Project Director - Life Sciences

About the Role

Jacobs works on high-impact challenges across cities, environments, critical operations, scientific progress, and advanced manufacturing. In this position, you will lead the safe and effective delivery of major EPCMV biotech and pharmaceutical projects, helping create facilities that support the production of life-saving medicines.

Jacobs has more than 50 years of experience in biopharma facilities and a team of 3,800+ architecture, engineering, and construction professionals. The company offers an end-to-end service covering strategy, concept development, site selection, regulatory compliance, design, constructability, construction management, commissioning, validation, start-up, and operational support. As a major professional services provider to the biopharmaceutical sector, Jacobs brings both local expertise and international reach across Ireland, Europe, and other markets.

Role Overview

Jacobs is looking for an experienced Project Director to lead major EPCMV biotech/pharma assignments in Ireland or mainland Europe. You will be accountable for safe delivery as well as commercial results, schedule control, quality standards, and client relationships. The role calls for a confident leader who can guide multidisciplinary teams, manage complex delivery environments, and support a culture built on safety, quality, and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Take charge of large, complex life sciences EPCMV projects from project launch through handover.
• Promote a strong safety mindset and ensure all health, safety, and environmental procedures are followed.
• Oversee contract administration, billing, forecasting, and commercial reporting.
• Keep projects aligned with agreed timelines, budgets, and client expectations.
• Develop trusted client partnerships and handle communication and issue resolution proactively.
• Manage quality records, compliance activities, and validation obligations.
• Coordinate and direct subcontractor teams working across multiple disciplines.
• Use robust project controls to track progress, risks, and overall performance.
• Support bid development, proposal preparation, tender review, and strategic pursuit activities.

Key Accountabilities

• Deliver complex life sciences projects on time and within budget.
• Apply strong knowledge of project and construction management practices.
• Provide effective HSE leadership.
• Demonstrate strong capability in project controls.
• Work effectively across multiple contract structures.
• Manage subcontractors efficiently and professionally.
• Represent the business confidently in client-facing settings.

Requirements

• A degree in engineering, construction management, project management, or a closely related field.
• Substantial experience delivering EPCMV biotech/pharma projects.
• Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams on large capital programmes.
• Strong commercial, contractual, and technical understanding.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

What Success Looks Like

You are likely to succeed if you lead with confidence, clarity, and accountability, build strong relationships with clients and project teams, maintain a strong focus on safety and quality, and stay composed while navigating complexity with strategic judgment.

Additional Information

Jacobs is committed to safety, integrity, inclusion, and belonging. The company promotes a culture of care, values positive mental health, and aims to help employees thrive through support, flexibility, and opportunities for development.

Flexible working arrangements are available, along with benefits and programs such as well-being support, global giving, and volunteering opportunities. Jacobs also emphasizes employee networks, communities of practice, and initiatives that help people find connection, purpose, and belonging.

Jacobs works with VERCIDA to support wider access to roles for candidates from diverse backgrounds. As a disability confident employer, Jacobs will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. Applications are welcome from people seeking flexible working and from candidates who may not meet every listed requirement.

The company uses a hybrid working approach, combining time in Jacobs offices or on project sites with remote work. If you need support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, including an alternative application format, you can contact the Careers Support team.

Reference: #LSEUNC26