Project Manager​/Program Manager

Overview

Phoenix, AZ

Description

Verista’s 500 experts team up with the world’s most recognizable brands in the life science industry to solve their business needs. The nature of our business is to empower growth and innovation within the scientific community and to help researchers, organizations, and companies solve some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges. Verista provides innovative solutions and services that empower informed decision-making and are the result of our significant investment in our people and our capabilities.

Our ability to grow is driven by world-class people who thrive in a team environment and share our mission to enable life sciences clients to improve lives. Our talented and dedicated professionals are committed to making an impact every day.

Capital Project Management: Lead and manage full lifecycle of capital projects, including planning, budgeting, execution, and closeout, ensuring alignment with site and corporate goals.

Technical Leadership: Oversee engineering activities for sterile fill-finish operations and lyophilization systems, ensuring compliance with cGMP, FDA, and international regulatory standards.

Process & Equipment Integration: Support design and implementation of process and facility modifications to accommodate new products and clients, ensuring smooth technology transfer and process validation.

Budget & Financial Oversight: Develop and maintain accurate project budgets and forecasts; monitor project spend, track variances, and ensure financial accountability for capital expenditures.

Documentation & Phase Deliverables: Ensure adherence to established project documentation, phase gates, and change management processes for technical and operational projects.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, EHS, and Supply Chain to deliver integrated project outcomes and support site readiness for commercial and clinical operations.

Operational Transition Support: Contribute to the site’s transformation toward a CDMO business model by aligning engineering practices, capacity planning, and infrastructure to client-driven production needs.

Vendor & Contractor Management: Manage external engineering firms, equipment vendors, and contractors to ensure adherence to project scope, quality, safety, and schedule requirements.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or related discipline). Advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

Minimum 7–10 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing with a focus on sterile fill-finish and lyophilization.

Proven track record in capital project management, ideally within a CDMO or CMO environment.

Experience handling cytotoxic or high-potent compound manufacturing operations preferred.

Technical Expertise:

Strong understanding of aseptic processing, lyophilization systems, and cleanroom operations.

Knowledge of pharmaceutical packaging (bulk naked pack for Japan, full inspection and labeling for U.S. distribution).

Familiarity with process utilities and equipment qualification protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ).

Demonstrated success in managing multi-million-dollar capital projects.

Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control within complex, regulated environments.

Soft Skills:

Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Other:

Local candidates preferred (Phoenix, AZ area).

Willingness to work onsite at a GMP manufacturing facility.

EEO & Equal Opportunity: Verista is an equal opportunity employer.

National (US) Range

$87,780 - $136,225 USD

Why Choose Verista?

• High growth potential and fast-paced organization with a people-focused culture
• Competitive pay plus performance-based incentive programs
• Company-paid Life, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Supplemental Life, Hospital, Critical Illness and Legal Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off (Rollover Option) and Holidays
• As Needed Sick Time
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Team Social Activities (We have fun!)
• Employee Recognition
• Employee Referral Program
• Paid Parental Leave and Bereavement

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