Director of Engineering - Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

xNorth; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Mid-Sized Pharmaceutical Manufacturer in Ontario is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead engineering, maintenance, automation, and technical services across the site. You will guide a multidisciplinary team of ~20 professionals, ensuring equipment reliability and strategic project execution aligned with growth objectives.

The role reports to the General Manager and requires a strong background in regulated manufacturing, transformation leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field) is required.
• 10+ years of experience in engineering or maintenance management within regulated manufacturing.
• Proven track record leading teams through transformation and growth.
• Strong project management skills with CAPEX delivery and stakeholder management.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP, validation, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Engineering, Maintenance, and Automation teams to ensure safety, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.
• Manage preventive and corrective maintenance programs for high equipment availability and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee design and execution of capital projects, including new production lines and facility upgrades.
• Drive operational excellence to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize energy/resource use.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Supply Chain to support business continuity and performance goals.
• Manage departmental budgets, CAPEX, and vendor relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Director of Engineering - Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Company: Mid-Sized Pharmaceutical Manufacturer

About the Company

Our client is a fast-growing pharmaceutical company based in Ontario, recognized for its commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence. With an expanding production footprint, the company is currently undergoing a major transformation to strengthen its industrial performance and support ambitious growth objectives.

Context of the Intervention

The organization is entering a decisive phase of expansion and operational transformation, requiring enhanced technical leadership to support both day-to-day reliability and strategic industrial growth. In this context, the Director of Engineering will be instrumental in managing existing engineering and maintenance operations while leading critical projects such as new production line installations, process introductions, and site optimization initiatives aimed at operational excellence.

Role Overview

Reporting to the General Manager, the Director of Engineering will oversee all engineering, maintenance, automation, and technical services for the site. Leading a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 professionals, this role combines strategic vision with hands-on leadership to ensure equipment reliability, project execution, and alignment with the company’s growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Engineering, Maintenance, and Automation teams, promoting a culture of safety, technical rigor, and continuous improvement.
• Manage preventive and corrective maintenance programs to ensure high equipment availability and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the design and execution of capital projects, including the addition of new production lines, process integration, and facility upgrades.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimise energy and resource usage.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with GMP and Health Canada regulations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to support business continuity and performance goals.
• Manage departmental budgets, capital expenditures, and vendor relationships effectively.
• Contribute to the site’s strategic development and long-term industrial roadmap.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field).
• At least 10 years of experience in engineering or maintenance management within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or other regulated manufacturing sector.
• Demonstrated success leading teams through transformation and growth.
• Strong project management expertise, including CAPEX delivery and stakeholder management.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP, validation, and regulatory compliance.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills.