Life Science Recruitment Specialist | Helping Companies Build High-Performing Manufacturing & Engineering Teams | UK • Europe • US
Head of Engineering
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Engineering to lead a multi-site engineering function within a world-class manufacturing organisation. This is a high-impact leadership role for a strategic thinker who thrives on driving operational excellence, leading large-scale capital investment, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
As part of the senior leadership team, you will define and execute the long-term engineering strategy, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and sustainability across a global network of facilities. You’ll lead a talented multidisciplinary team and collaborate with senior stakeholders to deliver exceptional performance and value across all aspects of engineering, maintenance, and capital delivery.
The Opportunity
* Lead strategically: Define and implement a forward-thinking engineering roadmap aligned with organisational goals and future growth.
* Drive excellence: Oversee all engineering and maintenance operations to ensure world-class reliability, compliance, and safety.
* Deliver transformation: Manage a significant capital investment programme to modernise facilities, expand capacity, and enhance performance.
* Inspire teams: Build, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering professionals, fostering a culture of ownership, innovation, and collaboration.
* Champion sustainability: Lead initiatives that improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and strengthen environmental performance.
Key Accountabilities
* Set and deliver the strategic direction for engineering, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory standards.
* Oversee the performance, compliance, and optimisation of all assets, utilities, and facilities.
* Manage multi-million-pound CAPEX budgets, ensuring strong ROI and continuous improvement in cost efficiency.
* Lead the delivery of major engineering and infrastructure projects across manufacturing and distribution sites.
* Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with cGMP and global regulatory standards.
* Build strong cross-functional relationships with Operations, Quality, and Supply Chain to deliver seamless performance across sites.
* Develop engineering subject matter experts and ensure effective succession planning across key roles.
About You
* A degree-qualified engineer (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or related discipline).
* Proven experience leading large-scale engineering or technical operations in a regulated sterile manufacturing environment (pharmaceutical, biotech, or similar).
* Strong track record in capital project delivery, asset management, and continuous improvement.
* Deep understanding of GMP, validation, and regulatory compliance (FDA, EMA, VMD, or equivalent).
* Skilled in developing and leading high-performing teams through change and growth.
* Commercially astute with strong financial management and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Strategic thinker with hands‑on credibility and a passion for operational excellence.
* Chartered Engineer status.
* Lean Six Sigma certification, or experience leading sustainability programmes.
Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Engineering and Management
Industries
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Veterinary Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr