Company Description

At CERN, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature.

Job Description

Introduction

The Project Portfolio Management (PPM) group in the Site and Civil Engineering Department (SCE) at CERN is responsible for the development, design and construction of (tertiary and industrial) buildings and infrastructure, both at the surface and underground. The project portfolio includes new build and renovation projects of tertiary and industrial buildings and civil infrastructure. The group is looking to hire an experienced project manager to manage medium-sized projects (i.e. valued at 1 to 15 MCHF). We are seeking a construction generalist with varied experience in architectural & civil engineering design, procurement and construction/contract management.

As a Project Manager, you will have the unique opportunity to contribute to CERN's building and infrastructure projects on the CERN sites in Switzerland and France within the most unique particle physics laboratory in the world: CERN.

Functions

As Building and Infrastructure Project Manager, you will be responsible for the development of new build and renovation projects from the initial conceptual design to the final delivery to the end-users.

You will:

• Gather project requirements to produce a design study defining the project scope, cost estimate and programme, and develop a project management plan to define the organization, resources, procurement, and delivery strategy.
• Lead the procurement process of the design consultants and construction contractors, set up and manage the corresponding contracts from preliminary design to construction and taking-over.
• Coordinate the interfaces between external designers and contractors and internal CERN stakeholders.
• Monitor project execution to guarantee that quality, safety, cost, and schedule are respected.

Qualifications

Master's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of architectural or civil engineering or a related field.

Project Management Institute (PMI) certificate would be considered to be of benefit.

Experience:

Required Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in managing tertiary and/or industrial buildings and infrastructure projects, with full responsibility throughout the project lifecycle from concept design to construction taking-over.
• Proven experience in procurement, design and construction management, and contract management.
• Experience in coordinating different professions (technical architects, engineering consultants, technical/legal/financial advisors, contractors, etc.).

Additional assets:

• Experience as a developer or client’s representative.
• Experience in international teams, with EN/SIA standards, and FIDIC contracts.
• Experience in the design and/or construction of office buildings, industrial and/or scientific facilities.

Technical competencies:

• Knowledge of building construction, consolidation and renovation: including sustainable construction;
• Definition of tendering and contracting strategies;
• Project, contract and change management;
• Specification writing and follow-up of technical aspects of a contract;
• Design of tertiary/industrial buildings and infrastructure.

Behavioural competencies:

• Achieving Results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations; driving work / projects along and seeing them through to their conclusion; having a structured and organised approach towards work; being able to set priorities and plan tasks with results in mind.
• Communicating Effectively: demonstrating a pro-active approach to resolving differences; addressing issues of conflict constructively; expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point; utilising effective negotiation techniques to achieve long-term results acceptable to all parties involved.
• Demonstrating Flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements; being able to deal with ambiguous or unpredictable situations; readily absorbing new techniques and working practices; proposing new or improved ways of working.
• Managing Self: appreciating humour and defusing tensions by seeking to remain positive in all situations; remaining objective, focused and productive in a stressful environment; focusing on solutions rather than problems; taking initiative beyond regular tasks and making things happen.
• Solving Problems: anticipating obstacles; assessing alternative solutions in order to have a fall-back plan; identifying, defining and assessing problems, taking action to address them; being open to original ideas and creative options by which to address issues; continually driving change by seeking new ways to improve outcomes.

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English or French, with a commitment to learn the other language.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organisation. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 25.09.2025 at 23:59 CEST.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (3 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Interventions in underground installations.
• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SCE-PPM-2025-179-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Civil Engineer