Head of Engineering

Interim Head of Capital Projects & Engineering

We are seeking an experienced Head of Capital Projects & Engineering to lead the execution and delivery of a complex portfolio of capital projects within a highly regulated biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

This is a strategic leadership role responsible for driving engineering excellence, CAPEX project delivery, operational readiness, facility improvements, and cross-functional alignment during a critical phase of manufacturing ramp-up and expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Project Management

• Lead the execution of a diverse CAPEX project portfolio.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risk.
• Establish and maintain effective project governance and reporting structures.
• Drive project prioritization and resource allocation across multiple initiatives.
• Identify, escalated, and mitigate project execution risks.

Engineering Leadership

• Lead cross-functional engineering projects supporting operational readiness and site performance.
• Coordinate activities across facilities, utilities, infrastructure, and manufacturing support systems.
• Ensure technical solutions meet operational, quality, compliance, and business requirements.
• Support commissioning, qualification, validation, and start-up activities.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as a key liaison between Engineering and other business functions.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Quality, CQV, MSAT, Supply Chain, HSE, and Project Management teams.
• Manage external engineering partners, contractors, and service providers.
• Provide clear updates and recommendations to senior leadership.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all engineering activities comply with GMP, EHS, and regulatory requirements.
• Support inspection readiness and remediation initiatives.
• Drive resolution of technical and operational challenges impacting project delivery.
• Promote a proactive risk management culture.

Continuous Improvement

• Enhance project governance, planning, and reporting processes.
• Improve visibility of project performance, resource utilization, and key risks.
• Implement best practices in project and engineering management.
• Contribute to the development of sustainable organizational capabilities.

Required Experience

• 10–15+ years of experience in engineering, capital projects, or technical operations within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or other highly regulated industries.
• Proven track record managing complex CAPEX programs and engineering projects.
• Strong experience working within GMP-regulated environments.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and managing senior stakeholders.
• Experience supporting commissioning, qualification, validation, and operational readiness activities is highly desirable.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Excellent project and portfolio management capabilities.
• Structured problem-solving approach.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Results-driven, hands-on leadership style.
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic and evolving organizations.

Languages

• Fluent English required.
• French is advantageous.

This opportunity is ideally suited to a senior engineering leader with a strong background in capital project delivery, GMP manufacturing environments, and organizational transformation who can quickly establish priorities, drive accountability, and deliver critical business objectives.