Job Description
Head of Technical Operations
Location: Romford
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Onsite Role (occasional overseas travel required)
Right to Work: Sponsorship not currently available
Ethypharm is seeking an experienced Head of Technical Operations to join our team. Reporting to the Site Director, you will lead the technical functions of our manufacturing operation, with a strong focus on improving process capability, driving preventative maintenance and troubleshooting activities, and enhancing equipment performance (OEE), while reducing health & safety and quality‑related risks.
Day‑to‑day Responsibilities
* Overall responsibility for the site projects list and preparation/implementation of the Capex budget
* Lead or coordinate initial qualification/validation of new GMP‑related equipment, facilities, and utilities
* Ensure high‑quality day‑to‑day maintenance support to production operations
* Guarantee the availability and quality of utilities, including water, steam, chilled water, compressed air, nitrogen, and HVAC
* Oversee equipment and maintenance contract negotiations and renewals
* Inspire and motivate team members to achieve company, site, departmental, and personal development goals
* Contribute to the development of project scoping documents prior to URS creation
* Collaborate with the HSSE and Facilities Manager to maintain compliance with all relevant legislative, statutory, and regulatory requirements
Skills/Experience
Essential
* Degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering or a Science‑based subject
* Extensive experience working within a GMP‑regulated environment
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in an engineering or manufacturing leadership role, ideally within pharma or a related sector
* Minimum 3 years’ experience in validation/qualification within the pharmaceutical industry
* Proven track record in managing complex change programmes
* Deep knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations (e.g. FDA, ISO, Eudralex)
Desirable
* Membership of ISPE and/or relevant engineering body
* Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or above)
* Experience in engineering maintenance and statutory compliance
* Proven experience in specifying, designing, installing, commissioning, and managing process and utility equipment
About You
You are a strategic and hands‑on leader with a strong technical background in pharmaceutical manufacturing. You combine deep knowledge of GMP, validation, and operational excellence with the ability to lead and influence cross‑functional teams. You’re commercially aware, process‑driven, and thrive in fast‑paced, regulated environments. Entrepreneurial in mindset, you bring innovation and continuous improvement to the forefront, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and long‑term team development.
What We Offer You
* Competitive salary and benefits package (details provided at screening)
At Ethypharm we recognise the value of diversity in the workplace and provide equal opportunities for all. We are always open to discussing flexible working arrangements where this meets with the needs of our business.
#J-18808-Ljbffr