Program Director / Owner’s Representative Lead - Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

About the role

The Program Director/Owner's Representative Lead serves as the client's single point of accountability for the full lifecycle of the Owner's Representative engagement. This role is responsible for directing and aligning all workstream leads, governing scope, schedule, and performance, managing the client relationship, and ensuring successful delivery of program outcomes. The individual operates as a strategic leader, integrator, and decision authority, driving execution excellence while safeguarding the client's interests.

Responsibilities

• Plan and organize the observation and documentation of construction projects.
• Schedule and coordinate observation of ongoing work and testing and sampling of materials.
• Assign, lead and supervise internal staff engaged in observation and testing and in related record keeping.
• Monitor contractors' progress against schedule and prepares progress reports.
• Oversee all aspects of program, from chartering and governance, to design and construction, to controls and technology.
• Review payment requests and determine amount owing to contractor(s) based on on-site observations and contract stipulations.
• Oversee compilation of final estimate documents.
• Develop/maintain master program plans, budgets, and schedules.
• Cookordinate with cross-functional teams and ensure alignment to client program objectives.
• Ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope / budget, and meet quality standards.
• Perform non-manual field work that involves a combination of conventional and complex features, requiring the application of sound and diversified professional knowledge in board areas of assignments, usually including the coordination of various projects.
• Lead, coordinate, and direct all workstream leads.
• Establish clear program governance structures, decision-making protocols, and escalation pathways.
• Drive a high-performing, integrated team environment aligned to client strategic objectives.
• Own and govern overall program scope, ensuring alignment with approved objectives and contractual requirements.
• Ensure seamless coordination across all program functions, contractors, and external partners.
• Supervise field representatives and field office personnel, ensuring performance standards, accountability, and consistent communication.
• Apply analytical and organizational skills to manage workflows, prioritize tasks, and improve operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field and ten years related experience including personnel.
• Twenty (20) plus years professional experience (Bachelor's Degree) or fifteen (15) plus years (Master's Degree) with at least five (5) years managing highly complex projects/programs in a senior capacity.
• Experience working on multi-billion-dollar programs.
• Pharmaceutical industry experience; also will consider experience in other heavy process industries such as semiconductor/high tech, chemical, EV battery, and oil and gas.
• Experience building teams and processes/systems from scratch.
• Engineering design experience desirable.
• Demonstrate strong leadership and managerial skills to effectively guide and support team members.
• Excellent communications skills and comfort with executive level client interface.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Must be able to travel up to 25% of the time.

Skills

• Strong leadership and managerial skills.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Ability to manage workflows, prioritize tasks, and improve operational efficiency.
• Ability to build teams and processes/systems from scratch.
• Experience working on multi-billion-dollar programs.
• Experience in pharmaceutical industry or other heavy process industries such as semiconductor/high tech, chemical, EV battery, and oil and gas.
• Experience in engineering design.

Benefits

We offer a full-time position with AtkinsRéalis that comes with the opportunity to prove your true potential, provide expert services on world class projects, collaborate, and grow with professional services experts, and receive an attractive compensation package with robust benefits. Rewards and benefits include medical, dental, vision, company-paid life and short- and long-term disability benefits, employer-matched 401(k) with 100% vesting, employee stock purchase plan, Paid Time Off, leaves of absence options, flexible work options, recognition and employee satisfaction programs, employee assistance program, and voluntary benefits.