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 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.