Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance in Oxford

Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Dormont Manufacturing Co

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering and maintenance for cutting-edge mRNA vaccine production.
  • Company: Join Moderna, a leader in biotech innovation and mRNA science.
  • Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare, generous time off, and family support benefits.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in global health while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's in engineering and 8+ years in biotech or pharma required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

The Role

Joining Moderna means advancing m RNA science to transform medicine.

Work with exceptional global teams on a broad pipeline and build a career that makes a real difference for patients.

Moderna is establishing a leading research, development, and manufacturing facility at Harwell to support onshore m RNA vaccine production for respiratory diseases in the UK.

This long‑term investment will create skilled jobs and strengthen collaboration with academic, NHS, and government partners.

We welcome experts ready to help expand access to life‑saving vaccines.

Reporting to the Site Engineering Lead, this role sits at the heart of Moderna’s Harwell operations, acting as a critical technical authority across facility, utility, and maintenance systems.

You will shape how engineering and maintenance excellence is delivered across both R&D and Manufacturing environments.

This is a highly visible individual contributor role, driving vendor performance, operational reliability, and continuous improvement across a complex, high‑impact biotech site—with growing exposure to digital and AI‑enabled engineering practices.

Here’s What You’ll Do

  • Provide technical oversight of building infrastructure and grey/black utility systems (Shell and Core), ensuring facility and lab service delivery meets operational needs
  • Manage and elevate performance of on‑site engineering service vendors through clear expectations and governance frameworks
  • Review and drive vendor KPIs in alignment with Global Engineering governance standards
  • Oversee delivery of maintenance and engineering activities using a mix of global planning, local coordination, and internal/external resources
  • Contribute to key site initiatives including shutdowns, CAPEX projects, and engineering process improvements
  • Partner with Global Maintenance and Engineering teams to implement maintenance strategies and develop Maintenance Job Plans
  • Lead smaller site projects and improvements, ensuring quality, compliance, timelines, and cost control
  • Act as the primary technical contact for operational and service issues across in‑scope systems
  • Engage proactively with lab and manufacturing teams to identify issues and drive continuous improvements
  • Ensure all engineering activities align with Moderna procedures and compliance standards
  • Support vendor onboarding, offboarding, and transitions to maintain operational continuity
  • Leverage digital tools and emerging technologies, including exposure to Generative AI, to enhance maintenance, vendor management, and decision‑making

The key Moderna Mindsets you’ll need to succeed in the role

“We behave like owners. The solutions we’re building go beyond any job description.”

“We digitize everywhere possible using the power of code to maximize our impact on patients.”

  • Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (e. g., Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil Engineering) required. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum 8 years of Facilities and/or Engineering experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries required. GMP facility experience required.
  • Excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) are required.

Expected to be able to present work to peers and cross‑functional managers and influence leadership decisions.

Technical writing skills required.

  • Must be able to use his/her technical background to investigate issues using a structured problem‑solving approach to determine true root cause and develop effective corrective and preventative actions.

Must be able to find true root cause and path forward for complex problems.

Demonstrates strategic enterprise thinking, finding innovative ways to deliver results and build trust.

  • Must possess outstanding communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to work with enterprise‑wide information systems for effective stakeholder management and communication.
  • Experience utilizing a CMMS for the planning and execution of a maintenance program. Maximo‑specific experience preferred.
  • Ability to interact well with other groups and must be able to take ownership of and follow through on assignments.

Must be able to drive results on multiple complex assignments simultaneously with minimal required direction from his/her supervisor.

  • Experience with Delta Controls (Enteliweb) and Siemens (Desigo) systems preferred.
  • Ability to represent Moderna’s interests, objectives, and policies in a professional and responsible manner.
  • This position is site‑based, requiring you to be at Moderna’s site full‑time. This position is not eligible for remote work.
  • As part of Moderna’s commitment to workplace safety, this role may require an enhanced pre‑employment check.
  • Pay & Benefits

At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.

That’s why our global benefits and well‑being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.

  • Best-in‑class healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
  • A holistic approach to well‑being with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
  • Family building benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation, bank holidays, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year‑end shutdown
  • Savings and investments to help you plan for the future
  • Location‑specific perks and extras

The benefits offered may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Moderna and the country where you work.

Moderna is a smoke‑free, alcohol‑free, and drug‑free work environment.

Moderna is committed to equal opportunity in employment and non‑discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person’s race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law.

We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees.

By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best.

Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodation or adjustments to qualified job applicants with disabilities.

Any applicant requiring an accommodation or adjustment in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations and Adjustments team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx. com.

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Dormont Manufacturing Co

Contact Details:

Dormont Manufacturing Co Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance in Oxford

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance role you’re after at Dormont Manufacturing Co.

Show Off Your Projects!

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Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Dormont Manufacturing Co.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance at Dormont Manufacturing Co, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance in Oxford

Technical Oversight
Vendor Management
Performance Management
GMP Facility Experience
Negotiation Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Manager - Engineering & Maintenance, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Dormont Manufacturing Co a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Dormont Manufacturing Co specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Dormont Manufacturing Co

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Dormont Manufacturing Co, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Dormont Manufacturing Co want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.