Open to opportunities

Nicole McRae

@nicolemcrae

Message

Experienced global project manager specializing in sustainability, ESG, and supply chain optimisation.

New Zealand

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek senior roles in sustainability or program/PMO leadership where I can drive cross-functional projects, deliver measurable ESG impact, and enable operational improvement.

I am an experienced global project manager and sustainability professional with a track record of delivering complex climate and R&D projects across multiple countries and sectors.

At Novartis I led sustainability program and project management for Technical Research & Development, indirectly coordinating a global team and developing sustainability strategy for new R&D facilities on a $US300m project.

I have managed end-to-end implementations of project management systems, supply planning and launch activities, and led process improvement efforts that delivered measurable operational resilience and cost savings.

Academically I hold a PhD in Environmental Science with peer‑reviewed publications and international presentations, and I combine technical expertise with strong stakeholder engagement, cross‑functional leadership and practical experience in ESG consulting.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Global PMO

Current

Environmental Accounting Services

Jul 2025 - Present (8 months)

Managed complex climate projects locally and internationally, implemented a new project management software including vendor selection, setup and staff training to improve delivery and tracking.

PMO Project Management Software Vendor Selection Implementation Training

Project Manager & ESG Consultant

Flock Consulting

Apr 2024 - Jul 2025 (1 year 3 months)

Managed data and analytics projects across non-profit, government and private sectors, leading full project lifecycle from planning to delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Data Analysis Stakeholder Management Process Improvement Communication

Global Project Manager

Novartis

Jun 2022 - Nov 2023 (1 year 5 months)

Managed global sustainability and R&D projects, developing sustainability strategy for new R&D facilities (~$300M) and integrating Environmental Sustainability Assessment into development processes to quantify impacts and improve business cases.

Project Management Strategic Sustainability Stakeholder Management Environmental Assessments Program Management Business Case Development

Climate Change Governance Associate

Novartis

May 2020 - Jun 2022 (2 years 1 month)

Managed sustainability projects and indirectly led a global team of R&D experts to support climate and sustainability initiatives across Technical R&D.

Climate Governance Sustainability Management Project Management Stakeholder Engagement

Project Manager

Novartis

Feb 2019 - May 2020 (1 year 3 months)

Coordinated manufacturing and supply planning for product launches (including Natalizumab) and mitigated COVID-related regulatory delays to maintain uninterrupted supply, achieving zero stock-outs.

Supply Planning Regulatory Compliance Risk Mitigation Supply Chain Optimization

Supply Planning Coordinator

Novartis

Feb 2019 - May 2020 (1 year 3 months)

Collaborated with CMOs and quality teams to ensure timely delivery of bulk and finished products, established processes for accurate supply planning during interruptions and optimised global minimum order quantities.

Supply Planning Supplier Management Process Improvement Logistics Coordination Production Scheduling

Director of Global Development

180 Degrees Global

Jan 2017 - Mar 2018 (1 year 2 months)

Led global cross-functional teams to implement product strategies, improving profitability and quality through coordinated development and launch activities.

Product Launch Strategic Planning Stakeholder Management

Project Manager

Novartis

Analyzed downstream manufacturing bottlenecks for Cosentyx DS using Lean/Six Sigma and produced recommendations that supported a 14% increase in batch production rate.

Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement Data Analysis Business Case Development

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Canterbury

Doctor of Philosophy, Environmental Science

2013 - 2017

Grade: GPA 7.38/9

Activities and societies: Lecturer and Laboratory Instructor in undergraduate Animal Physiology; published in five international journals and presented at five international conferences.

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science researching sensitivity of model and non-model fish species to emerging contaminants and their mixtures, managing an international research team and publishing multiple journal articles.