Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical operations in a dynamic pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Ethypharm, a forward-thinking company committed to innovation and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the pharma industry while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Science, with extensive GMP experience and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Ethypharm is seeking an experienced Head of Technical Operations to join our team. Reporting to the Site Director, you will lead the technical functions of our manufacturing operation, with a strong focus on improving process capability, driving preventative maintenance and troubleshooting activities, and enhancing equipment performance (OEE), while reducing health & safety and quality-related risks.
Day-to-day responsibilities:
- Overall responsibility for the site projects list and preparation/implementation of the Capex budget
- Lead or coordinate initial qualification/validation of new GMP-related equipment, facilities, and utilities
- Ensure high-quality day-to-day maintenance support to production operations
- Guarantee the availability and quality of utilities, including water, steam, chilled water, compressed air, nitrogen, and HVAC
- Oversee equipment and maintenance contract negotiations and renewals
- Inspire and motivate team members to achieve company, site, departmental, and personal development goals
- Contribute to the development of project scoping documents prior to URS creation
- Collaborate with the HSSE and Facilities Manager to maintain compliance with all relevant legislative, statutory, and regulatory requirements
Skills/Experience:
- Essential: Degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering or a Science-based subject
- Extensive experience working within a GMP-regulated environment
- Minimum 5 years' experience in an engineering or manufacturing leadership role, ideally within pharma or a related sector
- Minimum 3 years' experience in validation/qualification within the pharmaceutical industry
- Proven track record in managing complex change programmes
- Deep knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations (e.g. FDA, ISO, Eudralex)
- Desirable: Membership of ISPE and/or relevant engineering body
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or above)
- Experience in engineering maintenance and statutory compliance
- Proven experience in specifying, designing, installing, commissioning, and managing process and utility equipment
About you:
You are a strategic and hands-on leader with a strong technical background in pharmaceutical manufacturing. You combine deep knowledge of GMP, validation, and operational excellence with the ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams. You're commercially aware, process-driven, and thrive in fast-paced, regulated environments. Entrepreneurial in mindset, you bring innovation and continuous improvement to the forefront, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and long-term team development.
What we offer you:
Competitive salary and benefits package (details provided at screening). At Ethypharm we recognise the value of diversity in the workplace and provide equal opportunities for all. We are always open to discussing flexible working arrangements where this meets with the needs of our business.
Head of Technical Operations employer: Ethypharm
Contact Detail:
Ethypharm Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the pharmaceutical industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in GMP, validation, and operational excellence clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership roles and any relevant GMP experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Technical Operations role. Share specific examples of how you've improved processes or led teams in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Since this role requires a strong technical background, don’t shy away from mentioning your expertise in pharmaceutical regulations and validation processes. We love seeing that passion!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ethypharm
✨Know Your GMP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) knowledge. Since this role is heavily focused on compliance and regulations, being able to discuss specific GMP guidelines and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the terms but can also implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in previous roles, especially in a manufacturing or engineering context. Think about times when you inspired your team to achieve goals or managed complex change programmes. This will demonstrate your ability to motivate and guide others, which is crucial for this position.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Technical Challenges
Anticipate questions about troubleshooting and improving equipment performance. Have specific examples ready where you successfully tackled technical issues or enhanced operational efficiency. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and technical expertise, both of which are key for the Head of Technical Operations.
✨Understand the Business Side
Since the role requires a commercial awareness, be prepared to discuss how technical operations align with business objectives. Think about how you can contribute to cost-saving initiatives or process improvements that benefit the bottom line. This shows that you’re not just a technical expert but also understand the bigger picture.