Overview
Executive Director, Global Capital Projects Jobs in United States at Penta Search Group
Title: Executive Director, Global Capital Projects
Company: Penta Search Group
Location: United States
Overview
Our client, a global pharmaceutical organization, is seeking an Executive Director, Global Capital Projects to lead the strategic execution of large-scale capital investment programs across its international manufacturing and operational network.
This individual will play a critical leadership role in overseeing complex capital projects spanning pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, laboratory expansions, engineering infrastructure, and site modernization initiatives across North America, Europe, and other global regions.
The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in capital project delivery within highly regulated pharmaceutical or life sciences environments, alongside strong executive leadership capabilities, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to operate effectively across global, matrixed organizations.
This is a remote US-based role with global scope and periodic international travel requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of global capital project strategies aligned to the organization’s long-term manufacturing, operational, and commercial objectives.
- Oversee a portfolio of major capital projects, including greenfield, brownfield, expansion, modernization, and infrastructure programs across multiple international sites.
- Provide executive oversight across all phases of project delivery including conceptual design, FEED, budgeting, procurement, construction, commissioning, qualification, and operational handover.
- Partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, Validation, and Procurement leadership teams globally.
- Ensure capital programs are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with GMP, FDA, EMA, and global regulatory requirements.
- Drive governance, reporting, risk management, and executive-level communication across the global project portfolio.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with EPCM firms, engineering consultancies, equipment suppliers, and external project delivery partners.
- Lead capital planning processes, including annual budgeting, long-range investment planning, and project prioritization activities.
- Develop and implement standardized project management methodologies, engineering best practices, and operational excellence initiatives across the global capital organization.
- Build, mentor, and lead high-performing project management and engineering teams across multiple regions.
- Support M&A integration activities and strategic network expansion initiatives where applicable.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related technical discipline.
- 15+ years of experience leading large-scale capital projects within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or highly regulated life sciences environments.
- Demonstrated experience managing global capital investment programs exceeding $100M+ in total project value.
- Strong understanding of GMP manufacturing environments, pharmaceutical engineering standards, validation processes, and regulatory expectations.
- Proven leadership experience within complex global matrix organizations.
- Experience managing international stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and external engineering/construction partners.
- Strong commercial, financial, and operational acumen with expertise in capital budgeting and project controls.
- Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Preferred Experience
- Experience supporting sterile manufacturing, biologics, API, fill-finish, cell & gene therapy, or advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
- Exposure to global network expansion, site transfers, or large-scale manufacturing transformation initiatives.
- PMP, PE, or equivalent professional certification preferred.
- Prior leadership within Fortune 500 pharmaceutical or large multinational life sciences organizations strongly preferred.
Leadership Profile
The ideal candidate will be a strategic and commercially minded leader capable of operating at both executive and operational levels. They will bring a collaborative leadership style, strong decision-making capability, and the ability to drive alignment across global stakeholder groups while managing highly complex capital investment initiatives in fast-paced, regulated environments.
