Job Description: Project Organisation Design & Procurement Lead
You will be responsible for defining how the project team is structured and ensuring the multi-million euro procurement strategy for construction and equipment is executed flawlessly.
Role Overview
- Location: Athlone, Ireland (On-site/Hybrid)
- Sector: Pharmaceutical / Life Sciences
- Project Phase: Design, Construction, and Commissioning (C&Q)
Key Responsibilities
1. Organisation Design & Strategy
- Structure Development: Define and implement the project's organisational structure (Org Chart), ensuring clear reporting lines between Novo Nordisk, EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management) partners, and subcontractors.
- Resource Planning: Forecast headcount requirements across the project lifecycle, from initial design to final validation.
- Culture & Integration: Establish "Ways of Working" that align the Athlone site culture with Novo Nordisk's global standards, ensuring seamless integration between the project team and the future operational team.
2. Procurement & Contract Management
- Strategic Sourcing: Lead the procurement of high-value capital equipment (bioprocessing units, cleanroom tech) and construction services.
- Vendor Management: Identify, pre-qualify, and manage relationships with key international and local suppliers.
- Contract Negotiation: Direct the negotiation of complex contracts (FIDIC, NEC, or bespoke pharma contracts) to mitigate risk and ensure cost-certainty.
- Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities meet strict GxP (Good Practice) and global Novo Nordisk quality standards.
3. Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the bridge between Finance, Legal, Engineering, and Site Leadership.
- Reporting: Provide regular updates to the Project Director on budget vs. actual spend, procurement milestones, and organisational health.
Candidate Profile
Feature
Requirement
Education
Degree in Engineering, Business, or Supply Chain. MBA or specialized HR/OD cert is a plus.
Experience
10+ years in large-scale CAPEX projects, preferably in Pharma or MedTech.
Knowledge
Deep understanding of EPCM delivery models and pharmaceutical regulatory environments.
Soft Skills
High emotional intelligence for organizational change and "iron-fist-in-velvet-glove" negotiation skills.
Why This Role?
This is a high-visibility opportunity to shape the future of a major manufacturing hub. You aren't just buying equipment; you are building the human and physical infrastructure that will deliver life-changing medicine.
Would you like me to draft a list of specific interview questions tailored to this role to help you vet potential candidates?
