Director, Project Engineering (Design & Construction)

Band

Level 6

 

Job Description Summary

#LI-Onsite

Location: Durham, NC

Step into a pivotal leadership role as our next Director of Project Engineering. In this high-impact position, you’ll chart the strategic course for our Project Engineering team and spearhead the execution of major capital projects across diverse platforms and sites. From project initiation to operational handover, you’ll drive excellence at every stage—mentoring talent, collaborating with subject matter experts, and ensuring every initiative aligns with our broader business goals. If you're passionate about shaping the future through innovation and precision, this is your opportunity to lead with purpose.

 

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, execution, and delivery of major capital projects across multiple platforms and sites, ensuring compliance with legislation, internal policies, and best practices while aligning with broader business objectives
• Manage all phases of investment projects for individual business units, from concept through handover to operations, including preparation, design, construction, commissioning, and close-out
• Develop and implement robust project execution strategies and plans, focusing on safety, quality, schedule, cost control, and operational efficiency for large-scale CAPEX initiatives
• Prepare and evaluate alternative solutions, conducting thorough assessments of investment value, risks, and technical feasibility to support optimal decision-making
• Oversee project controlling activities, including cost estimation, budgeting, scheduling, and quality assurance, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget
• Coordinate and mentor internal associates and subject matter experts, fostering professional development, alignment, and collaboration across project teams
• Integrate and manage internal and external teams, including vendors and contractors, establishing contracts and ensuring seamless project delivery and compliance with safety and inspection plans
• Ensure the creation, management, and submission of all required project documentation, statutory permits, and regulatory compliance materials, following the Construction Act and internal guidelines
• Drive strategic site development initiatives, support audits, and lead or contribute to facility improvement projects focused on energy efficiency, productivity, environmental compliance, and maintenance
• Actively manage the strategy and investment plan for assigned US locations, preparing technological proposals, overseeing change management, and ensuring continuous improvement in project execution and operational excellence

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in engineering or an equivalent discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience managing capital portfolios and major project management.
• 5+ years’ engineering experience in the pharmaceutical industry preferred.
• Demonstrated success delivering large-scale, safe, effective, and fully compliant capital projects from concept through completion.
• Strong technical knowledge in project engineering, including design, construction, commissioning, and operational handover.
• Broad expertise in project controlling, including cost estimation, budgeting, scheduling, and quality assurance.
• Advanced knowledge of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) and Good Practice/Quality Assurance (GxP/QA) standards.
• Excellent understanding of key non-technical business processes, such as strategy, human resources, and finance.
• Fluent in English, with outstanding communication and leadership skills to manage diverse teams and stakeholders.

Desirable Requirement:

• Experience managing large capital build projects > $20M.
• Diverse pharmaceutical experience preferred: large molecule, small molecule, and aseptic drug product

Novartis Compensation and Benefit Summary:

The salary for this position is expected to range between $168,000 and $312,000 per year.

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.

 

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, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

 

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 in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to tas.nacomms@novartis.com call +1 (877)395-2339 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings

 

Salary Range

$168,000.00 - $312,000.00

 

Skills Desired

Asset Lifecycle Management, Change Management, Construction Design Management, Engineering, Finance, Lean Manufacturing, Manufacturing Process (Production), Operational Excellence, Project Engineering, Project Management, Quality Compliance, Technical Leadership, Waterfall Model