Industrial Logistics Subject Matter Expert (Sme)

The Role

The role is to work as a Subject Matter Expert providing technical leadership on Logistics.  As a member of the global SME Group the person employed can be located in one of the PM Group offices in US, Europe or Asia. We work a hybrid work model while the role will require travel to project meetings/workshops as required.

Who we are

PM Group is an employee owned, international project delivery firm with a team of 3,500+ people.  We are world leaders in the pharma, food, medtech and mission critical sectors. From our network of offices in Europe, Asia and the US, we work with the world's leading organisations.  We are focused on growing a sustainable business centred around our people, our clients and trade partners.

• To be a technology leader in nominated area(s) which includes:
  • Being current in technical and subject knowledge
  • Being aware of upcoming technology changes, developments, innovations
  • Writing papers, presenting at industry conferences
  • Being involved with industry bodies such as the ISPE, ICHEME, BioPhorum
  • Promoting knowledge exchange within the company using appropriate forums, COPs, and teams
• To perform as an SME for the early project phases (i.e. ideally Site Master Planning, Feasibility, Concept and Basic Design phases). Typically this will include production and/or checking of early phase project deliverables appropriate to discipline speciality. This will include scoping and philosophy documents, production throughput analysis, process flow diagrams, equipment requirements, P&ID’s and layout philosophies
• To technically assist project teams as required.
• To undertake Peer Reviews of work performed by other companies.
• To perform in appropriate SMEs reviews of client sites.
• To engage with global network of SMEs and other staff and assist in the training and mentoring of the next generation of Subject Matter Experts in the company
• To participate and/or chair technical design reviews as appropriate
• To actively support and participate in PM Groups R&D Team (the TechTeam) and associated development and innovation activities.
• To support BD as required. This may include client visits, client pitches, proposal writing, and preparation of appropriate supporting materials.

Specific Knowledge Areas to be covered by the Role include

• Warehouse Operations and technologies - storage and movement technologies (trucks and related, powered conveyors etc),
• Warehouse control systems (WMS, Machine control, ERP and inventory Management System integration, )
• Supply chain strategies and technologies (TBC) including intersite tracking systems
• AGV systems - technologies and impact on facilities,
• Robotics and Cobots integration, track and trace sytems,
• End of line systems - palletising, conveyors, shuttles, Picking systems including PTL (Pick to Light), BPP (Bulk Pick Process), wave picking and container picking for large bulk orders, 
• Front of line operations (TBC) - kitting, weigh dispense, sanitising systems,
• Secondary packaging systems (cartoning, case erection, accumulation, labelling, inspection ...)
• Inventory & warehouse management systems / strategies, daily just-in-time (JIT) deliveries, Kanban replenishment, distribution strategies including cross docking. 
• Expertise in Lean Management & Continuous Improvement in Operations

Specific Activities to be performed include

Support Development of Operating Cases with preparation of  

• Calculation of demands for storage, traffic and stage areas,
• Identification of area operating requirements - inspection, cleaning, sampling, repalletising, wrap, labelling, temperature logging, etc...
• Definition of Shipping and receipt area operations - truck and containers, controlled environment shipping formats, relevant work stations   
• Preparation of sizing basis for main operating areas (with calculation basis and applied metrics)
• Ensure compliance with GDP, Cold Chain, GMP, Anti Counterfeit, Trade Compliance – Import / Export legislation
• Apply Regulatory requirements  - TSA / IATA, controlled substances, Support Preparation of Layouts

• Selection of storage systems - racking, trucks, carousels, miniload, small parts, freezers, 
• Selection of other operating systems – material transfer, pallet exchange, palletising, picking, kitting....
• Provide drawings for systems and set out parameters - clearances, heights,
• Definition of area requirements - temp, RH, cleanliness, hazardous materials, segregation, 
• Define Fire protection and insurers requirements (segregation, fire protection, bunding)
• Detail Machine and vehicle safety requirements
• Interface with facility design teams re requirements (pest control, battery charge  ... operating team facilities. access control and security, ) and facility design in relation to capacity, optimization and material flow management
• Define and direct cold room and freezer storage facility requirements (supported by other relevant SMEs) 

 Support Specification of main packages and systems

• Technical specifications, standards
• Install and commission / qualification
• Certifications required

 Maintain a watching brief and technical leadership in related technologies and systems

• Identification of providers and suppliers and assessment of capabilities
• Relationship building with relevant suppliers and providers

 Cost and Schedule Metrics and Benchmarks.

Collect data to support cost estimate and schedule

• Bachelor’s degree; Masters preferred
• 15 years+ of appropriate experience in design and/or operations and/or process development
• A history of wider industry engagement with institutions such as the ISPE and an awareness of key industry technology initiatives and direction
• Excellent knowledge relating to area of speciality
• A good understanding of the principles of facility layout and design as appropriate
• Good appreciation of appropriate Regulatory framework
• Good presentation skills and be comfortable client interfacing, facilitating workshops and technically assisting project teams.
• Have the ability to distil down problems to their essence, demonstrate problem solving ability, and have an ability to innovate.

Why PM Group?

As an employee-owned company, we are inclusive, committed and driven. Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability are the heart of our new 2025 business strategy. Click here to read more in our Corporate Responsibility and Heath, Safety & Well-being Report 2022.

Inclusion and Diversity are core to our culture and values. Wherever we work, we commit to a culture of mutual respect and belonging by building a truly inclusive workplace rich in diverse people, talents and ideas. Valuing the contributions of all our people and respecting individual differences will sustain our growth into the future.

PM Group is committed to ensuring our hiring process is fair and accessible to all and will provide candidates with disabilities with reasonable accommodations required to participate in the recruitment process. If you require any assistance in this regard, please let us know.