Senior Portfolio Manager

MERITUS are recruiting for a Senior Portfolio Manager to join our client in a permanent position to support projects up to £5m.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Portfolio Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of pharmaceutical construction projects, typically ranging up to £5m in value. This role is critical in bridging the gap between technical design and operational delivery within a highly regulated environment. The successful candidate will oversee the full project lifecycle-from pre-construction and design management to final commissioning-ensuring all works strictly adhere to NEC4 contract standards.

• Portfolio Oversight: Manage the delivery of multiple concurrent pharmaceutical projects (up to £5m), ensuring they remain on schedule, within budget, and compliant with client specifications.
• Design Management: Lead the design process from pre-construction through delivery, ensuring technical solutions are buildable, cost-effective, and fully coordinated with pharmaceutical regulatory standards (cGMP/non-cGMP).
• Contract Administration: Act as the primary lead for NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contracts (ECC), managing compensation events, early warnings, and the "Accepted Programme" to maintain a collaborative and "no-surprises" culture.
• Stakeholder Integration: Coordinate between internal project teams, external consultants, and specialized supply chain partners to ensure seamless integration of health and safety, sustainability, and technical standards.
• Risk & Quality Control: Implement proactive risk management strategies and maintain accurate risk registers. Ensure all clean utility systems and facilities meet stringent pharmaceutical industry standards and mechanical completion requirements.
• Financial Accountability: Oversee procurement, budget tracking, and financial reporting for the portfolio, identifying opportunities for value engineering and profit enhancement.

• Industry
  
  Experience:
  
  Minimum 5-7 years in construction or project management within a regulated pharmaceutical or manufacturing environment
  .
• Technical Expertise: Proven background in design management and a deep understanding of life science technologies, clean room processes, and engineering drawings (P&IDs).
• NEC4 Proficiency: Expert working knowledge of NEC4 contracts;
  NEC4 Accredited Project Manager status is highly desirable.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and manage complex stakeholder maps (scientists, engineers, and regulatory agencies).

• Expertise in Design & Build (D&B) and EPCM procurement routes.
• Exceptional negotiation skills for managing contractors and major procurements.