Job Information
Actalent WH/IL Project Manager in Clayton, North Carolina
Job Title: WH/IL Project ManagerJob Description
The WH/IL Project Manager leads the end-to-end transition from a manual warehouse operation to a fully automated warehouse within a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role focuses on commissioning AGVs and other automated warehouse intralogistics systems, integrating them with enterprise IT systems, and coordinating activities across the campus to ensure no impact to production output during implementation. The position operates within a Project Management Office structure, primarily supporting the automated warehouse work package and ensuring a seamless, risk-mitigated transition between manual contingency operations and fully qualified automated operations.
Responsibilities
Support the planning and execution of the migration from a manual warehouse to a fully automated warehouse, ensuring operational continuity throughout the transition.
Coordinate commissioning activities for AGV, ASRS, AMR, and conveyor systems, including readiness for qualification, validation, and operational handoff.
Manage dependencies between manual warehouse operations, automated systems, and production material delivery during periods of parallel operations.
Partner closely with the lead Project Manager responsible for the automated warehouse work package to align scope, schedule, and deliverables.
Coordinate the installation, retrofit, and commissioning of warehouse automation equipment within a GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
Support the integration of warehouse automation systems with enterprise IT systems, ensuring compliance with operational, validation, and data integrity requirements.
Collaborate with vendors, systems integrators, IT teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure automation systems are installed, configured, and commissioned according to project plans.
Drive cross-campus alignment for planned shutdowns, system cutovers, and commissioning windows to minimize disruption.
Coordinate closely with production areas to ensure zero impact to production output, material flow, and supply continuity during implementation activities.
Identify risks related to production interference, material flow, and system availability, and support development and execution of mitigation plans.
Develop, maintain, and update detailed project schedules using Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, and/or Primavera P6.
Integrate schedules across multiple work packages, vendors, and stakeholder groups to create a cohesive master schedule.
Track milestones, critical path activities, commissioning readiness, and key deliverables, adjusting plans as needed to maintain timelines.
Communicate schedule status, risks, issues, and mitigation plans clearly and regularly to project leadership and stakeholders.
Support capital expansion project governance by providing accurate project updates, documentation, and reporting aligned with PMO standards.
Ensure that all project activities related to warehouse automation and integration follow applicable GMP, safety, and quality requirements.
Essential Skills
At least 4 years of experience managing capital projects in the pharmaceutical industry as a Project Manager.
Demonstrated experience supporting equipment installation and retrofit projects in GMP environments.
Background in warehouse automation systems, including AGV/AMR, ASRS, and conveyor systems.
Experience with integration of warehouse automation equipment and systems into enterprise IT systems.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field with 2+ years of project scheduling experience, OR an Associate’s degree or vocational training in Engineering or a related field with 4+ years of project scheduling experience, OR military service with 2+ years of project scheduling experience.
Hands-on experience developing and maintaining project schedules using Microsoft Project.
Hands-on experience with Smartsheet for project planning, tracking, or reporting.
Hands-on experience with Primavera P6 for detailed scheduling and critical path management.
Strong project management skills, including scope, schedule, risk, and stakeholder management in a regulated environment.
Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, including vendors, integrators, IT, and operations, in a complex capital expansion project.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
PMP certification is preferred but not required.
Experience with automated warehouse intralogistics (WH-IL) projects, particularly in pharmaceutical or similarly regulated industries.
Experience leading or supporting capital expansion projects involving automation and intralogistics solutions.
Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey schedule status, risks, and mitigation strategies to leadership and stakeholders.
Proven ability to manage multiple work packages and vendors simultaneously while maintaining alignment with production and supply chain needs.
Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to production interference and material flow during system cutovers and commissioning.
Work Environment
This role is fully onsite, working 5 days per week in a pharmaceutical manufacturing and warehouse environment that is transitioning from manual to automated operations. The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, with additional hours as needed to support critical commissioning activities, cutovers, and project milestones. The position operates within a structured Project Management Office framework and involves frequent collaboration with production, engineering, IT, vendors, and systems integrators on the manufacturing campus. The environment includes exposure to warehouse automation technologies such as AGVs, AMRs, ASRS, and conveyor systems, as well as the use of project management tools including Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, and Primavera P6.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Clayton, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $95.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Clayton,NC.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 22, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.