EXPERIENCE AT A GLANCE
Dr. Swantje Thiering, PMP
A career built at the intersection of science, business and execution.
20+ years in CDMO & Life Science
15+ years in Project Management
10+ years in global leadership
PhD in Organic Chemistry
PMP® certified since 2015
10+ sites global leadership experience
More projects than I can count... as scientist, project manager or global leader
Experience behind the expertise
Experience that connects the dots
PMagic brings together three perspectives that are often found separately: scientific and technical expertise, project and organisational leadership, and hands-on delivery. With more than two decades of experience across the CDMO and Life Science environment, I understand the journey from chemical development and scale-up to technology transfer, manufacturing and commercialisation. I have also built and led PMOs, international teams and project management functions, strengthening governance, portfolio management and project delivery. This enables me to connect strategy with operational reality — and turn complexity into progress.
MY JOURNEY
From Chemistry to Project & Transformation Leadership
My professional journey began in chemistry. After studying Chemistry at the University of Hamburg and completing a PhD in Organic Chemistry, I started my career in chemical process development, working on the design, development, optimisation and validation of chemical syntheses for large-scale and GMP manufacturing.
Over time, my focus expanded from the technical and scientific aspects of development to the broader challenge of successfully delivering complex projects. In leadership roles at global CDMOs including Sigma-Aldrich/SAFC, Novasep, CordenPharma and PolyPeptide, I have led international teams and functions, developed project management capabilities, established governance structures, strengthened portfolio management and supported complex development, technology transfer and commercialisation programmes.
I now work independently as a consultant and interim manager, bringing this combination of industry experience, leadership and hands-on project expertise to organisations that need additional capability, transformation leadership or experienced support for complex projects and programmes. My work includes strategic transformation, technology transfer, and development of project management, PMOs, and portfolio governance in the CDMO environment.
I believe in lifelong learning, transparent communication and servant leadership. My approach is pragmatic and results-oriented: understand the situation, create clarity, involve the right people, make decisions and move things forward.
Projects & PMO Leadership
Delivering Projects. Building PMOs
More than 15 years of experience in project management, from hands-on delivery to global PMO leadership. Track record in building and developing PMOs, project organisations and governance frameworks, strengthening portfolio management and developing PM capabilities across international CDMO organisations.
CordenPharma. Novasep. SAFC / Sigma-Aldrich. Nordmark Arzneimittel. PolyPeptide. Famar Group.
Science & Industry Experience
Chemistry, Scale-up & Manufacturing
PhD in Organic Chemistry followed by hands-on experience in chemical process development, scale-up and validation. Designing complex syntheses, developing manufacturing processes and overseeing transfers to pilot and large scale production, validation and lifecycle management. Performing root cause analyses and problem-solving.
Leading PR&D teams in methodology advancements, productivity optimisation and Right First Time improvements.
Universität Hamburg. SAFC / Sigma-Aldrich. Novasep.
International Leadership
Stakeholders across the globe
More than 10 years of global and local leadership experience across Europe, the US and India, including responsibility for international teams and multi-site organisations, with a strong focus on cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder engagement and customer relationships.
CordenPharma. Novasep. PolyPeptide.
MORE ABOUT
Outside work, I enjoy...
For my holidays, I am less interested in guaranteed sunshine than in breathtaking landscapes, raw nature and wide-open spaces — ideally above the treeline, or in a country with very few trees. My favourite getaway is Iceland.
Closer to home, I recharge with a hike in the Alps, a day of skiing or, on ordinary days, a run. Not particularly fast, and certainly no marathon — just getting away from the desk and pushing myself a little...
Let's discuss your challenge
If my experience and expertise could be relevant to address a need in your organisation: