Senior Project Lead

For our client, a well renowned pharmaceutical actor, we are seeking an experienced Project Director to provide strategic and technical leadership for the successful finalization of a major capital investment project — the commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV) of a new state-of-the-art aseptic filling line at our biologics manufacturing site.This role is a key member of the Site Leadership Team (SLT), responsible for ensuring that major project milestones, budgets, and resources are planned, executed, and delivered according to strategy and schedule.Location: Neuchâtel Initial Duration: 10 months Remote work possibility: 1 day/week Key Responsibilities:Provide strategic direction and expert project management guidance to the SLT and internal stakeholders.Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams through the final phases of a complex capex project, including Engineering Runs (ER) and Process & Performance Qualification (PPQ).Oversee all aspects of project execution — scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk — ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery and seamless transition to operations.Communicate project performance and progress to senior leadership, global stakeholders (OpU Biologics, Global Engineering), and external partners.Develop, validate, and control detailed project plans, Gantt charts, budget forecasts, and variance analyses.Drive proactive risk assessment and contingency planning to ensure successful project outcomes.Act as the project’s subject matter expert in project management and aseptic operations, ensuring compliance with internal standards, policies, and cGxP requirements.Facilitate effective cross-functional collaboration, decision-making, and change management throughout project handover.Profile & Qualifications:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Biological Sciences, or related discipline.At least 15 years of project/operational management experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, including 10+ years in matrix or people leadership roles.Proven track record leading large-scale, multidisciplinary capex projects, ideally involving aseptic filling lines in biologics.In-depth understanding of CQV activities, ER and PPQ, and strong knowledge of aseptic processing and cGxP.PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification required.Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.Strategic thinker with strong organizational discipline and a hands-on approach to execution.This is a high-impact leadership role offering the opportunity to deliver a critical project that will define the next generation of our manufacturing capabilities.