Global Project Engineering Director

We are supporting a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation looking to appoint a senior Project Engineering Leader to drive complex CAPEX projects across its global manufacturing network.

This role will take ownership of engineering project delivery across R&D, clinical and commercial manufacturing environments, covering the full lifecycle from early planning and design through construction, commissioning, qualification and operational handover.

The position would suit a technically strong engineering leader with deep GMP project experience, strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in an international matrix environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead national and international engineering projects across pharmaceutical manufacturing sites.
• Manage the full project lifecycle, including planning, design, build, commissioning, qualification and handover to operations.
• Deliver projects in line with agreed scope, budget, timelines, quality standards and GMP expectations.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, QA, QC, Automation, MS&T, R&D, IT and external partners.
• Provide clear project reporting to senior leadership, including progress, milestones, risks, budget and key decisions.
• Support technology transfers, manufacturing network development and site transformation initiatives.
• Ensure engineering solutions are aligned with GMP design, operational readiness, automation, digitalisation and continuous improvement objectives.
• Manage suppliers, engineering partners, contractors and technical stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Build strong relationships across internal sites, external manufacturing partners and global project teams.
• Contribute to the future development and leadership of the global project engineering function.

Requirements

• Degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Strong experience delivering engineering and CAPEX projects within pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing.
• Proven background in GMP facility design, project execution, commissioning and qualification.
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams in a matrix environment.
• Good understanding of production equipment, process systems, analytical equipment, clean utilities and GMP facilities.
• Experience supporting technology transfer, site expansion, manufacturing network development or facility transformation projects.
• Strong project management, planning, scheduling and budget-control skills.
• Ability to manage complex technical challenges and make clear decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, project teams and external partners.
• Fluent English and German required.
• Willingness to travel internationally.