Position summary

Pauwels Consulting is seeking a Senior Program Manager for a leading pharmaceutical client to support a global sustainability program for packaging and devices. The role translates complex environmental regulatory requirements into actionable strategic roadmaps, resource plans and implementation timelines, focusing on long-term compliance and operational readiness across a matrixed global supply chain.

Why this role matters

As environmental regulation of pharmaceutical packaging and devices tightens, the role ensures the client’s products, packaging systems and manufacturing sites are ready for long-term compliance. It brings program discipline, financial oversight and change management to a large-scale, cross-functional sustainability program.

Key responsibilities

• Develop integrated schedules and roadmaps focusing on long-term regulatory readiness and critical path management.
• Evaluate regulatory impact of environmental regulations across products, packaging systems and manufacturing sites.
• Define resources and funding by setting out resource requirements, capabilities and funding strategies for large-scale program delivery.
• Coordinate digital enablement including data governance, analytics and ERP integration.
• Maintain financial oversight through budgeting, forecasting and cost control for capital projects.
• Manage risks and governance by handling program risks and dependencies and providing strategic updates and governance materials to senior leadership, and support organizational change management for new sustainability processes and global ways of working.

Team and stakeholders

The role operates across a matrixed global supply chain, leading cross-functional teams and influencing stakeholders without direct authority, and reports strategic updates to senior leadership.

Key details

• Full-time, hybrid; consultancy engagement based in Beerse, Antwerp (Belgium).
• Offer includes a competitive package, company car or public transport subscription, external courses and the in-house Pauwels Academy.

Requirements

Essential

• 8+ years of relevant experience in senior program management within a regulated life sciences environment.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and cost control.
• A deep understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain management, manufacturing operations and lifecycle management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and experience with Agile or Scrum principles.
• Experience in data governance, analytics and ERP integration within a manufacturing context.
• The ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders without direct authority in a global matrix.
• Fluency in English.

Preferred

• Experience in packaging engineering, device engineering or artwork automation.
• Familiarity with sustainability programs, recyclability or environmental product compliance.
• Knowledge of digital compliance tools and SAP or comparable enterprise systems.