Engineering Operations Director

GlaxoSmithKline; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global pharmaceutical company is seeking an Engineering Operations Director to oversee engineering compliance and sustainability programs in Stevenage. The role demands extensive experience in engineering leadership within regulated industries and the ability to manage high severity risks. Candidates should possess a relevant engineering degree and demonstrate leadership in driving transformation initiatives. Applications close on 9th January 2026.

Qualifications

• Holds a degree in an engineering-related discipline.
• Experience in Operations or Engineering leadership role in pharmaceutical industry.
• Experience managing energy & sustainability programs in facility operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee engineering compliance and maintenance activities.
• Establish an audit universe for engineering compliance.
• Lead the implementation of the Sustainability Programme.

Skills

Operations or Engineering leadership

Managing high severity risk

Managing energy & sustainability programs

Driving transformation initiatives

Understanding of industry standards

Education

Degree in an engineering-related discipline

Job description

Engineering Operations Director

Location: Stevenage, United Kingdom or Upper Providence, Pennsylvania, USA. Hybrid working model.

Business Introduction

We manufacture and supply reliable, high-quality medicines and vaccines to meet patients’ needs and drive our performance. Our network of 37 medicines and vaccines manufacturing sites delivered 1.7 billion packs of medicines and 409 million vaccine doses in 2024 to help make a positive impact on the health of millions of people. Our supply chain is not just core to our operations; it’s vital to bringing our innovations to patients as quickly, efficiently and effectively as possible. Technology is transforming how we manufacture medicines and vaccines, enabling us to increase the speed, quality and scale of product supply. We need the very best minds and capability to help us on our journey to make more complex products, harnessing the power of smart manufacturing technologies including robotics, digital solutions and artificial intelligence to deliver for patients.

Position Summary

GSC R&D Engineering Services provides Facilities Management and Capital Projects delivery for Technical R&D sites within GSC’s Engineering and EHS organization. The Engineering Operations Director ensures consistent and sustained performance of engineering systems across RDES sites, sets strategy and holds the regions accountable for the following key pillars of performance:

• Technical Engineering Compliance
• Operational Technology Management
• Environmental Sustainability Management

Responsibilities

• Oversee an auditable Engineering Compliance global framework for engineering and maintenance activities that include measurement of compliance with statutory regulation and GSK policy, standards and global alerts.
• Establish and manage an audit universe for the function for engineering compliance (using GSK Guidance within TP13), Operational Technology and attainment of Corporate Sustainability Goals at R&D sites.
• Represent R&D Engineering in risk, engineering compliance and governance forums, ensuring that risks are escalated and managed.
• Work with direct reports to build improvement programmes, defining responsibilities for implementation across the organization.
• Own a global engineering council to drive performance and ensure best practice sharing, learning from OT adverse events, audits and as a forum to review changes to programmes, procedures or systems.
• Own the global relationship with the AXA risk management team and ensure an effective assurance programme is in place.
• Support engineering teams following adverse events to investigate and rectify gaps, through guidance, SME knowledge and coaching as required.
• Act as R&D representative in relevant Community of Practices for Sustainability, Operational Technology and Engineering – influence and improve company with programmes and initiatives.
• Oversee Audit Preparation activities for EHS and Engineering audits.
• Own/Lead the implementation of the Sustainability Programme for R&D technical sites – represent the functions budget needs and elevate obstacles to delivery.
• Own/Lead the Global Automation Strategy for the R&D technical sites.
• Own/Lead the Global Asbestos & Synthetic Mineral Fibers Programme for R&D technical sites ensuring compliance with Engineering Standard and local regulations.

Basic Qualifications

• Holds a degree in an engineering‑related discipline.
• Experience in Operations or Engineering leadership role with broad understanding of all engineering disciplines as they apply to the design, operations, maintenance and statutory requirements in the pharmaceutical industry, manufacturing, or other large, regulated industry.
• Experience managing high severity risk and operational technology risks (BAS, PLC, automation) at R&D or manufacturing facilities.
• Experience managing energy & sustainability programs in facility operations.
• Experience leading regional/global engineering programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of R&D site operations and GxP operations.
• Ability to understand and apply engineering principles.
• Experience with management of facilities service contracts.
• Experience with driving transformation initiatives across a regional/global organization, using a combination of lean, change management, and project management skills.
• Experience and knowledge of industry standards and country legislation.

Closing Date for Applications: 9th January 2026

GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.