Head of Engineering

HRM Search Partners; Galway; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HRM Search Partners is seeking an experienced Head of Engineering for a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical site in Co. Galway. The role leads engineering, maintenance, facilities and capital projects across a complex manufacturing operation.

The ideal candidate will have a hands-on leadership style, a strong track record in improving asset performance and delivering major CAPEX initiatives within a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant engineering leadership experience within GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading engineering, maintenance, facilities and capital project functions.
• Strong track record of improving OEE and manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience delivering significant CAPEX programmes in regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of GMP compliance, HPRA and FDA standards.
• Experience implementing maintenance strategies and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead site engineering strategy across maintenance, facilities, utilities, automation and capital projects.
• Drive improvements in equipment reliability, OEE, productivity and efficiency.
• Develop and implement maintenance and reliability strategies to reduce downtime.
• Lead capital investment projects including upgrades, expansion and infrastructure improvements.
• Ensure systems meet GMP, HPRA and FDA regulatory standards.
• Oversee site utilities, facilities and critical manufacturing infrastructure.
• Drive automation, digitalisation and CI initiatives.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Quality and other functions to improve performance.
• Manage budgets, resources, contractors and external suppliers.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team.

Skills

Engineering leadership

GMP manufacturing

CAPEX management

OEE improvement

Maintenance strategy

Strategic leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Our client is an established pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation specialising in the production of human and veterinary medicines. Based in Co. Galway, the business is entering a significant phase of investment, operational transformation and growth. They are seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Engineering to lead the site's engineering function, drive operational excellence and play a key role in its continued development.

The Role

The Head of Engineering will lead engineering, maintenance, facilities, utilities, automation and capital projects across a complex GMP-regulated manufacturing site. Managing a multidisciplinary team of approximately 40 employees, the successful candidate will focus on improving equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency and engineering performance while delivering a significant capital investment programme.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the site engineering strategy across maintenance, facilities, utilities, automation and capital projects.
• Driving improvements in equipment reliability, OEE, manufacturing productivity and operational efficiency.
• Developing and implementing effective maintenance and reliability strategies to reduce downtime and improve asset performance.
• Leading capital investment projects, including equipment upgrades, site expansion and infrastructure improvements.
• Ensuring engineering systems and operations meet GMP, HPRA and FDA regulatory requirements.
• Overseeing site utilities, facilities and critical manufacturing infrastructure.
• Driving automation, digitalisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partnering with Manufacturing, Quality and other site functions to improve operational performance.
• Managing engineering budgets, resources, contractors and external suppliers.
• Leading and developing a multidisciplinary engineering team, strengthening accountability, capability and performance.

The Person

The successful candidate will be an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in GMP-regulated manufacturing and a proven ability to improve operational performance. They will bring a hands-on, commercially aware approach and the leadership capability to drive change within an evolving manufacturing environment.

• Degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant engineering leadership experience within pharmaceutical, medical device or similarly GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience leading engineering, maintenance, facilities and capital project functions.
• Strong track record of improving OEE, equipment reliability and manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience delivering significant CAPEX programmes within regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of GMP compliance and regulatory requirements, including HPRA and FDA standards.
• Experience implementing maintenance strategies, continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Exposure to automation, digitalisation and manufacturing technology improvements would be advantageous.
• EHS leadership experience would be highly desirable.
• Strong people leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience developing teams and driving organisational change.
• A pragmatic, hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic priorities and operational delivery.