Principal Project Manager Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

This role is a valuable part of Roche's Global Engineering team within Pharma Technical Operations, which is committed to delivering world-class capital projects that enable our GMP manufacturing excellence and innovation. As Lead Scheduler, you will be the scheduling expert and strategic partner for complex biotech projects, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, contractors, vendors, and leadership across multiple sites in a defined region to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope. You will have the opportunity to apply advanced planning methodologies, including Lean Construction and Last Planner System practices, while influencing project outcomes and supporting our commitment to operational excellence. This position offers the chance to work on diverse, high-impact initiatives while building a reputation as a trusted advisor in complex project scheduling.

The Opportunity

As the Principal Project Scheduler you will develop and maintain integrated project master schedules for complex GMP biotech capital projects, ensuring alignment across multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders while applying Roche standards and best practices. You will serve as the primary scheduling expert, facilitating collaboration, managing competing demands, and providing strategic schedule analysis and recommendations to keep projects on track.

• You will develop comprehensive Integrated Project Master Schedules in accordance with Roche standards and the Engineering Manual, including baseline establishment and contingency planning for complex, multi-phase GMP biotech projects

• You will collaborate with project teams to establish Work Breakdown Structures, work packages, and discipline schedules; conduct technical integrity reviews of contractor and vendor schedules for logic soundness and accuracy

• You will facilitate pull planning sessions and lead the implementation of Last Planner System and Lean Construction methodologies to optimize project execution and stakeholder alignment

• You will perform advanced schedule analysis including critical path analysis, float trend analysis, earned value assessments, and Monte Carlo risk simulations; provide forecasting and recommendations for corrective actions

• You will support RFP preparation, bid reviews, and vendor/contractor evaluations to assess schedule performance capabilities and ensure project alignment

• You will monitor project progress through regular site walks and schedule updates; provide timely status reporting, variance analysis, and early warning identification to keep stakeholders informed and engaged

• You will assist with strategic planning, "what-if" scenario analyses, change management, and resource/cost-loaded scheduling to support informed decision-making across the project lifecycle

Who You Are

• Expert Schedule Professional: You hold a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Economics, or Business Administration with a minimum of 8 years (6 with Masters) of experience as a project schedule engineer, backed by PMI or ACCEi Project Control Professional certification or equivalent qualification

• Biotech & GMP Specialist: You bring hands-on experience with biotech or pharmaceutical CAPEX projects, with deep knowledge of how Commissioning, Qualification, Validation, and Automation integrate within complex GMP manufacturing environments

• Skilled Matrix Collaborator: You excel at facilitating understanding and alignment across multi-disciplinary groups, managing competing stakeholder demands, and influencing outcomes in matrixed environments through exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

• Advanced Technical Capability: You demonstrate proficiency in Primavera P6, MS Project, Monte Carlo simulation software (Pertmaster, Safran Risk), and MS Office; you possess strong knowledge of Earned Value Management, Last Planner System, and Lean Construction methodologies

• Strategic Problem Solver: You bring excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, provide actionable insights, and support project teams in navigating challenges and optimizing schedules across diverse, high-complexity initiatives

This is an on-site position; no remote options are available at this time.

Relocation benefits are not available for this posting.

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of Holly Springs, NC, is $119,900 to $222,700. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

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Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

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