Head Of Engineering

Next Phase Recruitment Limited; Newry; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Engineering for a world-class manufacturing organisation in Northern Ireland. This strategic role involves leading a multi-site engineering function, driving operational excellence, and managing a significant capital investment programme. The ideal candidate has a strong background in engineering operations within regulated environments and a proven track record in delivering projects and fostering high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in large-scale engineering operations in a regulated environment.
• Strong track record in capital project delivery and continuous improvement.
• Deep understanding of GMP and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement engineering strategy aligned with goals.
• Oversee engineering and maintenance operations for reliability.
• Manage capital investment programmes to enhance facilities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Operational excellence

Project delivery

Regulatory compliance

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Head of Engineering

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Engineering to lead a multi-site engineering function within a world‑class manufacturing organisation. This is a high‑impact leadership role for a strategic thinker who thrives on driving operational excellence, leading large‑scale capital investment, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

As part of the senior leadership team, you will define and execute the long‑term engineering strategy, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and sustainability across a global network of facilities. You'll lead a talented multidisciplinary team and collaborate with senior stakeholders to deliver exceptional performance and value across all aspects of engineering, maintenance, and capital delivery.

The Opportunity

• Lead strategically: Define and implement a forward‑thinking engineering roadmap aligned with organisational goals and future growth.
• Drive excellence: Oversee all engineering and maintenance operations to ensure world‑class reliability, compliance, and safety.
• Deliver transformation: Manage a significant capital investment programme to modernise facilities, expand capacity, and enhance performance.
• Inspire teams: Build, mentor, and develop high‑performing engineering professionals, fostering a culture of ownership, innovation, and collaboration.
• Champion sustainability: Lead initiatives that improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen environmental performance.

Key Accountabilities

• Set and deliver the strategic direction for engineering, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory standards.
• Oversee the performance, compliance, and optimisation of all assets, utilities, and facilities.
• Manage multi‑million‑pound CAPEX budgets, ensuring strong ROI and continuous improvement in cost efficiency.
• Lead the delivery of major engineering and infrastructure projects across manufacturing and distribution sites.
• Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with cGMP and global regulatory standards.
• Build strong cross‑functional relationships with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to deliver seamless performance across sites.
• Develop engineering subject matter experts and ensure effective succession planning across key roles.

About You

• A degree‑qualified engineer (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related discipline).
• Proven experience leading large‑scale engineering or technical operations in a regulated manufacturing environment (pharmaceutical, biotech, or similar).
• Strong track record in capital project delivery, asset management, and continuous improvement.
• Deep understanding of GMP, validation, and regulatory compliance (FDA, EMA, VMD, or equivalent).
• Skilled in developing and leading high‑performing teams through change and growth.
• Commercially astute with strong financial management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on credibility and a passion for operational excellence.

Desirable: Chartered Engineer status, Lean Six Sigma certification, or experience leading sustainability programmes.