Head of Engineering

Basic Summary

The Head of Engineering is responsible for leading all site engineering, maintenance, utilities, facilities, and capital project activities to ensure a safe, compliant, and reliable pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role ensures the site meets GMP, HPRA/FDA/EU regulatory expectations, maintains high equipment reliability, delivers strategic capital investment, and implements long-term engineering excellence to support business growth.

Location

Onsite at our facility in Loughrea.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute the site engineering & technical services strategy.
• Lead engineering teams including maintenance, utilities, calibration, projects, facilities, and automation.
• Champion safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.
• Work with value streams to improve OEE & efficiency levels on key production processes.

Engineering Governance & Compliance

• Maintain GMP-compliant systems and equipment.
• Upgrade and own engineering policies and standards.
• Oversee regulatory inspections and statutory compliance.

Maintenance & Reliability

• Direct preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance.
• Implement reliability engineering practices.
• Reduce downtime and equipment-related deviations.

Capital Projects & Site Expansion

• Lead the CAPEX portfolio and major site expansions.
• Manage design, construction, C&Q, and handover.
• Control budgets and vendor performance.
• Support new commercial contract enquiries with CAPEX & operational standards (i.e. machine speeds etc.)

Facilities, Utilities & Energy

• Oversee HVAC, water systems, boilers, chillers, compressed air, and cleanroom utilities.
• Manage facilities, buildings, grounds, and contractor control.
• Drive sustainability and energy-saving initiatives.

Automation, Controls & Digitalisation

• Own the automation strategy.
• Support MES, data integrity and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Ensure cybersecurity for control systems.

Budget, People & Performance

• Manage operational and capital budgets.
• Develop engineering talent and succession plans.
• Monitor KPIs including OEE and equipment uptime.

Education and Qualifications Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering.
• 10+ years pharmaceutical or GMP-regulated leadership.
• Strong knowledge of EU GMP, HPRA/FDA requirements.
• Proven CAPEX and maintenance strategy experience.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master's degree or Chartered Engineer.
• Lean, TPM, Six Sigma experience.
• Automation and digital transformation exposure.

Skills and Competencies

• Leadership and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem solving.
• Excellent stakeholder management.
• Data driven decision making.
• Ability to manage change in a regulated environment.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those returning after a career break or with transferable skills from non-traditional career paths, are encouraged to apply. We value varied experiences and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports individuals with disabilities.