Engineering Manager (Formulation, Filling, Inspection & Packaging) in Birkenhead

To provide effective leadership and technical ownership of engineering activities supporting Secondary Manufacturing operations, including Formulation, Filling, Inspection, and Packaging. The role ensures safe, compliant, and reliable operation of manufacturing equipment through effective maintenance execution, continuous improvement, and team development, in alignment with site objectives and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Engineering & Maintenance Leadership
  • Lead, manage, and support a team of engineers and technicians to deliver planned and reactive maintenance across Secondary manufacturing areas.
  • Ensure day-to-day maintenance activities are completed in line with the maintenance schedule, with minimal impact to the operational plan.
  • Coordinate and manage reactive maintenance activities, ensuring rapid response and resolution while maintaining full GMP, HSE, and regulatory compliance.
  • Provide engineering ownership for Formulation, Filling, Inspection, and Packaging equipment, ensuring high levels of performance, reliability, and availability.
• Operational Support & Collaboration
  • Work closely with Production, Quality, Validation, and Engineering support functions to support safe and efficient Secondary manufacturing operations.
  • Participate in daily operational reviews and planning meetings to align engineering activities with production priorities.
  • Support execution of agreed maintenance and improvement work schedules through strong teamwork and hands-on involvement where required.
• Continuous Improvement & Reliability
  • Actively manage operational issues using structured problem-solving tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Lead and participate in Root Cause Analysis investigations and implement effective long-term solutions, including the definition and execution of CAPAs.
  • Develop and deploy reliability and asset care best practices to improve OEE, reduce downtime, and enhance equipment performance.
  • Identify and lead improvement projects within Secondary operations, including equipment upgrades, process improvements, and contractor-led activities.
• Quality, GMP & Compliance
  • Ensure GMP standards are consistently applied within Secondary manufacturing areas in accordance with the Orange Guide, CFR regulations, and site procedures.
  • Ensure accurate completion of all GMP documentation, including maintenance records, deviations, investigations, change controls, and corrective actions.
  • Investigate and report potential quality defects arising from equipment or maintenance activities and support appropriate CAPA implementation.
  • Ensure all engineering activities comply with regulatory and legislative requirements, including PSSR, LOLER, PUWER, and related standards.
• Health, Safety & Environment
  • Actively promote and demonstrate a strong safety culture within the engineering team and Secondary manufacturing areas.
  • Ensure Near Misses, accidents, and incidents are reported, investigated, and addressed in line with site procedures.
  • Support HSE investigations and ensure actions are implemented and closed out effectively.
• Team Development & Training
  • Develop, coach, and mentor the engineering team to build capability across Formulation, Filling, Inspection, and Packaging technologies.
  • Ensure appropriate training, competency assessment, and development plans are in place and fully documented in accordance with procedures.
  • Support succession planning and multi-skilling to improve team flexibility and resilience.
• Resource & Budget Management
  • Support the management of departmental budgets to meet production demand and engineering resource requirements.
  • Ensure effective utilisation of internal and external resources, including contractors, to deliver planned and reactive work.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, people management, and coaching skills.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate effectively across Production, Quality, and Engineering functions.
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Strong understanding of GMP requirements within Secondary pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Proven experience applying Operational Excellence and continuous improvement tools.
• High standards of numeracy, literacy, and attention to detail.
• Flexible, proactive, and able to perform effectively in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment.

Minimum Education Requirements

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical) or Engineering HNC.

Minimum Experience Requirements

• Proven experience leading engineering or maintenance teams in a regulated manufacturing environment.