Senior Director, Operations Engineering

Senior Director, Operations Engineering

Location: Billingham UK

Own the manufacturing engineering backbone that powers reliable and compliant biopharmaceutical production across multiple microbial and mammalian manufacturing suites. As Senior Director, Operations Engineering, you will lead site-wide Asset Maintenance and Reliability, Automation/Operational Technology (OT) and Validation enabling robust, safe, efficient, and inspection-ready GMP operations.

What you’ll do

You will lead the functional teams delivering asset maintenance and reliability, automation and Operation Technology, and validation and compliance

Through these teams you will define and execute:

the site asset strategy and reliability program for equipment, utilities, and clean systems.

The site automation architecture and lifecycle aligned with IT/IS policies; set OT standards and cybersecurity expectations.

Equipment and utilities validation (DQ/IQ/OQ/PQ/PV); maintain the site Validation Master Plan and traceability.

Enforce robust engineering change, commissioning, and handover; maintain accurate technical documentation, drawings, and asset registers.

Set strategies for Operations Engineering, across these multi‑disciplinary teams that allows our organisation to be fit for purpose and ready for our growth ambition

Lead a team of experience engineers, setting objectives, developing talent, and building

What you’ll bring

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, Chemical, or related); advanced degree desirable.

Proven track record improving uptime, reliability, and compliance in complex, automated facilities.

Deep knowledge of clean utilities, GMP‑critical systems, validation, and data integrity.

Strong people leadership with an EHS and quality‑first mindset; effective cross‑functional collaborator.

Systems expertise with platforms such as DeltaV/Siemens; familiarity with engineering standards and utilities.

Experience building high‑performing teams and leaders across maintenance, automation/OT, and validation.

Lean/Continuous Improvement and reliability engineering (RCM, TPM) experience.

Why join us

Lead the full engineering value chain with substantial autonomy and visible impact on supply, compliance, and cost.

Shape smart manufacturing and reliability strategies across a state‑of‑the‑art biologics site.

Competitive salary, with 35 days holiday (Not including Public Holidays), annual incentive plan and up earn up to 21% on your pension.

We are committed to providing equal opportunities in hiring, promotion and advancement, compensation, benefits, and training regardless of nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, political creed, ideology, national or social origin, disability, veteran status, etc.