Program Manager – Feasibility & Planning (Focus on Critical Path)

Program Manager – Feasibility & Planning (Focus on Critical Path)

Posted 4 days ago by Robert Half

Negotiable
Undetermined
Remote
United Kingdom

Summary: The Program Manager - Feasibility & Planning role focuses on leading the feasibility and planning phase of a significant pharmaceutical manufacturing transformation program. The position requires managing the critical path, ensuring team alignment, and facilitating informed decision-making to enhance the global manufacturing network. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in program management within the pharmaceutical sector. This is a remote position based in the UK for a duration of 6 months.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Own and manage the critical path across several workstreams.
  • Map out and track key milestones and cross-functional dependencies.
  • Spot and resolve blockers or delays that could impact progress.
  • Build and maintain the full programme plan using tools like MS Project or Smartsheet.
  • Lead detailed feasibility work including site capability, capacity modelling, and CapEx/OpEx analysis.
  • Support evaluations of different strategic options—such as greenfield builds, tech transfers, or site consolidations.
  • Work closely with stakeholders across Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Engineering, Commercial, and Finance.
  • Coordinate key decision checkpoints and help drive alignment on critical go/no-go calls.
  • Set up and manage governance structures that keep the programme aligned and moving forward.
  • Provide clear and concise updates, dashboards, and risk reports to senior leadership and steering groups.
  • Identify and monitor cross-functional risks or bottlenecks—especially those that could delay the critical path.
  • Lead the development of backup plans and mitigation strategies with relevant teams.

Key Skills:

  • A degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Business or similar.
  • A project or programme management qualification (e.g., PMP, MSP, PgMP) is a plus.
  • 7–10+ years in programme/project management, ideally in pharmaceutical manufacturing or supply chain.
  • Strong background in managing large-scale planning or capital investment programmes.
  • Knowledge of GMP, tech transfers, regulatory frameworks, and operational readiness.
  • Excellent at critical path planning and integrated project timelines.
  • Confident managing senior stakeholders and driving decisions.
  • Experienced with project tools like MS Project, Smartsheet, or Primavera.
  • Able to turn complex issues into clear actions and well-structured plans.

Salary (Rate): undetermined

City: undetermined

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: remote

IR35 Status: undetermined

Seniority Level: undetermined

Industry: Other

Detailed Description From Employer:

Robert Half is recruiting for a Program Manager - Feasibility & Planning (Focus on Critical Path)

ROLE: Program Manager - Feasibility & Planning (Focus on Critical Path)

LENGTH: 6 Months

LOCATION: Remote - UK based

PAY: depending on experience

The Role

We're looking for a seasoned Programme Manager to take the lead on the feasibility and planning phase of a major pharmaceutical manufacturing transformation programme. This is a key role, where you'll be responsible for keeping the programme’s critical path on track , ensuring all teams are aligned, and enabling fast, informed decision-making that will shape the future of our global manufacturing network.

Key Requirments

  • Programme & Timeline Leadership
  • Own and manage the critical path across several workstreams
  • Map out and track key milestones and cross-functional dependencies
  • Spot and resolve blockers or delays that could impact progress
  • Build and maintain the full programme plan using tools like MS Project or Smartsheet
  • Feasibility & Strategic Planning
  • Lead detailed feasibility work including site capability, capacity modelling, and CapEx/OpEx analysis
  • Support evaluations of different strategic options—such as greenfield builds, tech transfers, or site consolidations
  • Stakeholder Alignment
  • Work closely with stakeholders across Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Engineering, Commercial, and Finance
  • Coordinate key decision checkpoints and help drive alignment on critical go/no-go calls
  • Governance & Oversight
  • Set up and manage governance structures that keep the programme aligned and moving forward
  • Provide clear and concise updates, dashboards, and risk reports to senior leadership and steering groups
  • Risk & Dependency Management
  • Identify and monitor cross-functional risks or bottlenecks—especially those that could delay the critical path
  • Lead the development of backup plans and mitigation strategies with relevant teams

The Skills

Qualifications:

  • A degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Business or similar
  • A project or programme management qualification (e.g., PMP, MSP, PgMP) is a plus

Experience:

  • 7–10+ years in programme/project management, ideally in pharmaceutical manufacturing or supply chain
  • Strong background in managing large-scale planning or capital investment programmes
  • Knowledge of GMP, tech transfers, regulatory frameworks, and operational readiness

Skills:

  • Excellent at critical path planning and integrated project timelines
  • Confident managing senior stakeholders and driving decisions
  • Experienced with project tools like MS Project, Smartsheet, or Primavera
  • Able to turn complex issues into clear actions and well-structured plans

If this is of interest please apply or send CV to taryn.seidle@roberthalf.co.uk