MES Project Manager

Job Description:

The MES Project Manager serves as the primary site-level IT and MES liaison responsible for coordinating Manufacturing Execution System (MES) implementation, deployment, and ongoing operational support across manufacturing facilities. This role acts as the critical interface between site operations, Quality, MSAT, Validation, IT/OT teams, Global MES organizations, vendors, system integrators, and offshore development teams.

The successful candidate will possess strong expertise in MES platforms, manufacturing operations, and digital manufacturing technologies, ensuring seamless execution of MES programs from project initiation through go-live, hypercare, and steady-state support. The role will also drive automation and digital transformation initiatives that improve operational efficiency, data visibility, compliance, and plant connectivity.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, Life Sciences, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Equivalent industry experience may be considered.

Experience

• 8+ years of experience supporting MES implementations or manufacturing IT projects within regulated manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years of experience coordinating cross-functional teams during system deployments, upgrades, and operational support.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience supporting manufacturing operations and shop-floor systems.
• 5+ years of experience working with global teams, vendors, system integrators, and offshore delivery organizations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• 5+ years of strong understanding of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and manufacturing operations.
• 5+ years of hands-on or functional knowledge of MES platforms such as:

Functional Skills

• Requirements gathering and business process analysis.
• Business process reengineering and process harmonization.
• Project coordination and stakeholder management.
• Risk, issue, and change management.
• Training coordination and user adoption support.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
• Ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and follow-up skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or regulated manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with Computer System Validation (CSV) practices.
• Knowledge of GMP, GAMP 5, Annex 11, Annex 22, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0, Connected Plant, Digital Manufacturing, and Smart Factory initiatives.
• Experience supporting multi-site MES deployments and global manufacturing programs.

Travel Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (>50%) to manufacturing sites globally for project delivery, system deployment, training, commissioning, and operational support activities.