Project Manager - Pharmaceutical Automation Installation

About the Role

Our client, a top supplier in Ireland of material handling and bespoke automation solutions, specialises in the design, consultancy, delivery, and upkeep of automated material handling systems across sectors including electronics, medtech, postal, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, manufacturing, logistics, and airports.

This position is crucial to a significant automation initiative within the pharmaceutical industry. The Project Manager will oversee a major installation project at a client facility in Athlone on a 10-month fixed-term contract basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee full removal and installation of existing and new conveyor, material handling, and automation systems.
• Own project delivery ensuring adherence to milestones, deadlines, and handover conditions.
• Prepare and update detailed installation schedules aligned with the main contractor’s overarching timeline.
• Coordinate installation efforts alongside construction teams to avoid clashes with other trades.
• Serve as the primary communication channel between the client and client stakeholders regarding conveyor and automation activities.
• Lead coordination meetings with site technicians, subcontractors, suppliers, and the main contractor.
• Manage mechanical, electrical, control systems, and commissioning tasks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Mobilise internal engineering staff, site teams, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure smooth project execution.
• Ensure compliance with pharmaceutical site protocols, GMP, health & safety, and quality standards.
• Identify risks, implement mitigation strategies, and escalate as needed.
• Track project progress and report regularly to senior management and stakeholders.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, change management, and commercial considerations.
• Manage delivery schedules, materials handling, storage, and installation sequencing.
• Conduct installation quality checks ensuring all work meets specifications.
• Support equipment testing, factory and site acceptance testing, validation, and final handover documentation.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation including risk assessments, method statements, permits, progress reports, and as-built records.
• Coordinate snagging, change control, action item tracking, and project closure tasks.
• Promote a proactive safety culture, ensuring adherence to all site health and safety requirements.

Candidate Requirements

• Demonstrated experience managing large engineering, automation, material handling, or capital projects.
• Experience coordinating mechanical, electrical, controls, and commissioning operations.
• Strong organisational skills with the capacity to handle complex project schedules.
• Familiarity working in tightly regulated industries such as pharmaceutical, medtech, or manufacturing.
• Excellent client-facing abilities capable of managing demanding stakeholders and site conditions.
• Proficient in budget management, risk assessment, compliance, and schedule tracking.
• Well-versed in health and safety and quality assurance standards.
• Proven ability to take full accountability for project delivery, not just administration.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working beside principal contractors on sizable capital projects.
• Background in automation or conveyor and material handling system installation.
• Knowledge of PLC-based automation and industrial control networks.
• Expertise in commissioning, validation, and handover within pharmaceutical environments.
• Experience in GMP, EHS, quality, and compliance-driven settings.

Benefits and Additional Details

• Salary range between €80,000 and €100,000 annually, dependent on experience.
• Lead a major pharmaceutical automation initiative, gaining substantial responsibility and exposure.
• Potential eligibility for project completion or performance bonus linked to milestone achievement.
• 20 days of annual leave (pro-rata for fixed-term contract) plus public holidays.
• Company induction and structured project handover process.
• Possibility of future opportunities after successful project completion.
• Primary on-site presence required due to project needs; some remote working flexibility may be available (up to one or two days weekly).
• Commitment to full project duration expected.
• Employment contingent on references, right-to-work verification, and adherence to pharmaceutical compliance standards.