Director of Strategic Projects - 12 month contract

Our client is a leading, PE backed, global player within the Pharma-Manufacturing sector. It is entering a key phase of transformation and the COO is seeking a Director of Strategic Projects who to support the agenda of transformation.

The role will support the COO in driving a successful transformation program, driving collaboration and ensuring business outcomes are achieved. The role will combine leadership skills with change management and integration capability.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategic priorities into a single, integrated execution roadmap
• Establish clear ownership, milestones, and success metrics across initiatives
• Design and run a pragmatic execution cadence (weekly/monthly)
• Track progress, dependencies, risks, and bottlenecks
• Provide clear, decision-ready reporting to CEO, COO, and investment team
• Connect strategic intent to operational reality across functions and sites
• Work in close collaboration and partnership with the COO to support operating improvements, ensuring stakeholder alignment, managing conflicts and driving towards shared outcomes in a timely manner
• Shift the organisation from activity to outcomes
• Design and embed cross-functional, collaborative KPIs / OKRs
• Shift performance conversations from functional optimisation to enterprise outcomes

Profile

• 0–15+ years’ experience in transformation execution, PMO leadership, or operational roles
• Proven experience in complex, multi-site or PE-backed environments
• Fluent English