Director Laboratory Operations Jobs in Puerto Rico

Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. (V&EG) a Pinnaql company is a leading services supplier who provides solutions for the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Chemical, Food, and Medical Devices industries in the following areas: Laboratory, Compliance, Computer, Engineering, Project Management, Validation, and other services.

We are seeking a talented, dedicated individual committed to work under the highest ethics standards for the following position:

• Program Manager

Position Overview:

The Program Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating cross-functional capital projects, operational initiatives, and technical programs within regulated manufacturing environments. This role provides leadership across project planning, execution, stakeholder alignment, risk management, and program governance to ensure successful delivery of strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical and organizational capabilities with exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership presence. The role requires the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, build trust across teams, manage competing priorities, and drive collaboration in fast-paced project settings.

The Program Manager will interface with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, CQV, Supply Chain, EHS, Procurement, and external partners to ensure projects are executed safely, compliantly, on schedule, and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program & Project Leadership

• Lead and manage multiple capital, operational, or technical projects simultaneously
• Develop integrated project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource strategies
• Coordinate execution activities across Engineering, Construction, CQV, Manufacturing, and Quality teams
• Monitor project performance, milestones, risks, and critical path activities
• Drive issue resolution and escalation management to maintain project objectives
• Ensure alignment between project execution and business priorities

2. Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Serve as primary point of coordination among cross-functional teams and leadership stakeholders
• Facilitate clear, proactive, and transparent communication across all organizational levels
• Lead project meetings, status updates, governance reviews, and executive presentations
• Translate complex technical information into clear business-focused communication
• Build strong collaborative relationships with internal teams, contractors, vendors, and site leadership
• Foster alignment during periods of organizational change, shifting priorities, or project challenges

3. Cross-Functional Team Coordination

• Promote teamwork and accountability across diverse functional groups
• Support conflict resolution through professionalism, diplomacy, and solution-oriented communication
• Encourage collaborative problem-solving and maintain positive team dynamics under pressure
• Provide leadership and direction while maintaining approachability and trust with team members
• Mentor and support junior team members when applicable

4. Risk, Compliance & Execution Oversight

• Identify project risks, operational constraints, and resource gaps proactively
• Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans
• Ensure activities comply with applicable safety, quality, GMP, and corporate requirements
• Support management of scope changes, action items, and project documentation
• Monitor contractor and vendor performance to ensure project deliverables are achieved

5. Reporting & Governance

• Prepare and deliver program dashboards, KPIs, executive summaries, and status reports
• Maintain accurate project documentation, meeting minutes, and action trackers
• Support leadership decision-making through timely and data-driven communication
• Ensure program activities remain aligned with strategic business objectives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, or related technical field
• Experience managing projects or programs within pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or other regulated industries
• Strong understanding of project lifecycle management and cross-functional execution
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder environments effectively
• Strong organizational, facilitation, and decision-making abilities
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in fast-paced environments
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism and composure

Critical Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies

Communication Skills

• Exceptional active listening and interpersonal communication abilities
• Ability to communicate with empathy, clarity, and professionalism
• Skilled in managing difficult conversations and aligning diverse perspectives
• Strong executive presence and confidence in leading meetings and presentations
• Ability to influence without direct authority

Emotional Intelligence

• High level of self-awareness, professionalism, and adaptability
• Ability to remain composed and solution-focused under pressure
• Strong relationship-building and conflict management skills
• Demonstrated empathy and respect in team interactions
• Ability to recognize team dynamics and foster a collaborative work environment
• Strong situational awareness and stakeholder sensitivity

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification or equivalent project management training
• Experience supporting capital projects, facility expansions, or startup initiatives
• Familiarity with CQV, GMP manufacturing operations, or regulated project environments
• Experience interacting with senior leadership and executive stakeholders
• Experience managing external vendors, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams

At Validation & Engineering Group, people always come first. We believe that when you're empowered to do your best work, bold ideas thrive and real progress happens. This isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by shaping the future of healthcare and technology alongside a purpose-driven, supportive team.
Excited to build something meaningful together? We look forward to hearing from you.
Validation & Engineering Group is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.