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Nikola Jugov
Junior Researcher at Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb
CroatiaAbout
Nikola Jugov, M.Sc., IPMA Level D®, is a Croatian R&D engineer with international experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, applied research, process development, and technical documentation. He is currently engaged in the development of innovative formulations, combining formulation science, laboratory research, data-driven decision making, and IPMA-based project management. His professional interests include sustainable materials, circular economy, and industrial innovation.
Resources Published on IPM
Forums
How do you keep stakeholders engaged during long or complex projects?
In my view, stakeholder engagement in long or complex projects is mostly about consistency, clarity, and trust. It is not enough to communicate only when there is a problem or…
Do you think great leaders are naturally born with leadership qualities?
I don’t think great leaders are only born with leadership qualities. Some people may naturally have confidence, charisma, or strong communication skills, but real leadership is developed through experience, responsibility,…
Which PMO challenge do you believe is the most difficult to overcome in organisations today?
Great question. For me, one of the biggest PMO challenges is proving that the PMO is not just an administrative layer, but something that genuinely helps teams make better decisions…
How are you using AI to reduce PMO reporting and admin work?
Great discussion. I have not used AI in the same type of multi-state IT delivery context, but I see a very similar value in technical documentation, SOP work, laboratory organisation,…
What’s the right level of standardisation in your PM toolkit?
Great discussion. I agree with the idea that the goal should not be to standardise everything, but to standardise the information that actually supports decision-making.From my experience in laboratory, manufacturing,…
What is the best possible way to increase revenue during the heat waves?
Interesting discussion. Coming from Croatia, I think the answer depends a lot on the industry and the type of work. For example, as a student I worked full summer seasons…
Is Sustainability Really Driving Innovation – or Creating New Project Trade-off
Thank you, Deborah — I think that is a very clear and practical way to put it. Sustainability can drive innovation, but the trade-offs need to be made visible and…
Is Sustainability Really Driving Innovation – or Creating New Project Trade-off
Thank you, Marlene — I really appreciate the way you broadened the discussion beyond environmental impact. I agree that sustainability should also be connected to operational efficiency, reputation, risk, social…
Posts
Junior Researcher at Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, 27 Mar 2026 at 10:56 amOne thing that stands out to me from recent discussions is how much project success depends on managing trade-offs rather than just following a plan.
Balancing time, cost, scope, and increasingly sustainability or stakeholder expectations requires constant decision-making, often with incomplete information.
It seems that the real value of project management is not only in planning, but in making the right decisions under pressure and adapting when conditions change.
I’m interested to see how others approach decision-making in complex or uncertain project environments.
0Like- Junior Researcher at Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, 21 Nov 2025 at 08:38 am
Hello everyone, I’m Nikola Jugov, a materials and process development professional from Croatia. I most recently worked as a Process Development Associate at Novo Nordisk Ireland, supporting pharmaceutical process development in GMP environments. My work included experimental design and scale-up, manufacturing experimental and GMP batches, preparing and reviewing SOPs and technical documentation, and contributing to audits and cross-functional projects. My academic background is in textile technology and engineering, with research on biodegradable nonwoven agrotextiles and sustainable materials, and I have co-authored several scientific publications. I joined the Certified Project Management Diploma to formalise my project management skills and better connect structured PM practices with R&D and manufacturing. I’m looking forward to learning from you all and building new connections in this community.
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PMs You May Know
Projects
Actively participated in a research and development project focused on biodegradable and sustainable textile materials derived from natural and renewable sources. Supported planning and execution of project activities, including preparation of documentation and coordination of tasks prior to and during project implementation. Assisted the project manager in project coordination, reporting, and communication with project partners from academia and industry. Conducted laboratory testing and material evaluation in accordance with defined methodologies and technical standards. Collected, analysed, and documented experimental data, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and reproducibility of results. Maintained project records, activity logs, and documentation in line with funding and institutional requirements. Supported organisation of project meetings, dissemination activities, and scientific outputs, including contributions to publications and conferences. Worked within structured project timelines, demonstrating strong organisation, compliance, and attention to detail.
Participated in an applied research and development project focused on ecological protection of wool carpets using microencapsulated essential oils. Supported project activities involving material preparation, testing, and evaluation of functional textile treatments. Collaborated with academic and industrial partners on implementation of microencapsulation concepts for textile applications. Assisted in laboratory testing and performance evaluation of treated textile materials. Collected, analysed, and documented experimental results, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and technical reporting. Supported project documentation and coordination activities in line with defined project objectives and timelines. Contributed to the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable textile solutions.
Participated in a collaborative research and development project focused on characterisation and modelling of tablet coating spray plumes as part of pharmaceutical process development and optimisation. Conducted experimental work related to spray behaviour during tablet coating processes, supporting data generation for process understanding. Supported data collection, analysis, and interpretation to enable statistical modelling of spray plume characteristics. Collaborated with cross-functional internal teams and external academic partners to align experimental activities with project objectives. Contributed to technical documentation and reporting of experimental results in line with internal standards. Supported the application of project outcomes to coating development and scale-up strategies within pharmaceutical manufacturing programmes. Worked within a GMP-regulated and research-driven environment, ensuring accuracy, traceability, and compliance.
Research and development of innovative concentrated formulations for manual dishwashing detergents in powder, paste and tablet form. Responsibilities include formulation design and optimisation, evaluation of surfactant systems and alternative solvents, laboratory testing, technical documentation, and project monitoring in accordance with IPMA project management principles.
Experience
Production Process Manager 2019 2021
RGNC groupOversaw end-to-end production processes, ensuring alignment with work instructions, operational procedures, and production plans. Coordinated shift activities, resource allocation, and internal logistics to maintain production continuity and efficiency. Monitored compliance with safety, environmental, and fire protection requirements within the production area. Managed process documentation, records, and reporting, ensuring accuracy and traceability. Coordinated waste management and environmental emissions monitoring in line with regulatory and internal standards. Supervised and aligned activities across multiple production units, including dyeing and finishing operations. Supported process optimisation initiatives and implementation of operational improvements. Acted as a key coordination point between production teams and management.
Production Coordinator 2021 2023
Wiip Technology d.o.o.Coordinated daily production operations and shift activities to ensure timely delivery against production plans. Supervised and supported production staff, including training of new employees and task allocation across machines and processes. Managed production schedules, resource allocation, and workflow optimisation to meet deadlines and quality requirements. Ensured compliance with safety, hygiene, and operational procedures across the production area. Maintained production documentation and records, ensuring accuracy and traceability. Supported process improvements and implementation of operational efficiencies. Acted as the primary point of coordination between production staff and management during shifts. Addressed operational issues and minor equipment disruptions to maintain continuity of operations.
Project Associate 2022 2023
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile TechnologySupported research and development projects through coordination of project activities, documentation, and reporting. Assisted the project manager with project planning, task tracking, and communication with internal and external partners. Prepared and maintained project documentation, records, and activity logs in line with project and funding requirements. Supported procurement preparation activities and documentation prior to implementation phases. Coordinated and supported the organisation of project meetings, events, and dissemination activities. Contributed to data collection, analysis, and reporting for research and development activities. Ensured accuracy, traceability, and compliance of project records and documentation. Managed multiple administrative and coordination tasks while meeting project timelines and deliverables.
Process Development Associate 2023 2024
Alkermes Pharma Ireland Ltd.Supported operational and project coordination activities within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment. Prepared, updated, and maintained controlled documentation, including SOPs, batch records, and technical files, ensuring version control and data integrity. Supported start-up and execution activities through documentation preparation, task tracking, and cross-team communication. Assisted during regulatory inspections and internal audits, ensuring documentation accuracy and compliance with quality standards. Worked closely with cross-functional teams and external partners, supporting information flow and task alignment. Maintained a high level of organizational accuracy, compliance awareness, and deadline focus. Supported knowledge transfer and consistency of processes across teams.
Process Development Associate 2024 2025
Novo Nordisk Production Ireland Ltd.Supported cross-functional project teams in a highly regulated GxP environment, ensuring timely execution of development and operational activities. Coordinated, prepared, and maintained controlled documentation (SOPs, technical documents, batch and study-related records) in accordance with internal procedures. Supported project start-up and readiness activities, tracking deliverables and ensuring documentation completeness and compliance. Actively participated in internal and external audits/inspections, ensuring inspection readiness and accurate responses to documentation requests. Collaborated closely with Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and clear communication. Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting strict timelines and project milestones. Demonstrated a strong quality, compliance, and attention-to-detail mindset in all activities.
Education
Institute of Project Management
Certified Project Management Diploma, Project Management
2025 - 2026Medical and Chemical School Šibenik, Croatia
Vocational Secondary School Diploma, Pharmaceutical Technician
2002 - 2006University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology
Master of Textile Technology and Engineering, Chemistry, materials and ecology
2014 - 2018University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology
Bachelor of Textile Technology and Engineering, Chemistry, materials and ecology
2011 - 2013
Credential
Credential Details shared by Nikola Jugov will appear here.
Connections
Certifications
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