Role Profile
Engineering Director
Typical job description:
The engineering director has overall responsibility for all engineering services in a pharmaceutical production plant. The main focus of the role is to design and lead the company’s engineering strategy, covering engineering maintenance on site, capital projects, compliance with regulatory standards, and staff recruitment and training. The engineering director is a member of the senior management team, and will report to the site director and work closely with a number of business or commercial managers.
Key Processes:
The exact nature of the work will depend on the size of the employing organisation.
However, it will almost certainly involve:
- Develop the company’s engineering strategy, policy and procedures;
- Oversee the entire engineering budget;
- Plan investment in new plant and equipment;
- Liaise with commercial managers within the business;
- Introduce new product streams;
- Manage engineering team leaders and managers;
- Contribute to the company’s overall growth strategy;
- Network and represent the company to outside organisations.
Entry Level:
Degree in Engineering.
Search for related degrees or courses:
Industry Standard:
Masters Degree in Engineering;
Chartered Engineer status;
ILM Level 6 – Management;
CPD – see knowledge.
Competencies:
- Proven leadership skills;
- Ability to make decisions making against tight timescales;
- Ability to network positively with staff from all levels and departments;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
- Experience working to regulatory standards;
- Flexibility to respond to changing business needs.
Knowledge needed for the role:
- Commercial, business and financial knowledge;
- Substantial operational engineering experience;
- Full understanding of pharmaceutical supply chain;
- Relevant legal standards and compliance systems;
- Quality Assurance (QA) and Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) standards;
- Quality improvement methods such as Lean Sigma Six;
- Good Engineering Practice (GEP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) systems.
Pay and conditions:
Salaries are £50,000 to £90,000 a year, depending on experience and the size of the company.
Engineering Directors are typically office-based, but will also spend time on the factory floor as part of their management duties.