Senior Project Manager

Merck Group$128K — $192K *
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field (mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, or architectural preferred)
  • 10+ years of experience in engineering or project management practice, particularly with complex projects
  • Proven success in managing a portfolio of capital projects over $10M in regulated environments
  • Strong background in contract management and negotiation with external contractors
  • Experience developing technical content for investment proposals and securing leadership approvals
  • Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English
  • Willingness to travel for assigned projects (up to 20%)

Responsibilities

  • Lead 2-3 large, complex capital projects annually from concept through FEL 2 stage gate
  • Manage project scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, documentation, and change management
  • Oversee the development of project charters, schedules, cost estimates, risk registers, and execution plans
  • Coordinate internal and external design, engineering, and construction resources
  • Evaluate alternatives and propose safe, innovative, cost-effective solutions
  • Drive timely decision-making and communication to advance projects
  • Support regional teams in advancing their project portfolios as needed

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Other perquisites
Full Job Description
Your Role:

The Senior Project Manager on the Front-End Engineering and Project Development team leads capital projects from initiation through Registration/Approval and handoff to regional execution teams. With minimal guidance, you will manage Front-End Loading (FEL) deliverables for capital investment projects, typically ranging from $5M to $100M and involving complex, matrixed stakeholder groups.

You will coordinate design, engineering, operations, quality, EHS, finance, procurement, legal, supply chain, and budgetary requirements while maintaining clear project controls and decision-ready communication. The role works closely with sponsors, subject matter experts, reviewers, external engineering firms, suppliers, contractors, and local authorities to develop safe, compliant, maintainable, and cost-effective investment solutions.

Project Development:
  • Lead the development of 2-3 large, complex capital projects annually from concept through the FEL 2 stage gate (Registration/Approval) and handoff to regional execution teams.
  • Manage project scope, schedule, budget, risk, quality, interfaces, documentation, and change management in accordance with approved project objectives and governance requirements.
  • Manage partner teams through the development of project charters, scope narratives, schedules, cost estimates, risk registers, permitting strategies, execution plans, and other FEL deliverables.
  • Coordinate internal and external design, engineering, and construction resources; oversee design firms and service providers for projects.
  • Evaluate alternatives and define safe, innovative, and cost-effective solutions that address stakeholder requirements.
  • Communicate clearly, driving timely decisions that advance the needs of the project portfolio.

Capex Approvals:
  • Prepare fact-based technical and financial inputs for capital approval processes, including business cases, cost and schedule assumptions, options analyses, and risk-mitigation plans.
  • Coordinate review comments and approvals from subject matter experts, reviewers, and sponsors across departments and business units.

Standards and Processes:
  • Drive improvements in front-end engineering aspects such as safety, project development, quality, and regulatory.

Support other businesses:
  • Work with regional execution teams, value chains, and other business sectors to advance their project portfolios as needed.


Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field; mechanical, chemical, electrical, civil, or architectural engineering is preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience leading engineering, project-management, or capital-investment projects, including experience with large and complex projects.
  • Proven track record of successfully delivering a portfolio of multiple capital projects greater than $10M, preferably in life science, pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Experience with contract management, external contractor negotiation, procurement interfaces, project controls, change management, and risk management.
  • Experience developing compelling, fact-based technical content for business cases and securing investment decisions from execution leadership.
  • Excellent communication, facilitation, organization, and stakeholder-influencing skills; fluent English is mandatory.
  • Must be open to traveling for projects assigned to other US locations; estimated travel is a maximum of 20%.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in engineering, project management, or a related technical field; an MBA is an advantage.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Experience in international or multi-site project management, engineering, or leadership.
  • Experience with GMP, quality, validation, EHS, regulatory permitting, commissioning, or qualification requirements.
  • Strategic thinker with a demonstrated record of success in the development and execution of investment programs and projects.
  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and influencing capabilities across business, operations, functional groups, and regions.


Pay Range for this position: $128,100- $192,100

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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READ CAREERS BLOG

Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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