site and senior leadership.
• Capture lessons learned and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Capital project management

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting & forecasting

Engineering leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Job Description Summary

Bring your experience, leadership, and strategic mindset to a role where your work directly enables the delivery of innovative therapies to patients around the world. As a Sr. Project Manager, Engineering at Novartis, you will lead a complex portfolio of capital projects within a regulated manufacturing environment, guiding teams through ambiguity and technical challenges with confidence. You will serve as a trusted partner to site leadership, drive decisions that shape long‑term manufacturing strategy, and champion operational excellence while balancing cost, quality, and schedule. This role offers the opportunity to influence at scale, mentor teams, and leave a lasting footprint across the site's capital portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multiple capital projects from initiation through closeout, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to quality standards
• Act as primary client contact, proactively managing stakeholder expectations and maintaining strong working relationships
• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget changes with clear impact assessments and documented approvals
• Oversee contractors and internal teams, ensuring safe, compliant, and effective project execution
• Resolve project issues, risks, and resource constraints in partnership with site leadership
• Prepare and manage project budgets, forecasts, and funding documentation
• Develop project objectives aligned with business plans and user requirements
• Coordinate planning and scheduling across project teams and manufacturing operations
• Communicate project performance, risks, and mitigation plans to site and senior leadership
• Drive operational excellence by capturing lessons learned and supporting continuous improvement initiatives

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience
• Nine years of experience supporting pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations in regulated environments
• Demonstrated experience leading FDA regulated and GMP compliant projects within highly regulated facilities
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and Good Manufacturing Practice systems
• Experience delivering capital improvement projects, including process and production layout development
• Experience managing Good Manufacturing Practice construction activities in brownfield and renovation environments
• Applied knowledge of Quality by Design, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong technical writing capabilities

Compensation and Benefits Summary

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

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.

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, Data Analytics and Digital, Decision Making, Engineering Operations Management, Engineering Technical Expertise, GDP Knowledge, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HSE Knowledge, Manufacturing Process (Production), Operational Excellence, Problem Solving, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Resilience and Risk Management, Resource Planning and Forecasting, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Vendor Management