Senior Program Manager Sustainability

Packaging & Device Environmental Compliance Program

Location: Beerse, Belgium
Contract: Initial 6-Month Contract (Extension Potential)
Working Model: Hybrid (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)
Start Date: ASAP
Industry: Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences
Travel: Up to 5% within Europe

About the Opportunity

A leading global pharmaceutical organisation is seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to support a strategic Packaging & Device Environmental Compliance Program. This high-visibility role will play a critical part in preparing the organisation for compliance with the upcoming EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements through 2030.

Working across global Manufacturing, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, Digital, Quality, Regulatory, and Sustainability functions, you will translate complex regulatory requirements into executable plans, governance frameworks, budgets, schedules, and implementation roadmaps.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced programme leader who enjoys operating within complex, matrixed pharmaceutical environments and delivering large-scale transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Planning

• Support the development and execution of a global PPWR readiness roadmap through 2030.
• Define programme structure, governance frameworks, resource requirements, and funding needs.
• Maintain integrated programme plans, milestones, dependencies, critical paths, and implementation schedules.
• AlignPPWR activities with parallel initiatives including:
  • Digital Labelling
  • Artwork Automation
  • Technology Transfers
  • Product Rebranding
  • Asset Replacement Programs

Supply Chain & Manufacturing Coordination

• Assess the impact ofPPWR requirements across:
  • Products
  • Packaging portfolios
  • Medical devices
  • Manufacturing sites
  • External manufacturing partners
  • Global supply chain networks
• Coordinate implementation activities across multiple sites and business functions.
• Support supply continuity and operational readiness throughout programme execution.

Digital Transformation & Data Governance

• Drive digitisation and digital enablement workstreams supporting environmental compliance objectives.
• Define and implement:
  • Data governance strategies
  • Data quality processes
  • Master data requirements
  • Analytics and reporting solutions
  • Workflow automation initiatives
• Coordinate ERP integration activities, including SAP and related enterprise systems.

Financial & Resource Management

• Develop and maintain programme budgets and funding requests.
• Track actuals against forecasts and cost baselines.
• Perform variance analysis and provide clear financial reporting to leadership.
• Support capital planning and governance processes.

Risk & Governance Management

• Identify programme risks, dependencies, issues, and decision points.
• Develop mitigation strategies and escalation plans.
• Produce governance materials, executive dashboards, and leadership updates.
• Drive accountability across cross-functional programme teams.

Change Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support organisational adoption of new processes, systems, data practices, and ways of working.
• Engage with senior stakeholders across:
  • Manufacturing
  • Technical Operations
  • MSAT
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Quality
  • Procurement
  • Planning
  • Sustainability
  • Digital Functions
• Facilitate decision-making and alignment across global teams.

Required Experience

To be successful in this role, candidates should demonstrate:

• 8+ years of programme or portfolio management experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or highly regulated industries.
• Proven experience leading complex cross-functional transformation programmes.
• Strong programme governance, scheduling, roadmap, and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasts, capital requests, and financial reporting.
• Expertise in risk management and dependency tracking.
• Advanced Microsoft Project experience, including:
  • Project scheduling
  • Critical path analysis
  • Baseline management
  • Resource planning
  • Progress reporting
• Experience with Agile and Scrum methodologies.
• Experience leading digital transformation, ERP implementation, or data governance initiatives.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, technical operations, supply chain, and quality systems.
• Demonstrated success operating within global matrix organisations.
• Experience presenting to senior leadership and executive stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas will be highly regarded:

• Packaging Engineering
• Packaging Operations
• Device Engineering
• Environmental Compliance
• Sustainability Programs
• Product Compliance
• Recyclability & Circular Economy Initiatives
• Digital Labelling
• Artwork Management & Automation
• Packaging Data Management
• SAP/S4HANA Integration
• Environmental Product Compliance
• Technology Transfer Programs
• Pharmaceutical Sustainability Initiatives
• J&J FPX Project Environments

Candidate Requirements

• Fluent English communication skills.
• Must be able to work onsite in Beerse, Belgium 2-3 days per week.
• Must already possess the right to work within the EU.
• No sponsorship or visa support is available for this position.
• Preference will be given to candidates currently based in Belgium or the Netherlands due to onsite requirements.
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