Director of Project Management - Systems & Software

About the role

Reporting directly to the VP of Systems & Software Services, you'll lead a team of Project Managers and Project Controls professionals responsible for delivering complex industrial automation projects on time, within budget, and to exacting quality standards.

Role Impact

You'll develop and implement PMO processes, drive consistency across project delivery, and serve as a senior client-facing leader who builds lasting relationships with key customer stakeholders.

Your Role and Deliverables

• PMO Leadership & Team Development: Oversee a team of Project Managers and Project Controls professionals managing a multi-million dollar annual project portfolio. Develop, implement, and train the PMO team on project management processes to ensure consistency and successful project execution. Manage onboarding plans, training materials, and ongoing development using Control Associates' learning management systems. Hire, mentor, and develop Project Managers to build a high-performing, cohesive team. Provide feedback and conduct lessons learned sessions to drive continuous improvement.
• Project Portfolio Management: Oversee industrial automation projects including DCS/PLC, MES, OT Infrastructure, Process Data, and cGMP CSV Validation deliverables. Ensure projects are properly set up and managed using IFS ERP and project scheduling tools. Ensure the PMO team manages scope, resources, budgets, and schedules to meet project deliverables and timelines. Visualize and manage project tasks, timelines, dependencies, resources, and deliverables through MS Project and customer-specific tools. Oversee monthly invoicing activities including estimating, tracking, and adjusting as needed. Ensure accurate monthly revenue recognition of project costs and revenue for senior leadership reporting.
• Stakeholder Management & Client Relationships: Attend project steering team meetings to build and maintain relationships with key customer stakeholders. Ensure effective communication of status updates with internal engineering teams, external partners, and customers. Partner with Services Managers and Account Managers to ensure seamless project handovers from sales to operations. Serve as a senior escalation point for complex project challenges and customer satisfaction issues.
• Quality & Compliance: Effectively apply QMS/ISO 9000 processes and deploy Control Associates' project methodology and standards. Participate in ISO 9000 audits and present project materials to auditors to ensure compliance. Ensure adherence to cGMP requirements and pharmaceutical industry standards across relevant projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or IT (required)
• PMP certification required
• 15+ years of total experience in Project Management, Technical SME, and/or Portfolio Management within engineering, manufacturing, IT, or construction industries
• 5+ years of direct experience managing Project Managers, including hiring, mentoring, and training
• Proven track record of independently leading complex technical projects to successful completion
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (IFS preferred)
• Proficiency with MS Project, MS Office 365 suite including Power BI, Advanced Excel, Teams, and SharePoint
• Knowledge of Operational Technology (OT) systems and their usage within manufacturing environments
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills for senior client-facing role

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience executing OT systems projects in pharmaceutical or industrial environments
• Experience with cGMP CSV Validation projects
• Background in pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing environments

What Sets You Apart

You're a seasoned PM leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution. You build high-performing teams through mentorship and clear process development. You're equally comfortable presenting to client steering committees and rolling up your sleeves to resolve project challenges. You bring a natural ability to balance multiple competing priorities while maintaining unwavering focus on delivering exceptional client outcomes.

Company Culture

Competitive Compensation & Growth Potential: Base salary of $160,000-$210,000 plus performance bonus that rewards your leadership and portfolio success. Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits: Multiple medical plan options plus vision and dental coverage for you and your dependents. Additional benefits include flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, commuter tax benefits, and company-paid long-term disability and life insurance. Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off including vacation days, holidays, and sick leave. Standard business hours Monday-Friday, 8 AM-5 PM. Secure Your Future: 401(k) plan with company matching contributions, plus our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - giving you an ownership stake in Control Associates' success. Professional Development Opportunities: for continued professional growth, leadership development, and direct partnership with senior leadership to shape the future of our PMO practice.

How This Role Embodies Our Core Values

• Customer Focus: Prioritize client success by ensuring your team delivers projects that exceed expectations, building lasting relationships with key stakeholders at premier pharmaceutical and industrial clients.
• Collaboration: Achieve superior results by developing a cohesive PMO team, partnering with Services and Account Managers, and fostering seamless communication across all project stakeholders.
• Innovation: Drive continuous improvement in project delivery processes, implementing best practices and leveraging technology to enhance PMO capabilities.
• Integrity: Build trust through transparent project reporting, honest stakeholder communication, and unwavering commitment to quality and compliance standards.
• Passion: Inspire excellence in your team, bringing enthusiasm and dedication to building a world-class PMO practice.

Location & Travel

Location: Allendale, NJ
Reports to: VP of Systems & Software Services
Some travel required to client sites within local territory.

Work Visa Sponsorship

Work visa sponsorship is not available. Direct hire only.