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.
As our Head of Engineering your key responsibilities will be as follows:
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:
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:
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.