Head of Project Services

At IPS, we are global leaders in developing innovative solutions for the consulting, architecture, engineering, project controls, procurement, construction management, and CQV of technically complex facilities, primarily in the life sciences industry.

We are seeking a highly experienced individual to join our growing team to be based at our EMEA Head office, located in Birmingham, United Kingdom. In this role, you will partner with our pharmaceutical-based project managers to apply their project controls and management experience as it specifically relates to cost and schedule for our numerous clients.

Position Responsibilities

• Manages, revises, and maintains the status of the detailed project cost estimates/forecasts to include all phases of project execution from design/engineering, material/equipment procurement and deliveries, construction contracts through start-up, qualification and validation activities, and closeout.
• Track and analyses the project costs, including budgets, commitments, actuals, accruals, and forecasts. The analysis includes forecast to budget and estimate, forecast to actuals, and contingency analysis.
• Participates in the development and improvement of project control systems.
• Recommends improvements in systems, tools, and methods of project controls and project management.
• Assists in creating detailed project budgets from estimates and in the development of cash flow projections. Works with the Project Management team to manage the overall project costs.
• Effectively conveys our message in both written and verbal business development discussions.
• Remains at the forefront of new and emerging industry practices and the potential application on client projects.
• Maintains effective communication between the project team, SLT, and key stakeholders. Support the Project Managers with communication with the client, consultants, vendors, and public entities.
• Effectively facilitates team and client meetings, acting as chair or support to the Project Manager as appropriate.
• Holds regular status meetings with the project teams.
• Resolves and/or escalates issues in a timely fashion to the PM and EMA Project Services Director.
• Understands how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully.
• Communicates effectively with clients to identify needs and evaluate alternative business solutions, supporting the IPS Project Managers.
• Support the rollout of the IPS Quality Management System (QMS) and the Community of Practice (COP) efforts.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Ideal candidates will possess 10+ years of Pharmaceutical project experience Managing program controls and scheduling.
• Proficiency in enterprise Portfolio Scheduling Software tools such as Oracle Primavera P6 scheduling software.
• Proficiency with MS Project.
• Familiar with Touch Plan and IAP process.
• Familiar with Risk Management processes and modelling systems, Monti Carlo etc.
• Bachelor’s degree in QS, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field is preferred.

All interviews are conducted either in person or virtually, with video required.

IPS, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is a global leader in developing innovative business solutions for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Through operational expertise and industry-leading knowledge, skill, and passion, IPS provides consultancy services, architecture, engineering, project controls, construction management, and compliance services that allow clients to develop and manufacture life-impacting products.

Its newest acquisition, Linesight, specializes in cost, schedule, risk, program, and project management services in various market sectors, including data centres, life sciences, and high-tech industries. With the addition of Linesight, IPS has over 3,000 professionals in over 45 offices across 17 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.