Pharmaceutical Design Manager (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Pharmaceutical Design Manager (m/f/d)

Company: Exyte GmbH

Location: Agrate Brianza, Lombardy, Italy

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations (Pharmaceutical Facilities)

Date Posted: 2026-09-21

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams for pharmaceutical facility design projects, ensuring alignment with project timelines and milestones.

• Oversee the preparation and review of critical engineering deliverables, including P&IDs, equipment lists, and utility data, to maintain project integrity.

• Manage cross-functional collaboration with procurement, subcontracting, construction, and project controls to ensure seamless project execution and cost efficiency.

• Ensure strict adherence to pharmaceutical industry GMP regulations, quality standards, and relevant compliance requirements throughout the design lifecycle.

• Drive design reviews, risk assessments, and technical evaluations to mitigate project risks and optimize facility performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the specialized domain of pharmaceutical facility design, demanding a robust understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory compliance. The "Design Manager" title, combined with the responsibilities, indicates a focus on process engineering and technical project leadership within a highly regulated GxP environment, rather than traditional revenue or sales operations. The emphasis on coordinating disciplines and engineering deliverables places this role within a technical operations or project management framework specific to the life sciences sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate and control engineering disciplines and project activities, ensuring timely delivery of engineering documentation against schedule and project milestones.

• Foster close collaboration with procurement, subcontracting, construction, and project controls teams to facilitate efficient project execution and resource allocation.

• Prepare and meticulously review material and construction requisitions for mechanical, piping, and utility systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Manage the preparation and compilation of key multidisciplinary project documents, including Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), equipment lists, line lists, utility consumption data, and detailed design specifications.

• Organize, actively contribute to, and document multidisciplinary coordination meetings to ensure timely problem resolution and project advancement.

• Guarantee strict compliance with pharmaceutical industry requirements, quality standards, and all applicable regulations within the design process.

• Support and lead design reviews, risk assessments, and technical evaluations throughout the entire project lifecycle to identify and address potential issues.

• Provide direct reporting to the Project Manager on project status, progress, and any critical deviations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to project engineering management within a regulated pharmaceutical context. The focus on P&IDs, GMP compliance, and coordination with construction/procurement highlights the technical depth required. This is not a typical CRM-focused operations role but rather a specialized engineering project management function within the broader operational framework of building pharmaceutical facilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline. Experience:

• Several years of progressive experience in roles such as Project Engineer, Lead Engineer, or Design Manager within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or related regulated industries.

• Demonstrated experience in managing engineering deliverables and coordinating multidisciplinary teams on complex projects. Required Skills:

• Project Engineering & Management: Proven ability to coordinate engineering disciplines, manage project timelines, and forecast engineering deliverables.

• Pharmaceutical/Biotech Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of GMP-regulated environments and pharmaceutical facility design principles is highly desirable.

• Technical Documentation: Expertise in preparing and reviewing key multidisciplinary project documents such as P&IDs, equipment lists, and line lists.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Skill in working effectively with procurement, subcontracting, construction, and project controls teams.

• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of quality standards and applicable regulations within the pharmaceutical sector.

• Language Proficiency: Very good command of both Italian and English (written and spoken).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working on construction sites, particularly in brownfield project environments.

• Familiarity with utility systems design and capacity planning.

• Experience with risk assessment methodologies and technical evaluation processes.

• Willingness to travel and work collaboratively within multidisciplinary and international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly define a specialized engineering role within the pharmaceutical sector. The emphasis on GMP, P&IDs, and specific engineering degrees points to a technical operations function focused on project execution rather than traditional business operations. The "nice-to-have" for construction site experience further solidifies this.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Execution Case Studies: Showcase examples of successfully managed engineering projects, detailing your role in coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing deliverables, and meeting project milestones.

• Technical Documentation Samples: Include anonymized examples of P&IDs, design specifications, or equipment requisitions you have prepared or reviewed, highlighting attention to detail and compliance.

• Process Optimization Examples: Present instances where you identified and implemented improvements in engineering workflows, coordination processes, or compliance adherence within a regulated environment.

• Risk Mitigation Demonstrations: Provide case studies illustrating how you supported design reviews, risk assessments, and technical evaluations, detailing the outcomes and impact on project success.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Document your approach to designing and optimizing engineering workflows for pharmaceutical facility projects, including how you ensure interdisciplinary alignment.

• Implementation & Compliance: Detail your methods for ensuring that designs are implemented in strict compliance with GMP regulations and quality standards.

• Measurement & Analysis: Explain how you track and report on engineering deliverable progress, identify deviations, and analyze project performance against schedule and milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should focus on technical project management and engineering execution within a regulated environment. It needs to demonstrate not just project completion but also the rigorous process of design, compliance, and cross-functional coordination specific to pharmaceutical facilities. Traditional operations portfolio items like CRM optimization or sales funnel analysis would not be relevant.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: € 54,500 - € 61,500 gross per year (full-time).

The exact salary will be determined based on objective criteria such as the scope of the role, qualifications, and relevant professional experience.

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill development within the pharmaceutical engineering sector.

• International Collaboration: Exposure to working with diverse, multidisciplinary, and international teams on cutting-edge projects.

• Project Impact: The chance to contribute significantly to critical pharmaceutical facility projects that advance healthcare solutions.

• Travel Opportunities: Willingness to travel for project-related activities and team engagement.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential for project-driven demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is based on the specific details given in the job description for a Design Manager in Italy. This range aligns with mid-to-senior level engineering management roles in specialized industries like pharmaceuticals within the Italian market, considering the stated gross annual amount. Research for comparable roles in Agrate Brianza and the Lombardy region indicates this range is competitive for the specified experience level and industry. The benefits listed are inferred from the role's nature and typical offerings for technical project management positions in large engineering firms.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering & Construction Services, specializing in high-tech facilities for pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, and other advanced sectors.

Company Size: Exyte GmbH is a large global company, employing thousands of people worldwide. This scale offers opportunities for diverse project involvement and career advancement.

Founded: Exyte has a long history, tracing its roots back to 1912, with significant evolution and expansion into specialized engineering fields. This legacy suggests a stable, established organization with deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• Project-Centric Teams: The Design Manager will likely be part of a project-specific team, reporting directly to a Project Manager.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: The team will comprise engineers from various disciplines (mechanical, process, electrical, automation, civil) as well as specialists from procurement, construction, and project controls.

• Global Interaction: Collaboration will extend beyond local teams to include international colleagues and stakeholders, reflecting Exyte's global footprint.

Methodology:

• Engineering Excellence: A strong focus on delivering high-quality engineering solutions that meet stringent industry standards.

• Process-Driven Execution: Adherence to structured project management methodologies and best practices for design and construction.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilization of technical data and analysis for design, risk assessment, and project control.

• Compliance Assurance: Rigorous integration of regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP) into all project phases.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Exyte's focus on high-tech facilities, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, implies a culture that values precision, technical expertise, and rigorous adherence to quality and safety standards. The global nature of the company suggests a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior level within the engineering and project management track. It requires significant technical expertise and proven leadership in coordinating complex design processes. The "Design Manager" title implies responsibility for overseeing the technical integrity and execution of design phases for significant projects.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager reports directly to the Project Manager, indicating a clear line of command within project teams. This structure allows for focused project execution and direct oversight.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is critical to the successful design and, by extension, the construction of state-of-the-art pharmaceutical facilities. Effective design management directly influences project timelines, budget adherence, facility functionality, and compliance with GxP regulations, which are paramount for pharmaceutical clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Design Management/Project Management: Progression to managing larger, more complex pharmaceutical projects or taking on broader Project Management responsibilities.

• Specialization Advancement: Deepening expertise in specific areas of pharmaceutical facility design (e.g., cleanrooms, sterile processing, containment) or advanced engineering methodologies.

• Technical Leadership: Moving into roles with greater technical authority, such as Chief Engineer or Principal Technical Consultant, guiding the company's design standards and innovation.

• International Assignments: Opportunities to lead or contribute to design efforts in Exyte's global projects, gaining international experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Design Manager in this context is heavily technical and project-oriented. Growth involves taking on more complex projects, greater leadership scope, and potentially broader strategic input into design methodologies and company standards within the pharmaceutical engineering domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a dedicated office environment within Exyte's facilities or a project-specific site office. The environment will be professional and focused on engineering and project coordination.

Office Location(s): Agrate Brianza, Lombardy, Italy. This location is within a significant industrial and technological hub in Northern Italy, offering good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The workspace will likely facilitate close collaboration with other engineering disciplines, project managers, and support teams (procurement, construction).

• Technical Resources: Access to necessary design software, project management tools, and communication platforms will be provided.

• Team Integration: Opportunities for regular interaction with project teams, fostering a shared sense of purpose and efficient communication flow.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically involving standard business hours. However, project demands, especially in engineering and construction, may occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines or site coordination needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is crucial for this role, emphasizing the need for direct team interaction, coordination with potentially on-site construction elements, and hands-on engagement with project documentation and reviews. This contrasts with remote roles common in many other operational functions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and cover letter, focusing on relevant experience in pharmaceutical design, GMP environments, and engineering project management.

• Technical Interview: Discussion with engineering leads or senior managers to assess technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and understanding of pharmaceutical facility design principles. Portfolio review may occur here.

• Project Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a detailed case study from their portfolio showcasing a complex design project, focusing on coordination, problem-solving, and compliance.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Exyte's company values and team dynamics, often with the hiring manager.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a higher-level manager or Project Director to discuss role expectations, career growth, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Relevance: Prioritize projects directly related to pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences facilities. Highlight your specific contributions to design coordination, GMP compliance, and technical documentation.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., adherence to schedule, budget savings due to design efficiency, successful audit outcomes).

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. For case studies, use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar structure, clearly outlining challenges, your actions, and the positive outcomes.

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Show your understanding of the end-to-end design process, including how you integrate feedback, manage revisions, and ensure compliance at each stage.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples that illustrate your ability to work effectively with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be prepared for questions about designing specific systems (e.g., HVAC for cleanrooms, utility distribution), troubleshooting design conflicts, or explaining GMP requirements.

• Project Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing project schedules, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication in a complex engineering project.

• Company/Industry Knowledge: Research Exyte's recent projects, their approach to pharmaceutical facility design, and current trends in the industry (e.g., single-use technologies, continuous manufacturing).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily favor technical and project execution skills relevant to regulated environments. A strong, relevant portfolio is essential for demonstrating practical experience and process understanding.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD/BIM Software: Proficiency with relevant computer-aided design and Building Information Modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) used for architectural and engineering design.

• Process Simulation Software: Familiarity with tools for process simulation and analysis (e.g., Aspen Plus, HYSYS) may be beneficial for process engineering aspects.

• Project Management Software: Experience with project management platforms (e.g., MS Project, Primavera P6, Asana, Jira) for scheduling, task tracking, and reporting.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to analyze engineering data, performance metrics, and project progress reports. Experience with Excel for data manipulation and reporting is standard.

• ERP/MRP Systems: Understanding of how engineering deliverables integrate with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems for procurement and construction planning.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for managing and versioning large volumes of technical documentation (e.g., SharePoint, specialized EDMS).

• Workflow Automation Tools: While not explicitly stated, an understanding of how to streamline design workflows through automation or process improvements is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is heavily focused on engineering design, project management, and document control, rather than typical business operations CRM or marketing automation tools. Proficiency in industry-standard CAD/BIM and project management software is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, precise engineering designs that meet or exceed client and regulatory expectations.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of integrity and ensuring strict adherence to GMP and other regulatory requirements in all design activities.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where multidisciplinary teams work together effectively to achieve project goals.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to improve design processes, optimize resource utilization, and enhance project execution efficiency.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive innovation in pharmaceutical facility design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Emphasizing seamless integration between design engineering, procurement, construction, and project controls teams.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging open, honest, and timely communication to address challenges and ensure alignment across all project stakeholders.

• Constructive Feedback: Maintaining a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and utilized for continuous improvement in design and project execution.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of technical expertise and project learnings across teams and disciplines to build collective knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture and values are intrinsically linked to the demands of the pharmaceutical industry – precision, safety, and compliance are paramount. Collaboration is essential due to the multidisciplinary nature of facility design projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: Keeping pace with evolving GMP regulations and ensuring all design aspects meet stringent compliance requirements can be challenging.

• Managing Multidisciplinary Conflicts: Effectively resolving technical disagreements and coordinating diverse engineering disciplines to achieve a cohesive design.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Meeting aggressive project timelines while maintaining the highest standards of design quality and regulatory adherence.

• Adapting to Project Changes: Managing scope changes, unforeseen site conditions (especially in brownfield projects), and evolving client requirements efficiently.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training on specific pharmaceutical technologies, GMP updates, and advanced engineering techniques relevant to life sciences facilities.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend industry events and pursue certifications that enhance expertise in pharmaceutical facility design and project management.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior engineering leaders or project directors within Exyte, fostering career growth and leadership skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of pharmaceutical facility projects (e.g., API manufacturing, biologics, sterile fill-finish) provides broad experience and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to complex, regulated engineering projects. Growth opportunities are focused on deepening technical expertise and expanding project leadership capabilities within the specialized pharmaceutical engineering sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex pharmaceutical facility design project you managed. What were the key challenges, how did you coordinate the multidisciplinary team, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, coordination, and results.)

• "How do you ensure compliance with GMP regulations throughout the design process? Can you provide an example of a specific GMP requirement you had to address in a design?" (Demonstrate regulatory understanding and practical application.)

• "Walk me through your process for preparing and reviewing P&IDs for a critical utility system in a GMP environment." (Showcase technical process knowledge and attention to detail.)

• "How would you manage a situation where the construction team identifies a design flaw on-site that impacts the schedule and budget?" (Assess problem-solving, communication, and risk management skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Exyte and our work in the pharmaceutical sector?" (Research Exyte's projects, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with international and multidisciplinary teams?" (Highlight your communication style and experience with diverse groups.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with differing technical opinions. How did you reach a consensus?" (Assess negotiation and interpersonal skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Deep Dive: Select 1-2 key projects that best showcase your design management capabilities in a regulated environment.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, P&IDs (anonymized), and flowcharts to illustrate your points.

• Focus on Process: Explain your methodologies for coordination, risk assessment, and compliance assurance.

• Quantify Impact: Clearly articulate the results and benefits of your contributions.

• Q&A Preparedness: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your projects and your approach to design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong technical foundation in pharmaceutical engineering, robust project management skills, and a thorough understanding of GMP compliance. Portfolio examples should be highly specific and relevant.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Pharmaceutical Design Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided application link on the Exyte careers portal. Ensure all fields are completed accurately.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight experience in pharmaceutical/biotech design, GMP environments, project management, and specific engineering disciplines mentioned (Mechanical, Process, Chemical, Energy). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that includes relevant case studies of pharmaceutical facility design projects, showcasing your responsibilities in coordination, technical documentation, and compliance. Be ready to present anonymized examples of P&IDs or design specifications.

• Research Exyte: Familiarize yourself with Exyte's projects, values, and their approach to high-tech facility engineering, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your project experience using the STAR method, and be ready to address technical and behavioral questions related to design management, GMP compliance, and cross-functional collaboration.

⚠️ 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.