Head of Engineering & Production
Head of Production & Engineering
A leading international pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation is seeking a Head of Production & Engineering to lead a critical manufacturing operation responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient production of high-value drug substance products.
This is a strategic leadership position offering the opportunity to drive operational excellence, production performance, engineering innovation, and continuous improvement across a complex GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
The Opportunity
As Head of Production & Engineering, you will be responsible for leading manufacturing and engineering operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, compliance, delivery, and cost performance. You'll work closely with senior leadership to shape site strategy, enhance operational efficiency, and develop high-performing teams.
Leading a team of approximately 30-50 employees, you will have significant influence over production performance, site culture, engineering reliability, and long-term business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all production and engineering activities within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
- Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of batch manufacturing processes.
- Drive operational excellence programmes focused on quality, productivity, cost, and customer delivery.
- Develop and implement manufacturing strategies that support business growth and site objectives.
- Oversee production planning, resource allocation, capacity utilisation, and performance management.
- Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, TOC, or similar methodologies.
- Maintain excellence in GMP compliance, HSE performance, and regulatory inspection readiness.
- Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary production and engineering teams.
- Manage operational budgets, manufacturing costs, and capital improvement projects.
What We're Looking For
Experience
- Extensive leadership experience within pharmaceutical, chemical, biotech, or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Proven experience leading production operations within cGMP manufacturing.
- Strong background in drug substance, API, chemical, or batch manufacturing processes.
- Experience managing large operational teams and leading through organisational change.
- Familiarity with automated manufacturing systems, including DCS or equivalent process control platforms.
- Track record of delivering measurable improvements in quality, productivity, safety, and cost performance.
Technical Expertise
- Strong understanding of GMP regulations, quality systems, and manufacturing compliance.
- Knowledge of production planning and ERP systems such as SAP.
- Experience managing operational budgets, manufacturing costs, and financial performance.
- Strong understanding of engineering, operational reliability, and asset performance.
- Demonstrated success implementing continuous improvement methodologies.
Leadership Profile
- Strategic and results-driven leader.
- Strong communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
- Analytical mindset with excellent problem-solving capabilities.
- Resilient, collaborative, and capable of leading in a complex manufacturing environment.
- Passion for developing people and building high-performing teams.
Qualifications
- Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or related discipline.
- Advanced qualification (PhD or equivalent) desirable.
- Fluent German and professional English language skills.
Why Join?
- Senior leadership role with significant operational and strategic influence.
- Opportunity to lead a high-performing pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation.
- Drive major initiatives across production, engineering, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Join an organisation committed to innovation, operational excellence, and employee development.
- Excellent long-term career progression within a growing international business.
If you're an experienced manufacturing leader from the pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, or medical device sector looking to make a significant impact in a complex GMP environment, we'd love to hear from you.
FAQs
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