CQV Manager (f/m/d)

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

We are looking for an experienced Commissioning, Qualification and Validation (CQV) Manager to lead our CQV department in Milan.

As CQV Manager, you will combine technical expertise, project leadership and people development. You will play a key role in delivering high-quality CQV projects for pharmaceutical clients while helping to grow and strengthen our team, capabilities, and ways of working across Italy and Europe.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working across different projects, collaborating with international teams and supporting the development of both people and the wider business.

Reporting to the Milan Office General Manager, you will:

• Lead the successful delivery of CQV projects across Italy and Europe within the Milan office portfolio.
• Manage department resources, workload planning, and project priorities.
• Lead and support the growth of the CQV team, including recruitment, onboarding, training, mentoring, and career development.
• Coordinate the work of internal CQV engineers and external consultants.
• Identify suitable external consultants, manage their assignments, and oversee related contracts.
• Support local business development activities, including proposals, cost evaluations, and project team planning.
• Promote the harmonization and standardization of CQV procedures, knowledge, and best practice.
• Track project performance, progress, workload, and delivery risks.
• Organize and coordinate the weekly activities of CQV Engineers.
• Support continuous improvement across CQV delivery, aligned with current industry standards and client expectations.

You will provide leadership and technical direction throughout the CQV lifecycle, including:

• Managing commissioning activities from Mechanical Completion through Commissioning and Qualification to formal Systems Hand-over.
• Developing Commissioning and Qualification Master Plans, project strategies, procedures and protocols, including SAT, commissioning, IQ and OQ documentation.
• Reviewing technical documentation from the early design stages to ensure alignment with GMP and CQV requirements.
• Managing contractors and vendors and coordinating their activities on site.
• Investigating and resolving technical issues during the Commissioning and Qualification phases.
• Ensuring project execution follows company, department and client procedures, with a strong focus on health, safety and quality.
• Supporting the continuous improvement of CQV activities in line with GxP, ISPE and ASTM E2500 principles.
• Collaborating with clients, project teams and stakeholders across international locations.

The role involves approximately 50% travel across Italy and Europe. This provides the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, build strong international relationships and broaden your professional experience.

• A degree or equivalent qualification in engineering or a related discipline.
• At least 12 years’ experience in commissioning and qualification activities within pharmaceutical facilities.
• Previous experience leading or managing a CQV/C&Q team.
• Project management experience, ideally across large and complex international projects.
• A solid understanding of GxP, ISPE and ASTM E2500 requirements.
• Experience developing CQV strategies, master plans, procedures and protocols.
• Experience managing contractors, vendors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Proven commercial awareness, including project cost evaluation and resource planning.
• Fluency in Italian and English. German and/or French language skills would be an advantage.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with the ability to motivate, support and develop others.
• The confidence to work with clients and stakeholders at all levels.
• A practical, solution-focused approach and a genuine interest in continuous improvement.

• Lead and grow a CQV function with an international scope.
• Make a visible contribution to major pharmaceutical projects.
• Work alongside talented professionals from different disciplines and locations.
• Develop people and shape the future capabilities of the department.
• Influence how CQV projects are delivered across Italy and Europe.
• Build strong relationships with clients and contribute to future business growth.
• Continue developing your own technical, leadership and commercial expertise.

The applicable National Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL) classification level for this position is Metalmeccanico (CNEL C011), level A1.

The offer range for this position is €68,600.00 to €85,700.00 gross per year (or hourly equivalent if hired into hourly role). The final salary within this range will be determined based on objective, gender neutral and job-related criteria, such as relevant professional experience, skills, qualifications, the scope of responsibilities and the contracted working hours/work schedule.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .