Facilities Lead

Astellas Pharma; Tralee; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Tralee is seeking a Facilities Lead to oversee the daily operations and maintenance of the facility. The role requires strong leadership skills, knowledge of GMP standards, and a third-level qualification in Engineering or Science. The position is fully onsite and focuses on maintaining regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in operations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in facilities management and leadership.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, system validation, and clean utility systems.
• Familiarity with Health & Safety and Environmental Control Systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and maintenance of the facility.
• Manage a team of facilities staff and outsourced service providers.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and maintain audit readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Compliance Knowledge

Education

Third level qualification in Engineering or Science

Tools

GMP

HVAC systems

Energy Management Systems

Job description

Description

Facilities Lead

About Astellas

We are making treatments that matter to people. We are tackling the toughest health challenges, putting the patient at the heart of every move we make.

Our global vision for Patient Centricity is to support the development of innovative health solutions through a deep understanding of the patient experience. At Astellas, Patient Centricity isn’t a buzzword - it’s a guiding principle for action.

We have developed ground-breaking, innovative medicines in immunology, oncology and urology. Our medicines are extending and saving the lives of cancer patients, making transplantation possible and improving the quality of life for those living with conditions where needs are often overlooked.

The Opportunity

The Facilities Lead is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of the facility, ensuring a safe, efficient, and well-maintained environment. This role involves managing a team of facilities staff and outsourced service providers, coordinating maintenance activities, and implementing policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.

The role is also responsible for maintaining regulatory compliance for all relevant systems, GMP and Non-GMP. The Facilities lead will also oversee all aspects of the Energy Management System with a particular focus on continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development: Provide strong, accountable leadership for the Facilities Team by setting clear priorities, driving performance, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and developing future leaders through coaching and stretch goals.
• Organisational Culture & Talent: Build a high-performing, innovative, and inclusive culture that aligns with Astellas Values & Behaviours; attract, retain, and develop talent while supporting co-op students and graduates.
• Performance & Continuous Improvement: Deliver departmental objectives, ensure stable supply, manage multiple projects, set and monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement and innovation in processes and outcomes.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure strict adherence to GMP, GDP, environmental and safety regulations; maintain audit readiness, produce timely reports, and uphold corporate governance standards.
• Strategic Planning & Change Leadership: Contribute to site and global strategic planning, lead key projects, anticipate future trends, and align departmental goals with long-term business objectives.
• Technology, Change & Business Continuity: Lead implementation of new technologies, manage change effectively, and ensure robust business continuity planning to mitigate risks and enable future growth.

Education

• Third level qualification in an Engineering or Science discipline, or extensive related proven experience in the required areas.

Preferred Experience

• Education & Experience: Third-level qualification in Engineering or Science, or extensive relevant experience, with a background in facilities management and leadership preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of GMP, system validation, HVAC, and clean utility systems (e.g., Purified Water, Pure Steam, WFI); experience with control systems and energy management within GMP environments is advantageous.
• Safety & Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with Health & Safety, Fire Systems, and Environmental Control Systems, with a focus on maintaining compliance in regulated manufacturing settings.

Additional Information

• Position is based in Tralee – Ireland.
• This position is Fully Onsite.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.