Head Project Manager

Job Opportunity: GMP Site Project Lead – Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Location: Leiden

Employment Type: Contract

Industry: Pharmaceutical

Our client, a leading pharmaceutical organisation, is seeking an experienced GMP Site Project Lead to oversee the qualification, start-up and operational ramp-up of a new GMP production facility. This role is ideal for a senior professional with strong expertise in pharmaceutical operations, site leadership and GMP compliance who thrives in a project-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all operational activities across manufacturing, development, quality, and supply chain functions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage, monitor, and report on the project plan for GMP facility licensure in accordance with regulatory standards and corporate strategy.
• Ensure GMP compliance and adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks during site renovation and commissioning.
• Build, lead, and coach a cross-functional GMP project team, including interim site leadership.
• Maintain business continuity and ensure a seamless transition post-project completion.
• Act as the primary liaison for internal stakeholders, customers, auditors, and regulatory authorities.
• Oversee and optimize project budget (P&L), monitor timelines, and proactively mitigate risks.
• Support and lead initiatives to improve operational efficiency, safety, quality, and commercial impact.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior management on compliance, resource planning, and project execution.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree, preferably in pharmaceutical or chemical sciences.
• At least 10 years of senior-level experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and/or development.
• Proven leadership in site (re)construction, facility qualification, and GMP validation projects.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP and relevant international regulatory requirements.
• Strong commercial and financial understanding, including P&L management.
• Demonstrated success in delivering complex projects and managing diverse stakeholders.
• Independent, results-oriented, and capable of operating autonomously within defined project parameters.

About Planet Pharma:

Planet Pharma is an American parented Employment Business/Agency that provides global staffing services with its head-quarters in Chicago and our EMEA regional office located in Central London. We have invested significantly in creating a robust international platform that enables us to work compliantly in 30+ countries with a current network of 2500+ active contractors globally as well as a very strong permanent / direct hire recruitment offering.

Our specialist knowledge and close relationships with our clients and the wider industry really makes us unique in our field. Just recently we were recognised by FORBES as the 17th best professional staffing firm, and have won multiple awards from industry accredited bodies for our commitment to excellence and service delivery. We have extensive functional expertise including: Regulatory Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, QA, QC, Submissions experts, Clinical development, Quality, Biostatistics, and Medical Affairs / Writing.

We are an equal opportunities Recruitment Business and Agency. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

www.planet-pharma.com

Please click ‘apply’ or contact Emily Scott (Recruiter) at Planet Pharma for more information:

E: [email protected]

T: +441234567890