GMT Technical Project Manager – Pharma (Lincoln)

Zoetis•Lincoln, NE

About The Position

The GMT Technical Project Manager - Pharma will serve as a technical expert and project leader for pharmaceutical manufacturing at the Lincoln site. This individual contributor role requires deep technical knowledge of granulation and tablet manufacturing processes combined with strong project management capabilities to lead cross-functional initiatives. The position supports operational excellence through troubleshooting, process optimization, continuous improvement, and technical transfer activities while ensuring compliance with FDA regulations and cGMP requirements. This role offers the opportunity to make significant impact on product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and successful execution of critical projects supporting Zoetis’ pharmaceutical portfolio. The ideal candidate will demonstrate both technical excellence in pharmaceutical development/manufacturing and proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects. Hours: 1st Shift. May required off-hours support for critical manufacturing issues or project milestones.

Requirements

Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related technical field.
Minimum 5 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing or development.
Additional experience and project leadership skills preferred.
Technical Knowledge Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes including granulation and tableting
Knowledge of pharmaceutical unit operations, equipment, and process controls
Understanding of FDA regulations, cGMP requirements, and quality systems
Familiarity with process validation, scale-up principles, and technology transfer
Project Management Skills Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Strong planning, organizational, and time management capabilities
Experience coordinating cross-functional teams and driving results
Ability to develop project timelines, manage resources, and mitigate risks
Core Competencies Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to influence and collaborate across organizational boundaries
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and project management tools
Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of team
Physical Position Requirements Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments
Occasional time in manufacturing areas requiring appropriate PPE (safety shoes, lab coat, hearing protection, safety glasses)
Ability to stand, walk, and climb stairs in production areas as needed
Computer work and sitting for extended periods during project planning and documentation
Occasional travel (estimated < 20%) to other Zoetis sites or vendor locations
Standard business hours with flexibility for manufacturing support and project needs
May require occasional off-hours support for critical manufacturing issues or project milestones

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MS, PhD) in relevant technical discipline
Direct experience with granulation equipment (high shear, fluid bed, roller compaction)
Experience with various tablet press platforms and coating equipment
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
Experience with statistical analysis software (JMP, Minitab)
Previous experience in pharmaceutical tech transfer or process validation
Knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and Quality by Design (QbD) principles
Experience interfacing with VMRD or R&D organizations in co-development activities
Track record of successful continuous improvement initiatives

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Expertise Serve as subject matter expert for pharmaceutical manufacturing processes including granulation (wet, dry/roller compaction), tableting, coating, and related unit operations
Provide technical guidance on process troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive action implementation
Lead process optimization initiatives to improve product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and cost effectiveness
Support scale-up activities from development through commercial manufacturing
Maintain deep understanding of product formulations, equipment capabilities, and process parameters
Project Management & Execution Lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously of varying complexity, from operational improvements to major technical transfers
Develop project plans, timelines, resource requirements, and risk mitigation strategies
Coordinate cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and VMRD
Drive projects to successful completion on time, within budget, and meeting quality objectives
Communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to leadership and stakeholders
Technical Transfers & New Product Introduction Lead technical transfer activities for new products and process improvements to the Lincoln site
Collaborate with VMRD and other sites during co-development and technology transfer projects
Ensure successful process validation and regulatory compliance for transferred products
Develop and execute scale-up strategies from pilot to commercial scale
Continuous Improvement & Operational Support Identify and implement process improvements using structured methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma)
Lead investigations and resolve manufacturing challenges impacting production
Support deviation investigations and CAPA implementation
Drive standardization of best practices across equipment and processes
Compliance & Documentation Ensure all activities comply with FDA regulations, cGMP requirements, and Zoetis quality standards
Author and review technical documents including protocols, reports, SOPs, and regulatory submissions
Support regulatory inspections and audits as technical expert
Maintain comprehensive documentation of projects and technical decisions
Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing Interface with leadership, operations, scientists, quality, and cross-functional teams
Mentor junior engineers and scientists in technical and project management capabilities
Share technical expertise and best practices across the manufacturing network
Build strong working relationships with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams