Senior Client Engagement Manager

Digital Manufacturing Ireland; Limerick; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Digital Manufacturing Ireland seeks an experienced client engagement leader to shape long-term relationships and strategic value across the pharmaceutical and life sciences manufacturing sectors.

The role emphasises adoption of digital technologies, Lean and Six Sigma, and guiding clients through transformational journeys with internal teams. Strong collaboration and strategic thinking are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in client management or strategic accounts.
• Pharma or life sciences manufacturing experience.
• Lean and Six Sigma in industrial context.
• Strong digital transformation knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Nurture long-term client relationships and drive value.
• Support strategic client roadmaps aligned to AI and digital priorities.
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver scalable services.
• Lead pilot projects and change management initiatives.

Skills

Client management

Relationship building

Strategic accounts

Lean

Six Sigma

Commercial excellence

Digital transformation

Industry 4.0

Change management

Networking

Influencing

Education

Degree in Science/Engineering/Life Sciences

Job description

Role Overview

This candidate will play a leading role in shaping DMI’s client engagement strategy. This role is dedicated to managing and nurturing client relationships that accelerate DMI’s mission to position Ireland at the forefront of digital manufacturing and AI-enabled innovation.

Unlike traditional client-facing roles, this position focuses on building long-term strategic value rather than short-term transactions. The candidate will cultivate high-value client collaborations and support client engagement journeys that unlock innovation opportunities for DMI and its stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will bring a proven background in Commercial and Quality backgrounds, ideally within the pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing sector, combined with strong operational experience, Lean and Six Sigma expertise, and a solid commercial understanding. Demonstrated success in adoption of new technologies and change management is essential to support and guide clients through their transformation journeys.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Client Engagement & Relationship Management

• Manage, develop, and nurture long-term client relationships, acting as a trusted partner throughout the client journey.
• Build and sustain deep engagement with key client accounts, ensuring continuity, value creation, and mutual growth.
• Support the long-term strategic roadmap for clients aligned to DMI’s AI, digital, and manufacturing priorities.
• Operate within frameworks to evaluate, prioritise, and scale client engagement opportunities.
• Promote and contribute directly to DMI’s Centres of Excellence and strategic service areas.
• Facilitate collaboration between client organisations and internal DMI teams (Technical Services, AI Centre of Excellence).
• Co‑develop pilot projects, research initiatives, and innovation programmes with clients to address real operational challenges.
• Leverage manufacturing expertise to support clients in navigating new product and process introduction activities within their digital transformation programmes.
• Ensure client engagements enhance DMI’s ability to deliver repeatable, scalable services across the wider industry.

Strategic Alignment & Business Understanding

• Align client engagement activities with DMI’s organisational strategy and industry-facing priorities.
• Work closely with the Director of Technical Operations & Strategic Clients to focus efforts on the highest-value, longest-lasting client relationships.
• Apply Lean and operational excellence methodologies to identify and communicate value improvement opportunities within client operations.
• Provide strategic reporting and insights to leadership on client engagement pipeline development and outcomes.

Key Skills and Competencies:

Skills & Experience Required

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in client management, client engagement, or strategic account development, ideally within the pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing sector.
• Proven background in Quality within the pharmaceutical industry, with hands‑on experience in quality systems, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Strong operational experience in a manufacturing environment, with the ability to understand and communicate operational challenges at a practical level.
• Lean and Six Sigma qualification and demonstrated application within an industrial or manufacturing context.
• Proven track record in commercial excellence, supporting clients or internal teams through structured introduction and scale‑up processes.
• Strong understanding of digital transformation, Industry 4.0, or AI/data-driven technologies and their application in manufacturing.
• Excellent relationship-building, networking, and influencing skills with a focus on long-term engagement over transactional interaction.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to connect emerging technology trends to real business and client needs.
• Good commercial acumen and understanding of business value drivers in a manufacturing context.

Required & Desired Qualifications

Required

• Degree in Science, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical field.
• Lean and/or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt minimum; Black Belt preferred).
• Demonstrable experience in pharmaceutical or medical device quality and manufacturing operations.
• A digital technology background would be a distinct advantage.
• Commercial excellence and supporting organisations to transform operations.
• Experience working within innovation hubs, research-led environments, or industry collaboration bodies.
• Established professional networks within the pharmaceutical, medtech, or broader industrial manufacturing ecosystem.
• Familiarity with scaling client engagement frameworks in multi-stakeholder environments.