What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Program Scheduler position at Blackfield Associates?
Overview
The Lead Program Scheduler is responsible for developing, integrating, and managing master schedules across multiple projects or a large capital program within the life sciences sector (pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical devices). This role ensures alignment of engineering, procurement, construction, CQV (Commissioning, Qualification & Validation), and operational readiness activities to support timely delivery in a GMP-regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
Program Scheduling & Integration
- Develop and maintain an integrated master program schedule across multiple projects or workstreams
- Align project-level schedules (engineering, EPC, CQV, validation, and startup) into a single program view
- Establish program-wide scheduling standards, structures, and reporting frameworks
- Ensure consistency in scheduling methodologies across all projects
Strategic Planning
- Support program leadership with long-term planning, scenario analysis, and schedule optimization
- Define key milestones including design, construction completion, CQV phases, and regulatory readiness
- Identify program-level critical paths and interdependencies
- Drive schedule alignment with business and production goals
Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate with project managers, CQV leads, engineering teams, quality assurance (QA), and supply chain
- Interface with senior leadership to provide schedule insights and decision support
- Lead cross-project schedule review meetings and governance forums
- Ensure clear communication of risks, impacts, and mitigation plans
Progress Tracking & Reporting
- Monitor program-wide progress and performance against baseline schedules
- Produce executive-level reports, dashboards, and KPIs
- Provide forecasting, earned value analysis, and trend analysis
- Highlight delays, resource constraints, and recovery plans
Risk & Compliance Management
- Identify and manage program-level schedule risks and opportunities
- Incorporate mitigation strategies and contingency planning
- Ensure alignment with GMP requirements and validation timelines
- Support inspection readiness and regulatory milestones
Tools & Systems
- Lead the use of enterprise scheduling tools (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project)
- Oversee schedule data integrity and governance
- Integrate schedules with digital project controls and quality systems (e.g., Veeva, Kneat)
- Drive adoption of best-in-class scheduling tools and practices
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Project Management, or related field
Experience
- 10–15 years of experience in project/program scheduling within life sciences or regulated industries
- Proven experience managing large capital programs or multiple concurrent projects
- Strong experience with CQV and validation scheduling in GMP environments
- Experience with greenfield and/or brownfield pharmaceutical or biotech facilities preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Advanced expertise in program and portfolio scheduling
- Strong understanding of life sciences project lifecycle (design → construction → CQV → validation → startup)
- Deep knowledge of GMP regulations and compliance considerations
- Expert-level proficiency in Primavera P6 (preferred)
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
Leadership Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor a team of schedulers/planners across the program
- Establish governance, standards, and best practices for scheduling
- Drive continuous improvement in program controls and reporting
- Act as the subject matter expert for scheduling within the program
Work Environment
- Typically based at program office or project site (pharmaceutical/biotech facility)
- May require travel across multiple project locations
- Hybrid working may be available depending on program phase
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Program milestone achievement (design, construction, CQV, validation)
- Schedule performance and adherence across all projects
- Accuracy of forecasts and executive reporting
- Effective management of critical path and interdependencies
- Stakeholder satisfaction and decision support effectiveness
Summary
The Lead Program Scheduler plays a critical role in ensuring successful delivery of complex life sciences programs by integrating multiple project schedules into a cohesive, strategic plan. This role enables informed decision-making, ensures regulatory readiness, and supports the timely delivery of facilities that meet stringent GMP requirements.