Associate Capital Projects Director

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to turn strategy into steel, systems and start-up that put new medicines in patients’ hands faster? Do you thrive on leading complex, high-value programs where precision, pace and partnership deliver real-world impact? Join us to shape the next generation of manufacturing and supply capabilities that enable our science to scale.

Based in Mount Vernon, IN (local candidates strongly preferred; relocation assistance available for non-local candidates), you will steer major capital investments across the Americas, often exceeding $50M. You will lead from concept through handover, translating business needs into safe, compliant, on-time and on-budget facilities that are production-ready and future-proof. Backed by a collaborative network of engineering, technical, and delivery experts, you will drive outcomes that advance our pipeline and strengthen our global supply resilience.

Accountabilities:

• Project Initiation and Governance: Initiate projects effectively; develop and secure agreement on the project charter; establish and maintain the appropriate level of governance; ensure clarity of and communicate project roles and responsibilities.

• Integrated Planning and Control: Develop, maintain, communicate and implement the Project Management Plan; ensure the project schedule meets business case timelines; own the plan-do-review process; govern the approved project budget and spending plan; own the cost review and reporting process.

• Risk and Change Leadership: Manage project risk proactively; actively identify all materials of project change; ensure timely assessment and review; obtain appropriate authorization for scope changes; own and maintain the Project Change Register.

• Stakeholder and Supplier Leadership: Act on behalf of the sponsor and Capital Projects Portfolio Director; serve as the focal point for customer needs; maintain relationships with key business partners to ensure business requirements are delivered; lead supplier teams, communicate deliverables and responsibilities, and encourage collaboration across the team and stakeholders.

• Quality, Safety and Compliance: Deliver projects safely and compliantly, to agreed scope, cost and schedule, utilizing agreed resources and meeting predefined quality requirements; ensure reporting and decision-making processes are robust and timely; operate effectively within a governance framework and matrix organization.

• Execution to Handover: Execute the plan through to H2 signoff, ensuring effective business participation throughout; review projects at key stages, communicate lessons learned and good practices; manage the handover process to achieve successful Operational Performance Criteria and secure H1 and H2 signoffs; ensure project documents are complete, up to date and stored appropriately.

• Ways of Working: Lead in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities and schedules; travel up to 50% to project sites across the region to ensure delivery and stakeholder alignment.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience

• Bachelors Degree

• Direct project experience in managing /leading capital investments in pharmaceutical or process-intensive manufacturing industries. 

• High levels of drive, energy and resilience with ability to take the initiative 

• Ability to work well in diverse teams and proven aptitude to influence others to achieve positive outcomes 

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering field. 

• Many years' engineering and/or project experience. 

• Proven supervisory and technical skills. 

• Demonstrated capability to manage projects in excess of $100M 

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• A project management qualification 

• Master's degree in engineering management, technical management, or business administration preferred. 

• Demonstrated capability to manage projects in excess of $200M 

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here you will build facilities and capabilities that turn cutting-edge science into reliable supply for patients worldwide. We combine rigorous execution with inventive thinking, bringing engineering, manufacturing and digital experts together to solve real problems at speed. You will grow in a culture that values kindness alongside ambition, where leaders invest in your development and teams rally to deliver. From lean methods and advanced automation to ambitious environmental goals, you will have the platform, support and challenge to create tangible, lasting impact.

Call to Action:

Own a portfolio that shapes how life-changing medicines reach patients—step forward and lead what’s next today!

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.