Associate Director, Engineering Projects

About the Department

Our Research & Development organization brings together the best minds in life science innovation. The teams located in facilities in Lexington, Watertown, Cambridge and Plainsboro reflect the full R&D continuum, from early research through late-stage clinical development. Here, we are building for the future, creating a distinct R&D community based on collaboration, partnerships, and cutting-edge research across multiple modalities and therapeutic areas. We recognize that improving human health starts here and that patients rely on us. Our R&D hub merges biotech speed and agility with large pharmaceutical company quality, resources, and stability, uniting the best of both worlds to develop new medicines for patients.

The Position

The Associate Director (US R&D Operations) will be a key contributor to (1) delivery of the IPG (Investment Portfolio Group) CAPEX program currently in execution and (2) ongoing Operations portfolio leadership. The role will initially be predominantly dedicated to the IPG program (approximately 60–80%), leading PMO and project execution controls (scope, schedule, cost, risk, change control and performance reporting). In parallel (approximately 20–40%), the role will support US R&D Operations as an engineering, project and strategy lead driving operational project planning, prioritization and portfolio execution. As the IPG program concludes, the role will transition to a primarily Operations-focused remit, owning Operations Engineering and planning strategy while maintaining strong governance and delivery discipline. As a member of the US R&D Facilities Leadership Team, the Associate Director is accountable for capital strategy, operations engineering governance and project oversight ensuring projects progress from concept through approval, execution and close-out while meeting business, regulatory, quality and operational requirements.

Relationships

This role has direct reporting line to the Head of US R&D Operations and a dotted reporting line to Head of R&D Investments (CAPEX) and will have collaborative and cross-functional relationships/responsibilities with onsite Facilities and Lab Operations, Global R&D IPG, North America and NN Global teams. Works with Facilities team and lab operations teams, EH&S, Workplace Services and operations contract support. External relationships include those with business partners, AHJ’s and valued vendors.

Essential Functions

• Lead PMO and project controls for the IPG CAPEX program, including integrated scope, schedule, cost, risk, change control and performance reporting, supporting the Project Director
• Establish and maintain effective delivery processes (planning cadence, forecasting, issue/risk escalation, corrective actions) to ensure predictable execution
• Coordinate and integrate delivery across design, procurement, construction, commissioning and operational readiness to align dependencies, decisions and outcomes
• Drive stakeholder engagement and communications across functions and regions; prepare concise, executive-level updates for governance and steering forums
• Support the Project Director as needed through direct/indirect leadership of CAPEX workstreams/projects, including active construction activities
• Contribute to continuous improvement of project management and controls practices, tools and templates
• Provide engineering governance and project leadership for operations-driven initiatives (capital and non-capital) across sites, aligned to operational strategy and long-term infrastructure planning
• Lead early project development: define business needs, develop concepts, perform feasibility/estimate work and build business justification to enable prioritization and approvals
• Partner closely with Operations and the IPG program organization to align priorities, multi-year capital planning and execution strategy, including operational readiness
• Manage strategic relationships with key design and construction partners (architecture, engineering, contractors/construction managers) to support safe, high-quality, compliant delivery
• Provide engineering governance and project leadership for operations-driven initiatives (capital and non-capital) across sites, aligned to operational strategy and long-term infrastructure planning
• Lead early project development: define business needs, develop concepts, perform feasibility/estimate work and build business justification to enable prioritization and approvals
• Partner closely with Operations and the IPG program organization to align priorities, multi-year capital planning and execution strategy, including operational readiness
• Manage strategic relationships with key design and construction partners (architecture, engineering, contractors/construction managers) to support safe, high-quality, compliant delivery
• Lead project PMO and execution controls activities of a CAPEX project
• Manage and develop the engineering teams, ensuring necessary skillsets and training
• Develop and maintain a capital project plan and execute capital projects, support capital process (IPG)
• Ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, scope and as designed
• Develop and maintain relationships with contractors, vendors, NN customer base and other stakeholders
• Provide technical expertise, strategic guidance and support to facility operations, R&D, EH&S as required
• Drive Stakeholder Management and Communication
• Manage budgets and expenses related to the engineering department and capital projects
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities, manage changing requirements & adjusted priorities

Physical Requirements

Occasionally, equipment and/or supplies weighing up to 50 pounds within the facility using various body positions. Constantly operates a computer & other office equipment using hands. Able to travel domestically & internationally as needed, up to 15% of time. Able to work in an open office environment with the possibility of frequent distraction. Role is in-office or on-site.

Development Of People

Supervisory. Ensure that reporting personnel have individual development plans (IDP), with annual goals and measurements that are consistent with the priorities of the business and that interim reviews are held so that their work is focused on those priorities and they understand their level of accountability for results and the measurement process. Ensure that the IDP forms include completed learning and aspiration plans and are in place for all reporting personnel to enable the achievement of goals and capability to assume increased levels of responsibility. Manage the application and communication of all Novo Nordisk policies, procedures and Novo Nordisk Way.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and 9+ years of experience or a Master's degree and 7+ years of experience is required
• Proven experience in operations leadership roles, preferably in a multi-site environment
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills, complemented by strong leadership abilities, strategic thinking and a results-oriented approach
• Experience in project management & process improvement methodologies, change management and driving organizational transformation
• Proven track record of delivering capital projects on time, within budget and to the required standard
• Familiarity of building codes, life safety, health and safety regulations
• Experience as owner’s rep for pharmaceutical or biotech R&D lab design & operations and lab/office space optimization preferred
• Strong leadership and team management skills, among distributed teams in a dynamic environment