Senior Project Manager

Pharmaceutical Industry

About Salas O’Brien

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.

Role Overview

This role provides Project Management leadership for the delivery of capital investment projects supporting design and construction administration within the sanitary manufacturing environments (Pharmaceutical, Life Science, & Food / Beverage).

The candidate will provide project management support to execute small and large capital projects within a cGMP environment. They will determine project scoping strategies with client groups and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle including, but not limited to conceptual and detailed design, equipment selection, procurement efforts, commissioning, validation, and project turnover. Additional responsibilities include leading project related meetings, documenting meeting minutes, and documenting all decisions/action items to progress project efforts. The candidate must oversee all project communications to appropriate stakeholders and responsible trades and subcontractors. The Project Manager will be responsible for maintaining key project performance indicators including milestone schedules, weekly status reports, and project objectives/goals.

Why This Role Matters

This role plays a key part in delivering complex capital projects for clients operating in highly regulated and technically demanding environments, where quality, safety, and operational continuity are critical to success.

Business Planning & Development

• Lead pursuit strategy and execution for new project opportunities, including client engagement, positioning, and proposal development

• Provide technical and commercial assessments of potential opportunities to support informed pursuit and execution decisions

• Engage directly with prospective clients to understand their operational requirements, processes, and project drivers

• Lead a team of engineers to develop solutions that align with client needs, balancing capital cost, life cycle performance, energy usage, and operational efficiency

• Lead and support pursuits within industrial and manufacturing environments, with a strong emphasis on pharmaceutical and life sciences projects and GMP-regulated facilities

• Prepare clear, compelling proposals that define scope, schedule, and deliverables while proactively managing commercial and execution risk

Project Management & Reporting

• Lead project execution from initiation through closeout, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, schedule, and client objectives

• Communicate design recommendations, project updates, and key decisions to clients, project teams, contractors, and vendors through meetings, presentations, and written communication

• Plan, direct, and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results within established budgets

• Ensure coordination across engineering, design, and construction disciplines to produce accurate, complete, and aligned deliverables

• Maintain strong client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor throughout project lifecycle

• Manage project contracts and agreements, including commercial terms, risk mitigation, and change management

• Oversee project financial performance including budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, cash flow, and accruals

• Support delivery of projects across industrial and manufacturing sectors, with an emphasis on pharmaceutical and life sciences environments, including GMP-regulated facilities where applicable

• Coordinate with project stakeholders to address compliance, operational, and quality requirements typical of regulated environments

• Experience coordinating projects within GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environments, including commissioning, validation, and compliance requirements, is strongly preferred

Core Competencies & Expectations

• Scope, Budget & Schedule Management – Maintains clear alignment with project objectives and ensures team accountability for delivery

• Change Management – Proactively identifies and manages scope, schedule, and budget changes while driving timely resolution

• Safety & Quality – Ensures adherence to all client and Salas O’Brien safety and quality standards

• Client Focus – Delivers responsive, high-quality service aligned with client expectations and builds long-term relationships

• Ownership & Leadership – Takes full accountability for project outcomes while leading internal and external teams effectively

• Adaptability – Adjusts to changing project conditions while maintaining focus on objectives

• Communication – Demonstrates strong written, verbal, and presentation skills across all levels of stakeholders

• Delegation – Sets clear expectations and empowers team members while leveraging technical expertise appropriately

• Multi-Project Management – Effectively manages multiple projects across various stages with competing priorities

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Construction Management, or equivalent preferred).

• Experience: 5-15 years of Relevant Industry Experience supporting Capital Engineering Projects regulated in cGMP manufacturing environment

• Technical Skills:

• General Engineering
• Knowledge of cGMP Change Control Process
• Basic understanding of Capital Project Lifecycles.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Microsoft Excel
• Scheduling and Planning Tools (Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project)

• Software Experience

  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Project Controls Systems
  • Document Management Systems (e.g., SharePoint)
  • Digital Collaboration Platforms – Procore, Autodesk Build, etc.

• Adaptability: Flexibility and willingness to work on various projects and tasks, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm.

• Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative to lead projects forward on time and within budget.

• Nice to Have:

• MBA, Business Management, or equivalent

Physical and Ergonomic Requirements:

The physical and work environment requirements of this position include:

• Lifting/Carrying – Ability to carry light equipment and field measurement tools (typically 15 lbs. or less)

• Dexterity – Ability to work on a computer and prepare field notes or sketches in both office and industrial environments

• Walking/Climbing – Ability to navigate multi-level industrial facilities, including stairs and ladders

• Visual Acuity – Ability to interpret technical drawings, models, and design documentation

• Hearing – Ability to recognize safety alarms and signals, including while wearing hearing protection

• Physical Exertion – Ability to walk extended distances on industrial or construction sites and work outdoors in varying conditions

• PPE/Respiratory – Ability to work in protective equipment, including respirators or other required safety gear, in industrial environments

Working at Salas O’Brien

As part of an employee-owned firm, you will contribute to impactful projects, collaborate within a high-performance culture, and have opportunities for professional growth while delivering meaningful results for clients.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.