GMT Technical Project Manager - Pharma (Lincoln)

GMT Technical Project Manager - Pharma (Lincoln)

Position Overview

Location: Lincoln, NE

Job Level: Based on experience and qualifications

Career Ladder: Technical/Professional

Reports To: Edvins Daiga, GMT Pharmaceutical Drug Product Lead - Pilot Facility & Lincoln

Position Summary

The GMT Technical Project Manager - Pharma will serve as a technical expert and project leader for pharmaceutical manufacturing at the Lincoln site. This individual contributor role requires deep technical knowledge of granulation and tablet manufacturing processes combined with strong project management capabilities to lead cross-functional initiatives. The position supports operational excellence through troubleshooting, process optimization, continuous improvement, and technical transfer activities while ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and cGMP requirements.

This role offers the opportunity to make significant impact on product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and successful execution of critical projects supporting Zoetis' pharmaceutical portfolio. The ideal candidate will demonstrate both technical excellence in pharmaceutical development/manufacturing and proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Hours: 1st Shift. May required off-hours support for critical manufacturing issues or project milestones.

Position Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes including granulation (wet, dry/roller compaction), tableting, coating, and related unit operations
• Provide technical guidance on process troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action implementation
• Lead process optimization initiatives to improve product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and cost effectiveness
• Support scale-up activities from development through commercial manufacturing
• Maintain deep understanding of product formulations, equipment capabilities, and process parameters

• Lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously of varying complexity, from operational improvements to major technical transfers
• Develop project plans, timelines, resource requirements, and risk mitigation strategies
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and VMRD
• Drive projects to successful completion on time, within budget, and meeting quality objectives
• Communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to leadership and stakeholders

• Lead technical transfer activities for new products and process improvements to the Lincoln site
• Collaborate with VMRD and other sites during co-development and technology transfer projects
• Ensure successful process validation and regulatory compliance for transferred products
• Develop and execute scale-up strategies from pilot to commercial scale

• Identify and implement process improvements using structured methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma)
• Lead investigations and resolve manufacturing challenges impacting production
• Support deviation investigations and CAPA implementation
• Drive standardization of best practices across equipment and processes

• Ensure all activities comply with FDA regulations, cGMP requirements, and Zoetis quality standards
• Author and review technical documents including protocols, reports, SOPs, and regulatory submissions
• Support regulatory inspections and audits as technical expert
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of projects and technical decisions

• Interface with leadership, operations, scientists, quality, and cross-functional teams
• Mentor junior engineers and scientists in technical and project management capabilities
• Share technical expertise and best practices across the manufacturing network
• Build strong working relationships with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams

Education and Experience

• Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing or development. Additional experience and project leadership skills preferred.

• Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in relevant technical discipline
• Direct experience with granulation equipment (high shear, fluid bed, roller compaction)
• Experience with various tablet press platforms and coating equipment
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience with statistical analysis software (JMP, Minitab)
• Previous experience in pharmaceutical tech transfer or process validation
• Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and Quality by Design (QbD) principles
• Experience interfacing with VMRD or R&D organizations in co-development activities
• Track record of successful continuous improvement initiatives

Technical Skills and Competencies Required

• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes including granulation and tableting
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical unit operations, equipment, and process controls
• Understanding of FDA regulations, cGMP requirements, and quality systems
• Familiarity with process validation, scale-up principles, and technology transfer

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Strong planning, organizational, and time management capabilities
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and driving results
• Ability to develop project timelines, manage resources, and mitigate risks

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to influence and collaborate across organizational boundaries
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and project management tools
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of team

Physical Position Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments
• Occasional time in manufacturing areas requiring appropriate PPE (safety shoes, lab coat, hearing protection, safety glasses)
• Ability to stand, walk, and climb stairs in production areas as needed
• Computer work and sitting for extended periods during project planning and documentation
• Occasional travel (estimated < 20%) to other Zoetis sites or vendor locations
• Standard business hours with flexibility for manufacturing support and project needs
• May require occasional off-hours support for critical manufacturing issues or project milestones

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.