Automation Project Manager - EPCM

John Wood Group • Rockville, MD

104d

About The Position

Wood is recruiting for a capable and detail-oriented Automation Project Manager with experience in Automation, Instrumentation and Controls, to support our Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) Capital Delivery Program for a biopharma client in Rockville, MD. The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of 5-10 small to mid-sized capital projects from initiation through closeout. This includes managing design development, procurement, construction, and turnover in collaboration with internal and client stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related technical field.
• 5-8 years of project management experience delivering capital projects in a highly regulated commercial environment (e.g., biopharma, healthcare, food/bev, or advanced manufacturing).
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects ranging from $250K-$5M in value.
• Familiarity with cGMP environments and understanding of regulatory and quality standards.
• Knowledgeable on Biopharmaceutical facility automation systems (i.e., Rockwell, Siemens, DeltaV, Kneat).
• Experience managing automation scope within capital projects (URS, FRS, SDS, FAT, SAT, commissioning).
• Understanding of control system architecture and integration with IT/OT systems.
• Proficiency in project management tools such as Microsoft tools, ProCore, BIM360, Primavera P6, or similar.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, construction, and operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the biopharma or life sciences industry.
• Familiarity with the full project lifecycle in an EPCM delivery model.
• PMP or equivalent certification (preferred but not required).

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned capital projects from business case development through turnover, ensuring alignment with client goals and regulatory requirements.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, and schedules in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Lead and facilitate stakeholder meetings to align expectations and maintain progress.
• Ensure full compliance with the client's Project Management Framework (PMF), including documentation, risk management, cost control, and change control.
• Oversee the design phase in coordination with the Design Manager, ensuring constructability, schedule alignment and client scope expectations alignment.
• Coordinate procurement activities (e.g., bids, contracts, vendor selection) in collaboration with the Procurement Lead.
• Work closely with the onsite Construction Management team to support field execution, monitor progress, resolve issues, and maintain schedule adherence.
• Manage project closeout processes including commissioning/qualification support, turnover documentation, punch list resolution, and lessons learned.
• Monitor project budgets, schedules, and deliverables; provide regular status updates to internal and client stakeholders.
• Identify risks and develop mitigation strategies to keep projects on track.
• Coordinate with the Project Controls Manager to ensure accurate cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting.
• Maintain and update project documentation in accordance with PMF and EPCM best practices.
• Support development of project proposals and execution strategies based on client needs and facility impact.
• Assist in aligning contractor scopes and schedules with site operations and shutdown windows.
• Engage with engineering, validation, quality, and facilities teams to support integrated planning and delivery.

Benefits

• Meaningful and interesting projects delivered to leaders of industry across Woods Life Sciences sector.
• Flexible working arrangements that balance client, team and individual needs.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice.
• Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market.
• Flexible benefits package that can be adapted to suit your lifestyle.
• Commitment to continued professional development through development plans tailored to individual needs and interests.
• Global connections with leading industry experts around the world who are shaping the standards of our profession.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Support Activities for Mining
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree