Head of Engineering

Aspen Pharma Group; East London; On-site; ZAR 75 000 - 110 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical manufacturing company seeks a Head of Engineering to provide strategic leadership for their East London factory. The role involves managing technical excellence, compliance, and engineering projects. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, 15 years of relevant experience, and strong leadership skills. The position demands expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing and safety compliance. Join us to drive innovation and efficiency in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• 15 years of experience in engineering, preferably in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Ability to lead teams and projects effectively in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience with compliance and safety regulations specific to pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical strategy for the East London factory.
• Ensure compliance with the OHS Act and manage safety protocols.
• Oversee capital expenditure projects according to quality requirements.
• Manage engineering maintenance and optimization of machine efficiencies.
• Coordinate with vendors for equipment procurement.

Skills

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering

15 years' related experience

Lean management

World class manufacturing excellence

Knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering

Masters qualification

Engineering Certificate of Competence (GCC/GMR2)

Job description

Overview

Head of Engineering is expected to provide technical strategic leadership for the East London factory and drive technical excellence by leading the engineering to evaluate existing and new infrastructure, processes and improves capabilities, efficiency and productivity in all areas of manufacturing at the East London factory.

Responsibilities

Planning and Unit Management

• Provide timely technologically efficient support to the site for manufacturability, product cost, workflow, quality and safety.
• Oversee the maintenance of all process equipment and facilities, optimizing machine efficiencies
• Provide technical expertise including engineering support in the existing site as we all as new capital construction / installation activities
• Coordinate outside contract support for projects. Direct the operation of the site utilities, including technical responsibility and infrastructure maintenance for support of all manufacturing, laboratories, warehouses and office areas
• Confer with vendors to determine engineering specifications and arrange for purchase of equipment, materials or parts and evaluate activities according to safety, ergonomic specifications and quality standards
• Prepare, execute and oversee capital projects and budget as well as Plant Operating budget
• Oversight and management of the engineering stores ensuring a critical spares and equipment strategy

Engineering Services

• Design, implement and manage the maintenance of equipment, machinery, buildings, breakdown services, contractors and equipment
• Oversee and manage all capital expenditure projects according to time, cost and quality requirements
• Oversee and manage the design of Engineering Maintenance System
• Oversee and control all Engineering deviations in agreement with Senior Managers
• Manage site energy efficiency
• Manage validations, calibration and preventative maintenance program
• Oversee and manage all site utilities and report on programs
• Maximise use of equipment and technology
• Oversee design and implementation of SOPs for all equipment and utilities
• Identify training needs to ensure user competence is current
• Manage GMP and any other compliance requirements as applicable
• Manage and ensure that the plant equipment and facilities are 100% compliant with the OHS Act.

Governance, Risk, Safety & Compliance

• Oversee compliance within strategic and operating guidelines and policies for unit
• Ensure recordkeeping complies with legal requirements and provide input into changes to policies in this regard
• Provide recommendations for development of risk-based compliance systems in order to improve overall compliance performance of the organisation and unit

Background/experience

Skills Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering with 15 years’ related experience; Masters qualification is advantageous
• Engineering Certificate of Competence (Government ticket) GCC/GMR2?
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing maintenance experience
• Leadership experience

Specific Job Skills

• Ability to read, write and interpret technical procedures, blue-prints, diagrams, requirements and business correspondence
• Knowledge of production processes and maintenance activities, control and calibration systems
• Knowledge of material handling, manufacturing equipment and processes and tooling
• Lean management
• World class manufacturing excellence
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, standards and compliance requirements
• Ability to interpret and implement policies, processes and objectives

Competencies

• Interpreting and Internalising Information
• Interrogating Information
• Managing Performance
• Creating Clarity

Aspen fully subscribes to the principles of Employment Equity and will make decisions in line with this ethos.

Closing date: 2 February 2026