Engineering Project Manager (Automation & Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Machinery)

Overview
Experienced Engineering Project Manager specialising in complex automation and robotics projects for regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. Proven ability to deliver bespoke high-precision machinery, including systems used in the manufacture of contact lenses. Strong background in managing full project lifecycles from concept and design through to build, validation, and commissioning.

Project Delivery & Ownership

• Managed multiple concurrent engineering projects (typically 3–4), ensuring delivery to defined scope, schedule, and budget.
• Led end-to-end project execution from initial user requirement specification (URS) through design, manufacture, installation, and final handover.
• Delivered automated production machinery for contact lens manufacturing, including handling, moulding, curing, hydration, and inspection processes.
• Ensured achievement of all commercial milestones, including staged payments aligned to project delivery gates.

Technical & Engineering Leadership

• Coordinated multidisciplinary engineering teams across mechanical design, electrical build, controls/software, and machine assembly.
• Led structured design reviews with internal teams and customers, ensuring engineering integrity and compliance with specification.
• Oversaw development of precision automation systems including:
  • Robotic handling systems for delicate contact lens components
  • High-speed vision inspection systems for defect detection and quality control
  • Precision fluid dosing and filling systems for hydration and chemical processing steps
  • Cleanroom-compatible automated machinery for controlled pharmaceutical production environments
• Supported integration of PLC-based control systems, HMI interfaces, servo motion control, and machine safety systems.

Financial & Resource Management

• Full ownership of project budgets, cost control, and margin management across multiple live projects.
• Planned and allocated engineering resources across design, build, software, and commissioning teams.
• Controlled procurement of materials and specialist components to ensure alignment with technical requirements and cost targets.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Acted as primary customer interface throughout the project lifecycle, providing clear progress reporting and technical updates.
• Managed scope changes, technical risks, and supply chain challenges while protecting delivery timelines and commercial outcomes.
• Built strong working relationships with clients operating in regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.

Quality, Compliance & Documentation

• Ensured adherence to internal quality standards and relevant pharmaceutical manufacturing compliance requirements (e.g., GMP environments).
• Delivered complete technical documentation packs including operating manuals, maintenance guides, spare parts lists, and certification files.
• Coordinated Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), including installation and commissioning support.

Project Planning & Software Tools

• Utilised Microsoft Project for detailed project scheduling, critical path analysis, milestone tracking, and resource planning.
• Used Microsoft Excel (advanced) for budgeting, cost tracking, reporting, and project performance analysis.
• Worked with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint for project communication, document control, and collaboration across engineering functions.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems for procurement tracking, production planning, and commercial control.
• Exposure to engineering document control / PLM systems supporting revision control and lifecycle management of design data.

• Special Purpose Machinery (SPM) Design & Delivery
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Automation
• Contact Lens Production Equipment
• Robotics & Precision Handling Systems
• Vision Inspection & Quality Automation
• Cleanroom-Compatible Machine Design
• Budgeting, Cost Control & Margin Ownership
• Cross-Functional Engineering Leadership
• Microsoft Project (MSP) & Advanced Excel
• Risk, Change & Stakeholder Management

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• 10 years’ experience in engineering project management within automation and special purpose machinery
• Strong experience delivering complex automated systems for pharmaceutical manufacturing environments
• Commercially aware, delivery-focused, and experienced in leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams