“No two days are ever the same” – Expertise Director, Thomas Bo Sølver, on driving excellence in pharmaceutical consulting

Thomas Bo Sølver is a seasoned consultant specialising in pharmaceutical quality and strategy. He plays a crucial role in shaping NIRAS’s pharma consultancy services, drawing on his background spanning pharmacy, engineering, and leadership.

He is passionate about delivering innovative solutions, ensuring top-tier expertise in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and integrating sustainability into pharmaceutical quality management.

In this interview, he lets us in on what it’s like to work with pharma in NIRAS, what makes it a unique workplace, and talks about one of the projects he’s most proud to have worked with.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to work at NIRAS?

I have a background in pharmacy but have always had a deep-seated interest in engineering. Early in my career, I worked extensively with pharmaceutical and process development in both solid and liquid dosage forms. From there, I transitioned into projects focused on tech transfer and quality, which eventually led me to leadership and project management roles.

Over the years, I found myself drawn to the consulting industry, as it provided an opportunity to engage in a wide variety of projects within the pharmaceutical sector. After a corporate career, I joined Alfa Nordic as a consultant, which was later acquired by NIRAS in January 2021. Since then, I have been part of NIRAS, initially as Head of Department and later as Expertise Director.

What is your current role, and how has it evolved? What does a typical day look like for you?

I previously served as Head of Department within the pharmaceutical consulting division, but today I work as Expertise Director, specialising in pharma and quality.

My role is a mix of ensuring strong pharmaceutical expertise within NIRAS, contributing to strategic development, and supporting both sales and market expansion efforts. Additionally, I remain actively involved in consulting services.

No two days are ever the same. My responsibilities include strategic business development within the pharmaceutical consulting field, where I am particularly focused on integrating sustainability into our quality and pharma services. I also work on expanding offerings that bridge quality and development, such as CMO management, supplier management, and tech transfer.

Engagement with professional networks is another key part of my work. I regularly present at industry forums to stay updated on trends and best practices, which I then bring back to NIRAS and share internally.

Additionally, I oversee internal and external training. I teach pharmaceutical modules at our academy and provide ongoing GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) training for our consultants. Externally, I conduct training for clients, particularly in change management within quality culture.

I also play a role in business development, engaging with existing customers and networks. When a sales process matures to the point where deep technical knowledge is needed, I step in to present our pharma services and solutions.

What keeps you motivated in a busy workday?

As a consultant, work pressure can fluctuate, but I thrive when there is a constructive level of busyness - when projects reach a point where everyone is aligned and working together toward a shared goal. The sense of collaboration and collective effort is incredibly rewarding.

For more independent tasks, such as training, I’ve learned to appreciate the autonomy and responsibility that come with leading these initiatives. I believe I have struck a good balance between teamwork and independent work, enjoying the best of both worlds.

Another significant motivator is being part of a highly competent consultancy firm where support and collaboration are always available. I truly appreciate the trust and autonomy within the company, which fosters both professional growth and personal responsibility.

Can you share a project or experience that you’re particularly proud of?

Although COVID-19 now feels like a past chapter, it brought many critical and complex challenges within the pharmaceutical industry. One of the most impactful projects I led was identifying a Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) for the clinical production of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The project was highly time-sensitive, as speed to market was crucial. Using a combination of targeted searches, industry experience, and risk modeling, we shortlisted potential CMOs. After auditing the finalists, we selected the most suitable partner and initiated tech transfer.

This project was both challenging and rewarding, involving numerous stakeholders and disciplines, all working toward a clear and urgent deadline.

How would you describe the company culture at NIRAS?

Having worked in various organizations throughout my career, I can confidently say that NIRAS stands out in several ways, particularly in areas that align with what I consider key to an attractive workplace.

The company has a relatively flat management structure, which fosters independent strategic and business initiatives. There is a strong sense of trust in employees—both in their initiative and expertise—which in turn encourages a genuine drive to make a difference.

That said, personal responsibility is also an integral part of the culture. It is expected that employees reach out when they need support, and the organization values proactive engagement. NIRAS operates on a philosophy of freedom with responsibility, where initiative and ownership are highly appreciated.

One challenge is that it takes time to fully grasp the vast expertise available within the company. However, once that knowledge is gained, it opens up even greater business potential.

How has NIRAS supported your professional growth and development?

NIRAS has provided me with opportunities to develop both as a leader and as a specialist. I have been able to pursue additional education in leadership, change management, innovation, and strategy—skills that I now actively apply in my work.

Currently, my strategic competencies play a significant role in my daily tasks, and in one of my client projects, I am utilizing my change management expertise to implement cascading transformations, ensuring both structural and cultural alignment.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Outside of my consulting role, I have several personal projects. I live in a turn-of-the-century house, which requires ongoing renovation and handyman work. Additionally, I own a sailboat, which is a year-round passion. Summers are dedicated to sailing, with vacations spent exploring Scandinavian and German waters. Off-season, I focus on maintaining the boat, as it is not exactly new.

I enjoy craftsmanship, as it provides a tangible contrast to my professional world of documentation and strategy. There is something satisfying about working with my hands and seeing immediate physical results.

Living in Copenhagen, I also take full advantage of the city’s cultural scene. I regularly engage in exercise, running, and winter swimming. Travel is another passion—I prefer destinations off the beaten path, seeking unique experiences beyond the world’s well-known wonders.

Recently, I became a grandfather, which has been a profound and perspective-shifting experience. And, of course, our household includes our beloved dog, who is undoubtedly more spoiled than our own children ever were!

At the end of the day, the most important thing is spending quality time with family and friends.

Is there a particular motto or philosophy you live by?

Over the years, I have encountered both professional and personal challenges, leading me to appreciate the importance of a balanced mindset. I strive to live by Stoic principles—focusing on what I can control, letting go of unnecessary worries, and staying true to my values.

Living authentically and with integrity is a journey, and while I’m still refining this approach, it remains a guiding principle in my life.