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Associate Director, Master Project Scheduler (EMEA) - Job Opportunity at Bristol-Myers Squibb

Leiden, Netherlands

Full-time

Executive

Posted: June 27, 2025

Hybrid

EUR 120,000 - 150,000 annually, with potential for additional performance bonuses and equity compensation. This estimate reflects the senior director level position, extensive experience requirements, and the high-value nature of pharmaceutical project management in the EMEA region. The role's global scope and responsibility for managing projects worth up to $400 million each justifies compensation at the upper end of the market range.

Benefits

Comprehensive work-life balance programs with flexible scheduling arrangements that exceed industry standards for pharmaceutical companies

Competitive compensation package positioning candidates above market median for director-level roles in EMEA pharmaceutical sector

Extensive professional development opportunities including training programs and mentorship initiatives that accelerate career advancement

Global exposure through international project management and cross-regional collaboration experiences

Hybrid work arrangement providing operational flexibility while maintaining strategic on-site collaboration requirements

Access to cutting-edge project management technologies and AI-powered scheduling tools that enhance professional skill development

Comprehensive healthcare and wellness benefits package standard for multinational pharmaceutical organizations

Key Responsibilities

Drive strategic oversight of integrated project scheduling operations across the EMEA region, directly impacting multi-million dollar pharmaceutical infrastructure investments and ensuring optimal resource allocation across diverse geographic markets

Lead the development and implementation of enterprise-wide scheduling systems and processes that align with industry best practices, establishing competitive advantages in project delivery efficiency and cost management

Serve as the primary technical authority for external vendor relationships regarding scheduling services, negotiating contracts and ensuring service delivery standards that protect organizational interests and project timelines

Manage enterprise construction project scheduling software as Global Business Owner, influencing technology decisions that affect worldwide operations and establishing standardized methodologies across international business units

Implement advanced scheduling solutions including AI-powered generative scheduling technologies, positioning the organization at the forefront of pharmaceutical project management innovation

Establish and monitor key performance indicators and metrics systems that provide executive-level visibility into project performance, enabling data-driven decision making and strategic resource allocation

Lead the adoption of lean construction principles across the organization, driving operational efficiency improvements that directly impact project costs and delivery timelines

Develop comprehensive risk identification and mitigation frameworks that protect high-value pharmaceutical projects from schedule delays and cost overruns

Provide strategic training and mentorship to project teams across multiple sites, building organizational capability and ensuring consistent application of best practices

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering or equivalent related field

Experience

A Minimum 10 years' experience in the pharmaceutical or similar industry

Required Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify critical paths, analyze complex data and make informed decisions Ability to analyse trends, provide accurate and timely reports, dashboards and visualizations that communicate project status, identify constraints and recommend mitigations Detailed knowledge of total project delivery requirements from feasibility to validation, commissioning and start up processes Knowledge of innovative scheduling solutions such as generative scheduling using AI a distinct advantage Demonstrated ability to work within a matrixed team environment with other site and above site functions Ability to work independently to meet objectives when required Attention to detail and ability to perform with a high degree of accuracy Ability to communicate effectively to various management levels internally and externally Extensive experience within the pharmaceutical industry and detailed knowledge of scheduling best practice Strong knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and tools Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written and presentation communication skills to effectively collaborate and coordinate with diverse teams and stakeholders Exceptional organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously Strong experience in the planning and execution of pharmaceutical projects Ability to use discretion with sensitive/confidential information Using Primavera P6 Professional Project Management (PPM), Microsoft Project, Generative Scheduling using AI, build, schedule, and track complex integrated project schedules, provide analysis and benchmarking Excellent interpersonal/facilitation skills necessary to interface with and influence all levels of management

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The pharmaceutical industry is experiencing unprecedented growth in capital expenditure projects, with companies investing heavily in manufacturing capacity expansion and facility modernization to meet increasing global demand for innovative therapies. This trend is driving significant demand for experienced project scheduling professionals who can manage complex, multi-year construction and validation projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The integration of advanced technologies like AI-powered scheduling tools is becoming a competitive differentiator, as companies seek to optimize project delivery timelines and reduce costs in an increasingly competitive market. Regulatory requirements in the pharmaceutical sector continue to evolve, with stricter validation and commissioning standards requiring more sophisticated project management approaches. The emphasis on lean construction principles and integrated project delivery methods reflects the industry's focus on operational efficiency and cost management. Companies are increasingly adopting enterprise-wide project management systems to ensure consistency across global operations and improve visibility into project performance. The EMEA pharmaceutical market is experiencing significant expansion, with major companies establishing new manufacturing facilities and research centers across Europe, Middle East, and Africa. This regional growth is creating strong demand for senior project management professionals who can navigate complex regulatory environments and manage cross-cultural teams. The focus on digital transformation and Industry 4.0 technologies is driving the need for professionals who can integrate traditional project management with cutting-edge technological solutions.

Role Significance

Typically manages a team of 8-15 project schedulers, coordinators, and analysts across multiple sites, with indirect influence over 50-100 project team members including engineers, contractors, and validation specialists.

This is a senior executive position with significant organizational impact, requiring independent decision-making authority and strategic oversight of multi-million dollar projects. The role combines operational leadership with strategic planning responsibilities, positioning the incumbent as a key contributor to organizational success and growth.

Key Projects

Multi-site pharmaceutical manufacturing facility construction and expansion projects valued between $50 million and $400 million Complex validation and commissioning programs for new drug manufacturing lines and quality control laboratories Technology integration projects involving advanced manufacturing equipment and digital systems Regulatory compliance initiatives requiring coordination with international regulatory bodies Cross-regional project portfolio management encompassing multiple simultaneous capital investments

Success Factors

Demonstrates exceptional strategic thinking and systems approach to project management, with ability to see connections between individual project elements and broader organizational objectives. Success requires balancing detailed technical knowledge with high-level strategic planning capabilities. Establishes strong relationships with diverse stakeholders including senior executives, regulatory bodies, external contractors, and international teams. The ability to influence without direct authority and navigate complex organizational structures is critical for achieving project objectives. Maintains current knowledge of emerging technologies and industry best practices, particularly in areas of AI-powered scheduling, lean construction principles, and advanced project management methodologies. Continuous learning and adaptation to new tools and techniques is essential for maintaining competitive advantage. Develops and maintains robust risk management frameworks that anticipate potential project challenges and establish proactive mitigation strategies. The ability to manage uncertainty and adapt to changing conditions while maintaining project objectives is crucial for success.

Market Demand

High demand driven by significant pharmaceutical industry capital investment and limited supply of professionals with the required combination of pharmaceutical experience, advanced project management skills, and leadership capabilities.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Proficiency in Primavera P6 and advanced project management software is absolutely essential, as these tools form the foundation of all project scheduling and tracking activities. The ability to leverage these platforms for complex, multi-site projects directly impacts project success and organizational efficiency. Understanding of AI-powered scheduling solutions provides significant competitive advantage and aligns with industry trends toward technological innovation. Deep pharmaceutical industry knowledge is crucial for understanding regulatory requirements, validation processes, and the unique challenges of pharmaceutical project management. This expertise enables effective communication with stakeholders, appropriate risk assessment, and the development of realistic project timelines that account for industry-specific constraints. Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities are fundamental to success in this role, as the position requires the ability to synthesize complex data, identify critical paths, and make strategic decisions that impact multi-million dollar investments. The ability to perform Monte Carlo simulations and advanced risk analysis directly correlates with project success rates.

Beneficial Skills

Experience with lean construction principles and continuous improvement methodologies enhances operational efficiency and cost management capabilities, providing competitive advantage in an industry focused on operational excellence. Understanding of these principles enables the development of more efficient project delivery methods and improved resource utilization. Leadership and mentoring capabilities are increasingly valuable as the role involves developing organizational capability and ensuring knowledge transfer across project teams. Strong leadership skills enable more effective team management and contribute to long-term organizational success. Cross-cultural communication and international business experience are beneficial given the global nature of pharmaceutical operations and the need to coordinate with diverse international teams. These skills enable more effective collaboration and project execution in complex international environments.

Unique Aspects

This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI-powered scheduling technologies, positioning the incumbent at the forefront of project management innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. The integration of generative scheduling and advanced analytics represents a significant competitive advantage and professional development opportunity.

The position provides exposure to projects spanning the complete pharmaceutical value chain, from early-stage research facilities to commercial manufacturing operations, offering comprehensive understanding of the industry and diverse career advancement opportunities.

The role includes responsibility for managing projects worth up to $400 million each, providing experience with large-scale capital investments that few professionals have the opportunity to lead. This level of responsibility accelerates career development and enhances market value.

The global scope of the position, combined with the EMEA regional focus, offers unique international experience and the opportunity to work with diverse cultural and regulatory environments, enhancing professional capabilities and global business understanding.

Career Growth

Progression to VP level typically occurs within 3-5 years for high performers, with advancement to C-suite positions possible within 7-10 years depending on organizational growth and individual performance.

Potential Next Roles

Vice President of Global Project Services or Engineering, with responsibility for worldwide project management operations and strategic planning Director of Operations for pharmaceutical manufacturing, focusing on operational excellence and facility management Chief Operating Officer for pharmaceutical companies, particularly those with significant capital investment programs Independent consulting roles serving pharmaceutical companies and project management firms Executive positions with engineering and construction companies specializing in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors

Company Overview

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company with a strong focus on discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines for patients with serious diseases. The company has a significant presence in oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular disease areas, with a robust pipeline of potential breakthrough therapies. BMS operates manufacturing facilities, research centers, and commercial operations across more than 60 countries worldwide.

BMS is positioned as one of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies by revenue, with strong market leadership in key therapeutic areas and a reputation for scientific innovation. The company's focus on breakthrough therapies and strategic acquisitions has strengthened its competitive position in high-growth markets.

The EMEA region represents a significant market for BMS, with major operations in multiple European countries, established manufacturing facilities, and growing commercial presence in emerging markets across the Middle East and Africa. The company's regional investment strategy focuses on expanding manufacturing capacity and research capabilities to serve growing patient populations.

BMS emphasizes a culture of scientific excellence, patient focus, and collaborative innovation. The company promotes diversity and inclusion, provides extensive professional development opportunities, and maintains a strong commitment to work-life balance. The organization values data-driven decision making and encourages employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of breakthrough solutions.

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Associate Director, Master Project Scheduler (EMEA) - Job Opportunity at Bristol-Myers Squibb

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

Bristol-Myers Squibb

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence