Head of Engineering

Our client is an established pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation specialising in the production of human and veterinary medicines. Based in Co. Galway, the business is entering a significant phase of investment, operational transformation and growth. They are seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Engineering to lead the site's engineering function, drive operational excellence and play a key role in its continued development. The Role The Head of Engineering will lead engineering, maintenance, facilities, utilities, automation and capital projects across a complex GMP-regulated manufacturing site. Managing a multidisciplinary team of approximately 40 employees, the successful candidate will focus on improving equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency and engineering performance while delivering a significant capital investment programme. Key responsibilities will include: - Leading the site engineering strategy across maintenance, facilities, utilities, automation and capital projects. - Driving improvements in equipment reliability, OEE, manufacturing productivity and operational efficiency. - Developing and implementing effective maintenance and reliability strategies to reduce downtime and improve asset performance. - Leading capital investment projects, including equipment upgrades, site expansion and infrastructure improvements. - Ensuring engineering systems and operations meet GMP, HPRA and FDA regulatory requirements. - Overseeing site utilities, facilities and critical manufacturing infrastructure. - Driving automation, digitalisation and continuous improvement initiatives. - Partnering with Manufacturing, Quality and other site functions to improve operational performance. - Managing engineering budgets, resources, contractors and external suppliers. - Leading and developing a multidisciplinary engineering team, strengthening accountability, capability and performance. The Person The successful candidate will be an experienced engineering leader with a strong background in GMP-regulated manufacturing and a proven ability to improve operational performance. They will bring a hands-on, commercially aware approach and the leadership capability to drive change within an evolving manufacturing environment. - Degree in Engineering or a related discipline. - Significant engineering leadership experience within pharmaceutical, medical device or similarly GMP-regulated manufacturing environments. - Proven experience leading engineering, maintenance, facilities and capital project functions. - Strong track record of improving OEE, equipment reliability and manufacturing efficiency. - Experience delivering significant CAPEX programmes within regulated manufacturing environments. - Strong understanding of GMP compliance and regulatory requirements, including HPRA and FDA standards. - Experience implementing maintenance strategies, continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives. - Exposure to automation, digitalisation and manufacturing technology improvements would be advantageous. - EHS leadership experience would be highly desirable. - Strong people leadership and stakeholder management skills, with experience developing teams and driving organisational change. - A pragmatic, hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic priorities and operational delivery. To learn more about this role, apply online or contact Emma Mullen on +353 1 6321881 for a confidential discussion.