Project Manager - Technical IV

Job Title: Project Engineer (Ramp Up)

Duration: 12 Months (Potential extension)

Location: Clayton, NC 27527

Top Skills Per Mgr

1. Start up/Ramp up experience


2. Project Management Experience


3. Pharma experience or ramp-up experience

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project teams to achieve Operational Readiness (OR) objectives.


• Manage readiness-to-operations lifecycle for 1-3 client engagements simultaneously.


• Drive on-time, on-scope delivery of readiness programs.

• Serve as the primary consultant for OR campaigns integrating with Quality, Process, and Workforce streams.


• Apply OE principles to pre-Day One activities (e.g., visual management, accountability, problem-solving).

• Act as a trusted advisor to executive stakeholders (VPs, Site Heads, etc.).


• Guide decision-making with a risk-based, speed-to-value mindset.

• Lead and coach cross-functional teams including CQV, Quality, and external contractors.


• Cultivate a culture of feedback and growth.

• Contribute to CAI's brand via white papers, conference presentations, and client tools.

Skills & Characteristics Required

• Consulting & Facilitation


• Align project stakeholders with clear vision and measurable goals.


• Expert-level guidance for site and department leadership.


• Project Execution


• Manage scheduling, resource loading, controls, and closeout.


• Execute comprehensive project planning and delivery.


• Continuous Improvement


• Drive site-wide transformation using Lean, Six Sigma, or TPM methodologies.

Qualifications and Experience

• BS or MS in a relevant science or engineering field (or equivalent).


• 3+ years as a program/project manager on life science projects ($1MM+), or


• 8+ years in GMP-regulated operations with 5+ years leading readiness/start-up/OE transformations.


• (Black Belt or equivalent preferred.)


• Proven multi-site or multi-client portfolio experience.


• Deep understanding of quality systems, tech transfer, equipment qualification, and analytics.


• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.


• Proficient in project management software tools.

Other Requirements

• Excellent written and verbal English communication.


• Able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.


• Domestic and international travel may be required.


• Willing to work overtime when necessary.


• PMI PMP or PgMP certification a plus.

Critical Competencies

• Evaluates and pursues initiatives, opportunities, and priorities based on fit with organization strategies.


• Identifies innovative solutions to challenges that have strategic impact, balancing both short- and long-term concerns.


• Identifies issues related to emerging customer and market needs.

• Identifies and anticipates customer requirements, expectations, and needs.


• Develops solutions that meet or exceed customer expectations and shares feedback with relevant groups.


• Consistently follows up with customers to resolve issues and maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.


• Continually searches for ways to improve customer service, including removal of barriers and providing solutions.

• Translates business/function strategies into aligned plans and objectives and integrates across business groups.


• Obtains and allocates resources needed to accomplish goals.


• Anticipates risk and builds effective contingency plans.

• Prioritizes and balances time, actions, resources, and initiatives to ensure achievement of critical goals.


• Holds self and others accountable for achieving outcomes.


• Anticipates obstacles and takes appropriate actions to accelerate work or improve quality.

• Communicates information clearly, concisely, and professionally.


• Tailors communication style and content to audience effectively.


• Writes technical concepts clearly and thoroughly for all audience types.

• Cultivates a network of people across a variety of disciplines and functions within the organization.


• Builds collaboration by identifying and conveying common interests and priorities, removing barriers, and breaking down silos.


• Appropriately involves others in decisions and plans that affect them.


• Maintains positive relationships regardless of challenges, organizational level, personality, or background differences.

• Develops and articulates compelling rationale for positions.


• Builds a broad base of support among key decision makers and influencers.


• Positions and explains ideas and proposals in ways that get support from others.


• Encourages others to find new solutions that improve outcomes and deliver value.