Portfolio Manager – MES & Digital Manufacturing (Life Sciences)
About the role
Job Title: Portfolio Manager – MES & Digital Manufacturing (Life Sciences) Experience: 12+ Years Location: Remote (Canada) Employment Type: Contract
Project Overview: We are seeking an experienced Portfolio Manager to lead a portfolio of strategic Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Digital Manufacturing initiatives within the Life Sciences industry. This role is responsible for managing multiple programs and projects across manufacturing sites, ensuring successful delivery of digital transformation initiatives that improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing, digital manufacturing technologies, MES implementations, and enterprise program management. This role requires close collaboration with business stakeholders, manufacturing operations, quality, IT, validation, and external implementation partners to deliver scalable and compliant manufacturing solutions.
Key Responsibilities: Portfolio Management Manage and govern a portfolio of MES and Digital Manufacturing programs across multiple manufacturing sites Define portfolio strategy, roadmap, priorities, budgets, and resource allocation Monitor portfolio health, delivery milestones, risks, dependencies, and financial performance Establish governance frameworks, executive reporting, and KPI dashboards Ensure alignment of manufacturing digital initiatives with organizational business objectives Program & Project Leadership Lead cross-functional teams responsible for MES implementation, upgrades, and digital transformation initiatives Manage multiple concurrent projects from planning through deployment and hypercare Drive project planning, scheduling, budgeting, vendor management, and executive communications Resolve cross-program risks, issues, and resource conflicts Business & Stakeholder Management Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Validation, and IT leadership Facilitate executive steering committee meetings and provide regular portfolio status updates Build strong relationships with site leadership and global business stakeholders Drive organizational change management and user adoption initiatives Digital Manufacturing Leadership Lead initiatives involving MES, Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM), and Smart Manufacturing Support manufacturing digitalization initiatives including automation, paperless manufacturing, electronic batch records, manufacturing analytics, and Industry 4.0 capabilities Promote standardization and harmonization of manufacturing processes across global sites Compliance & Quality Ensure solutions comply with Life Sciences regulatory requirements including GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, GAMP 5, and Computer Software Assurance (CSA) Support validation planning and ensure regulatory readiness for manufacturing systems Financial & Vendor Management Manage portfolio budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting Oversee system integrators, implementation partners, and software vendors Track value realization and ROI across manufacturing initiatives
Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Life Sciences, or related discipline 12+ years of IT and Digital Transformation experience 5+ years managing enterprise portfolios or large programs focused on MES and Digital Manufacturing 5+ years delivering multiple global manufacturing technology initiatives 5+ years in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, or Medical Devices industry 5+ years managing global cross-functional teams and complex stakeholder environments
Required Technical & Functional Expertise: Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Digital Manufacturing & Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) Smart Manufacturing / Industry 4.0 Electronic Batch Records (EBR) Manufacturing Process Digitalization & Systems Integration Program & Portfolio Management Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies Vendor & Budget Management Executive Stakeholder Management Risk and Governance Management
Preferred Platform Experience: Werum PAS-X, Rockwell PharmaSuite, Siemens Opcenter Execution Pharma, Emerson Syncade, Körber PAS-X, SAP MII, SAP Digital Manufacturing, Aveva MES
Preferred Certifications: PMP or PgMP, PMI PfMP, SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) or SAFe Agilist, ITIL Foundation, Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
About United Software Group Inc
Welcome to Vistara Solutions Inc.
United Software Group Inc. is now rebranded as Vistara Solutions Inc. — marking a bold new chapter in our journey.
Built on a strong 24-year legacy, we are evolving to expand our vision and capabilities across the Tech Talent ecosystem and AI-driven software solutions. “Vistara” reflects growth, innovation, and a forward-looking mindset that defines our future.
As a global IT & Engineering Solutions provider, we deliver high-impact technology and consulting services across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and India. As a certified Minority Business Enterprise, we remain deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and excellence while serving clients across Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and the Public Sector.
Our Evolution Rooted in innovation and reliability, our journey has been defined by continuous transformation—adapting to industry shifts while staying ahead of the technology curve.
Global Reach. Local Expertise. Our global presence is strengthened by deep regional understanding, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that align with local market needs and client expectations.
Diversified Strength Our ability to build and sustain diversified revenue streams positions us to navigate market dynamics while consistently delivering value and resilience.
Driven by People Our success is powered by a dynamic team whose expertise, agility, and commitment enable us to exceed client expectations every day.
Join the Future with Vistara Solutions Partner with us to experience where innovation meets reliability. Whether delivering advanced technology solutions or enabling career growth through talent services, Vistara Solutions is committed to shaping a smarter, technology-driven future.
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Portfolio Manager – MES & Digital Manufacturing (Life Sciences)
About the role
Job Title: Portfolio Manager – MES & Digital Manufacturing (Life Sciences) Experience: 12+ Years Location: Remote (Canada) Employment Type: Contract
Project Overview: We are seeking an experienced Portfolio Manager to lead a portfolio of strategic Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Digital Manufacturing initiatives within the Life Sciences industry. This role is responsible for managing multiple programs and projects across manufacturing sites, ensuring successful delivery of digital transformation initiatives that improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing, digital manufacturing technologies, MES implementations, and enterprise program management. This role requires close collaboration with business stakeholders, manufacturing operations, quality, IT, validation, and external implementation partners to deliver scalable and compliant manufacturing solutions.
Key Responsibilities: Portfolio Management Manage and govern a portfolio of MES and Digital Manufacturing programs across multiple manufacturing sites Define portfolio strategy, roadmap, priorities, budgets, and resource allocation Monitor portfolio health, delivery milestones, risks, dependencies, and financial performance Establish governance frameworks, executive reporting, and KPI dashboards Ensure alignment of manufacturing digital initiatives with organizational business objectives Program & Project Leadership Lead cross-functional teams responsible for MES implementation, upgrades, and digital transformation initiatives Manage multiple concurrent projects from planning through deployment and hypercare Drive project planning, scheduling, budgeting, vendor management, and executive communications Resolve cross-program risks, issues, and resource conflicts Business & Stakeholder Management Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Validation, and IT leadership Facilitate executive steering committee meetings and provide regular portfolio status updates Build strong relationships with site leadership and global business stakeholders Drive organizational change management and user adoption initiatives Digital Manufacturing Leadership Lead initiatives involving MES, Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM), and Smart Manufacturing Support manufacturing digitalization initiatives including automation, paperless manufacturing, electronic batch records, manufacturing analytics, and Industry 4.0 capabilities Promote standardization and harmonization of manufacturing processes across global sites Compliance & Quality Ensure solutions comply with Life Sciences regulatory requirements including GxP, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, EU Annex 11, GAMP 5, and Computer Software Assurance (CSA) Support validation planning and ensure regulatory readiness for manufacturing systems Financial & Vendor Management Manage portfolio budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting Oversee system integrators, implementation partners, and software vendors Track value realization and ROI across manufacturing initiatives
Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Life Sciences, or related discipline 12+ years of IT and Digital Transformation experience 5+ years managing enterprise portfolios or large programs focused on MES and Digital Manufacturing 5+ years delivering multiple global manufacturing technology initiatives 5+ years in Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, or Medical Devices industry 5+ years managing global cross-functional teams and complex stakeholder environments
Required Technical & Functional Expertise: Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Digital Manufacturing & Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) Smart Manufacturing / Industry 4.0 Electronic Batch Records (EBR) Manufacturing Process Digitalization & Systems Integration Program & Portfolio Management Agile and Waterfall delivery methodologies Vendor & Budget Management Executive Stakeholder Management Risk and Governance Management
Preferred Platform Experience: Werum PAS-X, Rockwell PharmaSuite, Siemens Opcenter Execution Pharma, Emerson Syncade, Körber PAS-X, SAP MII, SAP Digital Manufacturing, Aveva MES
Preferred Certifications: PMP or PgMP, PMI PfMP, SAFe Program Consultant (SPC) or SAFe Agilist, ITIL Foundation, Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
About United Software Group Inc
Welcome to Vistara Solutions Inc.
United Software Group Inc. is now rebranded as Vistara Solutions Inc. — marking a bold new chapter in our journey.
Built on a strong 24-year legacy, we are evolving to expand our vision and capabilities across the Tech Talent ecosystem and AI-driven software solutions. “Vistara” reflects growth, innovation, and a forward-looking mindset that defines our future.
As a global IT & Engineering Solutions provider, we deliver high-impact technology and consulting services across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and India. As a certified Minority Business Enterprise, we remain deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and excellence while serving clients across Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and the Public Sector.
Our Evolution Rooted in innovation and reliability, our journey has been defined by continuous transformation—adapting to industry shifts while staying ahead of the technology curve.
Global Reach. Local Expertise. Our global presence is strengthened by deep regional understanding, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that align with local market needs and client expectations.
Diversified Strength Our ability to build and sustain diversified revenue streams positions us to navigate market dynamics while consistently delivering value and resilience.
Driven by People Our success is powered by a dynamic team whose expertise, agility, and commitment enable us to exceed client expectations every day.
Join the Future with Vistara Solutions Partner with us to experience where innovation meets reliability. Whether delivering advanced technology solutions or enabling career growth through talent services, Vistara Solutions is committed to shaping a smarter, technology-driven future.