Senior Project Manager for Laboratory Building Construction

Job Title: Project Manager - Senior

Location: Olen - 3 days on site / 2 days home office- during preparatory phases and after onboarding period.

Duration: 1 year contract

Rate: Open

Language proficiencies

• Fluent Dutch (spoken & written).

• Good command of English to understand technical documentation and interact with suppliers/stakeholders.

Job Description:

Project description

A new laboratory building is being constructed in Olen. The overall building design, calculations, 3D modelling and utilities concepts have already been completed. The next phase focuses on:

• Designing and equipping a flexible, modular laboratory environment capable of supporting multiple teams.

• Setting up or relocating an analysis laboratory, including defining which analytical methods will move to the new building.

• Determining the optimal laboratory layout (floorplan, safety, flows, utilities, equipment, etc.).

• Preparing for the transfer of teams into the new facility.

• Full involvement in the execution phase in 2027, with project completion expected end of 2028.

Primary tasks and responsibilities

• Phase 1 – Analysis, concept development & budget (2026)

• Review and integrate existing engineering and 3D design deliverables into the laboratory fit out planning.

• Translate analytical and user requirements into a functional modular laboratory concept (layout, flows, utilities, safety).

• Establish cost estimates and investment budgets for the laboratory fit out.

• Prepare the annual capex request (planning, scenarios, risk assessments).

• Phase 2 – Detail engineering & execution (2027-..)

• Coordinate detailed laboratory engineering with internal engineering departments, utilities, design partners, and suppliers.

• Schedule, track and steer progress using Planisware or equivalent PM tooling.

• Manage contractors, integrators and equipment suppliers during installation and commissioning.

• Ensure compliance with safety (VCA, HSE, regulatory) and environmental rules.

• Organise FAT/SAT and qualification steps where relevant.

• Coordinate the phased relocation of three CRD teams to the new laboratory environment.

• Project management, governance & stakeholder communication

• Own the scope, budget, timing and quality of the entire laboratory fit out package.

• Identify and mitigate risks, issue management, scenario planning.

• Report status and key decisions to the Hiring Manager and stakeholders (CRD, production, engineering, maintenance, HSE).

• Facilitate workshops and structured decision making processes with laboratory users and technical teams.

Technical profile requirements

• Master’s degree in Engineering or Applied Sciences (mechanical, chemical/process, electromechanics or equivalent).

• Minimum several years of experience managing technical or engineering projects (lab infrastructure, utilities).

• Experience with the design and implementation of a laboratory is mandatory.

• Strong understanding of technical utilities (HVAC, gases, ventilation, electrical supply, clean utilities).

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, 3D models and P&IDs.

• Knowledge of safety and regulatory frameworks (ATEX is an advantage).

• Strong command of MS Office and experience with PM tools such as Planisware.

• Experience with LIMS is a plus.

Non Technical profile requirements

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, able to steer multidisciplinary teams.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Structured, analytical and able to manage complexity.

• Hands on, pragmatic and willing to be highly present on site, especially during execution.

• Quality driven and safety focused.

• Ability to handle multiple priorities and make well founded decisions.

Methodology / Certification requirements

• VCA?VOL required (or willingness to obtain before execution phase).

• Project management certification (PMP, Prince2, …) is a plus.

• ATEX is a plus

Skills:

Experience as Project Manager in an Engineering environment - 7 year

Experience with Labo-design& implementation - 5 years

knowledge of Technical Utilities - 7 yrs