Lead Engineering and Design Manager - Pharma EPC Projects(m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Engineering and Design Manager - Pharma EPC Projects (m/f/d) Company: Exyte GmbH Location: Stuttgart, Germany Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Engineering Management / Project Management Date Posted: 2025-09-20 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office expected)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage complex engineering and design processes for high-tech pharmaceutical EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects.
• Ensure seamless integration and coordination across multiple critical project disciplines, including civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, process, and automation engineering.
• Drive efficiency and adherence to project budgets and schedules by optimizing design and engineering workflows.
• Collaborate with and manage internal teams and external planning/engineering partners to deliver project milestones.
• Facilitate and manage critical design reviews, such as P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) and 3D model reviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title includes "Lead Engineering and Design Manager," the core responsibilities and required experience level (5-10 years) align more closely with a Senior Engineering and Design Manager role. The "Lead" aspect will be emphasized in the context of managing project interfaces and cross-functional teams rather than direct line management of a large engineering department. The focus on Pharma EPC projects indicates a specialized, high-stakes environment requiring rigorous adherence to standards like GMP.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and meticulously coordinate all project interfaces between key disciplines: civil engineering, structural engineering, architecture, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, process engineering, process automation, and plant planning.
• Manage and direct internal engineering teams and external planning and engineering partners, ensuring clear communication, task delegation, and deliverable tracking.
• Lead and facilitate crucial design reviews, including P&ID reviews, 3D model reviews, and HAZOP (Hazard and Operability) studies, to ensure design integrity and risk mitigation.
• Actively support project management in proposal preparation, detailed project planning, resource allocation, schedule development, and robust design change management processes.
• Prepare comprehensive and timely reports on current and future design status, with a strong emphasis on managing project schedules and tracking design changes effectively.
• Evaluate, organize, prioritize, and assign engineering tasks, and rigorously track the timely completion and quality of design and engineering deliverables from all involved parties.
• Continuously identify opportunities for and implement the optimization of design and engineering workflows to enhance project efficiency and reduce lead times.
• Ensure all engineering and design activities comply with relevant industry standards, client specifications, and regulatory requirements, with a particular focus on pharmaceutical GMP guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been expanded to detail the specific types of coordination and management expected in a Pharma EPC environment. Emphasis has been placed on the proactive nature of workflow optimization and the critical need for compliance with GMP and client-specific requirements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Automation Technology, Process Engineering, Supply Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a Bachelor's is listed, for a "Lead" role with 5-10 years of experience, a Master's degree or equivalent professional certifications in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) would be highly advantageous and is often expected for managing complex EPC projects.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience specifically in the management and control of EPC projects within high-tech plant engineering, with a strong emphasis on the pharmaceutical sector.
• Proven track record in managing complex project interfaces and coordinating multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing and optimizing engineering workflows and managing design change control processes.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in managing engineering workflows and familiarity with key systems for creating P&IDs, 3D models, specifications, system and functional descriptions, simulations, and calculations.
• Exceptional organizational and coordination skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in both German and English, essential for effective stakeholder engagement and international project collaboration.
• Proficient in project planning, resource planning, and schedule management techniques.
• Experience in conducting and managing design reviews (e.g., P&ID, 3D model).
• Ability to evaluate, prioritize, and assign tasks to engineering teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines and other pharmaceutical documentation procedures.
• Experience with specific project management software and collaboration platforms relevant to EPC projects.
• Familiarity with risk management processes and implementation in engineering design.
• Understanding of simulation and calculation tools used in process and plant engineering.
• Experience with long-term site assignments and high willingness to travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills have been refined to reflect the technical and managerial demands of a Lead Engineering and Design Manager in the pharmaceutical EPC sector. Preferred skills highlight areas that would significantly enhance a candidate's suitability and provide immediate value.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate case studies of successful management of complex engineering and design phases for large-scale EPC projects, ideally within the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector.
• Showcase examples of process optimization initiatives implemented within engineering workflows, highlighting measurable improvements in efficiency, cost savings, or timeline adherence.
• Provide evidence of experience in managing design reviews (P&ID, 3D models) and the outcomes of these reviews, including how issues were resolved.
• Include documentation or descriptions of your approach to managing project interfaces and cross-functional coordination in challenging project environments.
• Present examples of reporting structures and dashboards used to track engineering progress, budget, and design changes for senior management and stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing or refining engineering workflow documentation to improve clarity, standardization, and efficiency.
• Examples of how you have managed and controlled design changes, including the documentation and approval processes.
• Documentation showcasing your approach to resource planning and task assignment within engineering teams.
• Case studies that illustrate your methods for evaluating and prioritizing engineering deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the practical, results-oriented nature of an operations portfolio. It's crucial for candidates to showcase tangible achievements in process optimization, interface management, and efficient project delivery, particularly within the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Engineering and Design Manager roles with 5-10 years of experience in major German metropolitan areas like Stuttgart, a competitive annual salary is estimated to range from €85,000 to €115,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the exact scope of project responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Onboarding: A structured two-day onboarding event designed to integrate new colleagues into the Exyte community.
• Prime Location & Workspace: An attractive office location in Stuttgart offering spacious workstations with modern amenities like height-adjustable desks.
• Dedicated Support: A "Buddy System" for the first few weeks to ensure close familiarization and support from experienced colleagues.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for hybrid work, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.
• On-site Amenities: Access to free coffee specialties and water dispensers on every floor.
• Health & Wellness: Subsidized fitness contracts through Qualitrain, providing access to over 5,000 fitness locations across Germany.
• Travel & Site Assignments: Support and compensation for potential long-term assignments on project sites, reflecting the demanding nature of EPC work.
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth within a leading global engineering firm.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week. The role involves a hybrid work arrangement, with an expectation of approximately 3 days per week in the Stuttgart office to facilitate collaboration and team engagement. Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is a professional estimate for a Lead Engineering and Design Manager in Stuttgart, Germany, considering the specified experience level and industry. The benefits list has been populated with details from the provided text, highlighting elements attractive to professionals seeking work-life balance and career support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: High-tech plant engineering for sectors including semiconductors, batteries, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and data centers. Exyte is a global leader in planning, development, and project management within these advanced industries. Company Size: Approximately 7,400 employees globally, indicating a large, established organization with significant resources and a global footprint. Founded: Over a hundred years of history, signifying stability, deep industry expertise, and a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a project-driven environment, implying a matrixed structure where individuals report to both functional management and project leads.
• Collaboration is expected across a wide array of specialized engineering disciplines (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, process, automation) and with external partners.
• As a "Lead" role, you will be expected to guide and influence engineering partners and internal teams on project-specific matters, even if not a direct line manager for all.
• Reporting lines will likely involve reporting project status and design progress to senior project managers and potentially higher-level engineering or program directors.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on rigorous project planning, execution, and control, adhering to strict timelines and budgets typical of EPC projects.
• Utilization of advanced engineering tools and methodologies, including P&ID development, 3D modeling, simulations, and detailed design reviews.
• A data-driven approach to project management, with a focus on reporting, tracking, and analyzing design status, changes, and resource allocation.
• Continuous process improvement and workflow optimization are key to ensuring efficient delivery in complex, high-tech environments.
• Strong emphasis on collaboration, interface management, and stakeholder communication across internal departments and external partners.

Company Website: https://careers.exyte.net/global/en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been fleshed out to provide a clearer picture of Exyte's market position, size, and historical significance. The team structure and methodology sections infer how a Lead Engineering and Design Manager would operate within such an organization, emphasizing project-based work and cross-functional collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior management level within engineering and project management. It requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership in coordination, and strategic oversight of the design and engineering process for major projects. It signifies a transition from individual technical contribution to managing complex interdependencies and driving project success through effective team and partner orchestration.

Reporting Structure: The role will report to a Project Director or a Senior Program Manager, overseeing the engineering and design aspects of pharmaceutical EPC projects. You will also be responsible for managing the interfaces and deliverables of internal engineering specialists and external engineering service providers.

Operations Impact: The effectiveness of this role directly impacts project success by ensuring designs are technically sound, compliant, efficient, and delivered on time and within budget. This has a significant impact on Exyte's ability to secure and successfully complete high-value contracts in the competitive pharmaceutical EPC market, contributing directly to the company's revenue and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in pharmaceutical plant design, GMP compliance, and advanced engineering technologies.
• Project Leadership: Progress into roles with broader project management responsibilities, potentially leading entire EPC projects or larger program portfolios.
• Global Mobility: Opportunities for long-term assignments or leadership roles in Exyte's international offices and projects.
• Management Track: Transition into higher-level engineering management positions, overseeing larger teams or specialized engineering departments.
• Continuous Learning: Access to industry conferences, training, and certifications to stay abreast of the latest technologies and regulatory changes in high-tech plant engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section elaborates on the career implications of the role, positioning it within the broader context of Exyte's operations and highlighting clear pathways for professional development and advancement within the engineering and project management domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, with an expectation of approximately 3 days per week in the Stuttgart office. This suggests a modern office environment designed to foster collaboration and team interaction. Office Location(s): Stuttgart, Germany. This location is a major economic hub in Germany, offering good connectivity and a high quality of life.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office is designed to support teamwork, with spacious workstations and areas conducive to meetings and discussions, facilitating the necessary interdisciplinary coordination.
• Tool & Technology Access: Employees will have access to modern office technology and likely the engineering software required for design reviews and project management, facilitating efficient workflow.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for regular face-to-face interaction with colleagues, project teams, and management, crucial for complex project alignment and problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, allowing for focused work at home and collaborative sessions in the office. Project demands may occasionally require extended hours or travel to project sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to a hybrid model in a corporate setting, emphasizing the balance between in-office collaboration and personal work flexibility, which is a key consideration for many professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application by HR and potentially the hiring manager (Katharina Hermann) to assess basic qualifications and experience alignment.
• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your experience with EPC projects, pharmaceutical engineering, interface management, design review processes (P&ID, 3D models), and technical problem-solving. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing complex project challenges.
• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Assessment of your leadership style, communication skills, organizational abilities, and how you handle pressure, conflict, and team dynamics. Questions will likely probe your experience with GMP guidelines and your willingness to travel.
• Portfolio Presentation (Potential): You may be asked to present specific case studies from your portfolio that demonstrate your achievements in project management, process optimization, and successful delivery of engineering projects.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management to discuss strategic alignment, career aspirations, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly state the scale, budget, team size, and your specific role. Use metrics to highlight achievements (e.g., "Reduced design cycle time by 15%," "Managed a budget of €X million," "Coordinated interfaces for Y engineering disciplines").
• Focus on Pharma EPC: Tailor your portfolio to showcase relevant experience in pharmaceutical or similar regulated high-tech EPC projects. Highlight your understanding of GMP and other relevant compliance standards.
• Interface Management: Detail your approach to managing interfaces between different engineering disciplines and with external contractors. Show examples of how you resolved complex interface issues.
• Design Review Expertise: Include examples of your involvement in P&ID and 3D model reviews, demonstrating your ability to identify risks, propose solutions, and ensure design integrity.
• Process Optimization: Showcase instances where you identified inefficiencies in engineering workflows and implemented improvements, detailing the methods used and the resulting benefits.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing project schedules and design changes, including how you handle delays or scope creep.
• Practice articulating your communication strategy for dealing with diverse stakeholders, including technical teams, project managers, and potentially clients.
• Consider hypothetical scenarios related to managing challenging engineering partners or resolving technical disputes.
• Refresh your knowledge of GMP guidelines and their practical application in engineering and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, outlining a typical interview process for such a role and offering specific strategies for preparing their portfolio and handling potential challenges. The focus is on demonstrating practical experience and impact relevant to Exyte's needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Experience with platforms like MS Project, Primavera P6, or similar tools for detailed project planning, scheduling, and tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for day-to-day communication and team coordination.
• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for storing, organizing, and controlling project documentation (e.g., SharePoint, proprietary EPC systems).
• Design & Engineering Software: While not directly operating the software, understanding the outputs and workflows of P&ID (e.g., AVEVA diagrams, AutoCAD Plant 3D) and 3D modeling software (e.g., AVEVA E3D, Bentley MicroStation) is crucial for managing design reviews.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate and interpret reports from project management software and potentially BI tools for status updates, budget tracking, and schedule adherence.
• Data Analysis: Skills in analyzing project data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for optimization.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While less direct, understanding how project requirements flow from client needs (often managed via CRM/client management systems) can be beneficial.
• Workflow Automation: Familiarity with concepts of automating repetitive engineering tasks or approval processes, even if not directly implementing them.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section assumes a standard technology stack for a large engineering firm managing complex projects. It emphasizes the need for familiarity with project management and collaboration tools, as well as an understanding of the outputs from specialized engineering design software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Ambition: A core value driving the pursuit of engineering excellence and ambitious goals in high-tech markets.
• Innovation: A commitment to finding new and better ways to engineer and build for the future.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, both internally across disciplines and externally with partners, essential for complex project delivery.
• Integrity & Responsibility: Upholding high standards in project execution, safety, and ethical conduct, particularly critical in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals.
• Future-Oriented: A focus on building for the future and leading the way in developing advanced technological infrastructure.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Integration: The role demands a highly collaborative approach, bridging the gap between diverse engineering disciplines and ensuring seamless information flow.
• Proactive Communication: Expectation of clear, timely, and proactive communication with all project stakeholders to manage expectations and resolve issues swiftly.
• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages the exchange of feedback, especially during design reviews, to collectively improve project outcomes.
• Partnership Approach: Working closely with internal teams and external partners as a cohesive unit to achieve shared project objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from Exyte's company description and the nature of the role. They highlight the importance of teamwork, ambition, and a forward-thinking approach in a high-tech engineering environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complex Interdependencies: Coordinating multiple specialized engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and technical nuances, requires exceptional skill and attention to detail.
• Adherence to Strict Regulations: Ensuring all engineering designs and processes comply with stringent pharmaceutical GMP guidelines and other regulatory requirements can be demanding.
• Balancing Project Demands: Juggling tight project schedules, evolving client requirements, and budget constraints while maintaining high engineering quality.
• Global Team Coordination: Working effectively with dispersed internal teams and external partners across different regions and time zones.
• Long-Term Site Assignments: The willingness and ability to undertake extended periods on project sites, which can be demanding but also rewarding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training programs focused on pharmaceutical engineering, GMP compliance, advanced project management methodologies, and new engineering technologies.
• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and gain firsthand experience with the latest innovations in high-tech plant construction.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior project leaders and engineering experts within Exyte.
• Certification Support: Encouragement and potential support for obtaining professional certifications relevant to project management or specialized engineering fields.
• Leadership Development: Pathways to develop leadership skills through managing project teams and influencing cross-functional efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section identifies potential challenges inherent in the role and the industry, framing them as opportunities for growth and skill development, which is a key aspect for attracting ambitious professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Management & EPC: "Describe a complex EPC project you managed. What were the biggest challenges related to engineering interfaces, and how did you resolve them?" Focus on your methodology for planning, resource allocation, and schedule management.
• Technical & Regulatory: "How have you ensured compliance with GMP guidelines in engineering designs for pharmaceutical projects? Walk me through a P&ID review you led." Be ready to discuss specific technical aspects and your decision-making process.
• Leadership & Collaboration: "How do you manage and motivate diverse engineering teams and external partners to meet demanding project deadlines?" Prepare examples of your communication style and conflict resolution techniques.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Exyte's work in the pharmaceutical sector, and why are you interested in this role?" Research Exyte's recent projects and its position in the market.
• "How do you approach collaboration in a hybrid work environment, and what is your strategy for managing cross-functional teams effectively?" Highlight your understanding of the hybrid model and its implications for teamwork.
• "What are your strategies for ensuring continuous improvement in engineering workflows and design processes?" Demonstrate your proactive approach to optimization.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework. Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results.
• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your presentation explicitly showcases your experience in interface management, design reviews (P&ID, 3D), GMP compliance, and process optimization.
• Visual Aids: Use clear, concise slides if presenting. Focus on diagrams, key metrics, and project timelines to illustrate your points effectively.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about challenges, trade-offs, and alternative approaches you considered. Be ready to defend your decisions with sound reasoning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete interview advice, including example questions and presentation strategies specifically tailored to the Lead Engineering and Design Manager role in Pharma EPC, drawing upon the previously detailed responsibilities and requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Engineering and Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply through the Exyte careers portal via the provided URL.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your experience in EPC project management, pharmaceutical engineering, interface coordination, and knowledge of GMP guidelines. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in managing complex engineering and design processes, particularly in regulated environments. Focus on showcasing your interface management, design review, and process optimization successes.
• Research Exyte: Familiarize yourself with Exyte's company mission, values, recent projects (especially in the pharmaceutical sector), and their approach to engineering excellence.
• Practice Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your experience clearly and concisely, using specific examples from your career. Practice presenting your portfolio highlights and answering common interview questions related to project management, technical challenges, and leadership.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.