Head of Operations & Engineering

About the Role

Eirgen Pharma is expanding its senior leadership team as part of a broader growth strategy and a new C-suite structure. Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, this position will shape and execute the operating approach across Operations and Engineering, ensuring the site delivers on business goals, compliance obligations, and long-term growth plans.

The role carries end-to-end responsibility for manufacturing, engineering, technical services, and facilities. The successful person will help maintain efficient and compliant pharmaceutical production, strengthen inspection preparedness, support new product launches, and improve operational performance across the site.

Operations Leadership

• Direct all manufacturing activity, including production execution and packaging.
• Make sure output targets are achieved while maintaining strict GMP standards.
• Own capacity planning and monitor operational performance.
• Create and roll out KPIs that reflect company priorities.
• Prepare operations for new product introductions and technology transfer activities.
• Manage the Finance Department through objective setting, performance management, coaching, mentoring, engagement, and stakeholder coordination.

Engineering & Technical Services

• Oversee engineering, maintenance, utilities, and facilities operations.
• Ensure the reliability, calibration, and full lifecycle management of equipment.
• Supervise qualification and commissioning work.
• Lead planning and delivery of capital expenditure projects.
• Drive upgrades, site expansion activity, and ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Keep manufacturing activities aligned with cGMP and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain readiness for inspections and provide support during regulatory audits.
• Work closely with QA and QC to protect product quality and integrity.
• Lead investigations into deviations and ensure corrective actions are implemented with Quality.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Introduce Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives.
• Improve productivity, cost efficiency, and waste reduction.
• Strengthen Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Encourage the use of data to guide operational and engineering decisions.
• Build a culture focused on ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Leadership & People Management

• Develop and lead strong production and engineering teams.
• Set clear performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Support workforce planning and succession development.
• Reinforce a strong safety and compliance culture across manufacturing and engineering.

Strategic Contribution

• Work with the COO on operational strategy and execution.
• Support business growth through added capacity and scalable operations.
• Contribute technical and operational input to product development and commercialisation.
• Identify, reduce, and escalate operational risks appropriately.

About You

You should be a proven people leader who has successfully built, managed, and motivated teams. Senior-level influence and stakeholder management are essential, along with a strong focus on growth, production performance, continuous improvement, and safety.

The role is best suited to someone with around 10+ years of experience, ideally in a pharmaceutical or other regulated manufacturing environment. A bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, or a closely related field is required, and an MBA would be an added advantage. Experience leading GMP-regulated manufacturing operations, managing inspections and audits, and working in solid oral dose, sterile, or liquid manufacturing settings is highly relevant.

Workplace Culture

Eirgen describes its environment as diverse, people-focused, and performance-driven. The company values high standards, teamwork, and ambition, and offers competitive pay, career progression opportunities, and ongoing education support.

Application Information

To apply, send your CV by email and include the job title in the subject line.