Transition Project Manager - Join a Leading Company

About Zoetis 

As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by advancing care for animals. After 70 years innovating ways to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness, Zoetis continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals worldwide – from livestock farmers to veterinarians and pet owners. The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines, vaccines, diagnostics and technologies make a difference in over 100 countries. A Fortune 500 company, Zoetis generated revenue of $7.8 billion in 2021 with approximately 12,100 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

Position summary

On March 1, 2024, Zoetis announced the purchase of a 21-acre manufacturing site in Melbourne, to significantly expand its current operations at the site and increase future capabilities to develop and manufacture vaccines for sheep, cattle, dogs, cats and horses.  With this investment Zoetis’ footprint at the Parkville site will grow 5-times as it expands operations over the years ahead. We need a Transition Project Manager, for a two year period, in the first instance, to assist us to embark on this new chapter of transitioning and expanding our operations.  The position is based at the Parkville Manufacturing site and it is an on site role.

The Transition Project Manager is responsible for the seamless transition of facilities, utilities and services at the manufacturing site located at 45 Poplar Road Parkville, Australia to Zoetis GMS. The role will involve managing various stakeholders, preparing detailed timelines and budgets, coordinating building and equipment transfers and reporting of project status to the local Site Steering Committee

Duties Performed

With minimal supervision, this role will provide project management support for transferring the operation of the manufacturing site from current operator to Zoetis GMS. The responsibilities include: 

1. Manage site transition across lifecycle of project (planning, execution and reporting).
2. Manage the Client Project Management Delivery Team
3. Responsible for all aspects of project delivery including design, construction, equipment procurement, project budget and cost management, schedule management and risk management.
4. Ensure project safety and environmental compliance.
5. Control project scope, cost, resources and stakeholders to meet the transition timeline, budget and quality requirements.
6. Develop and execute project plan for successful site transition, including work breakdown structure, budget, resource matrix, schedule and risk register.
7. Provide a single point of accountability to represent Zoetis GMS transition phases for the transfer of site buildings, equipment and infrastructure from current site operator.  
8. Provide project management oversight and support on QC Test Services Transition plan.
9. Developing and maintaining project management documentation utilizing Zoetis systems and PM best practices.
10. Promote and ensure project management standards are developed and adhered to.
11. Report on the progress of projects to the local Site Steering Committee
12. Technical liaison to both internal and external clients as required.
13. Work with other team leaders on sharing of technical knowledge across the businesses supported by team.  
14. Obtain all necessary permits and regulatory approvals for site construction and commissioning.
15. Select and manage key external parties for the project (including engineering consultants, equipment vendors and contractors).
16. Coordinate with the Operational Readiness leader to provide a seamless delivery of the manufacturing capacity.
17. Manage expectations and deliverables of all parties involved (internal and external). 
18. Work closely with local government and regulatory bodies to obtain all necessary permits and ensure smooth project delivery.
19. Ensure smooth project closeout and turnover of the site from the Construction Manager to GMS Operations.
20. Ensure accuracy and completeness of all turnover packages.

Education and experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science is required.
2. Project Management Qualification is advantageous.
3. 7 years of industry experience, minimum of 3 years directly applicable job experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing
4. Three or more years of experience in general and technical management of projects with demonstrated ability to resolve technical issues, addresses validation requirements, prepares, and administers budgets. 
5. Demonstrated expertise in areas of biological sciences including Production, Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance will be considered strongly. 
6. Extensive experience managing all project stages from project concept design, basis of design, detail design, construction through commissioning/qualification to final handover to end-user.
7. Experience managing drug product projects including packaging, filling, lyophilization, materials management. 
8. Demonstrated ability to function and influence in a team/matrix environment, good interpersonal skills, communication skills, and computer skills.

How to apply

Please ensure that you include a cover letter outlining why you have applied for this position. A paragraph or two is all we need to better understand why you are the best person for this role. Only applicants with the right to work in Australia will be considered. Please submit your application via Seek by no later than 31 May 2024.  If you have any questions, please contact Reality Check on 02 92523022 who we have engaged to provide us a shortlist for this position.