At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead utilities and facilities strategy, ensuring compliance and operational excellence.
- Company: Join GSK, a leader in science and technology, making a real impact on health.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a critical manufacturing and R&D campus with your expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering, strong technical background, and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At GSK, we unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together. Our Ware Campus is a critical, complex and highly regulated site supporting both GSC and R&D operations. We are now looking for an experienced Engineering Director Utilities and Facilities to lead the strategy, performance and continuous improvement of all site utilities and facilities. This is a senior leadership role with real scale, responsibility and impact shaping the long‑term resilience, sustainability and future‑readiness of a key GSK manufacturing and research campus.
The Role
As Engineering Director Utilities & Facilities, you will have end‑to‑end accountability for utilities and facilities operations across the Ware site. You will lead a large, multidisciplinary organisation of GSK engineers and embedded contractors, setting and delivering a clear strategy that ensures secure supply, regulatory compliance, operational excellence and value for money. You will act as the site technical authority for utilities and facilities, with responsibility for long‑term asset performance, capital planning and continuous improvement — all while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Define, sponsor and deliver a five‑year integrated utilities and facilities strategy to ensure the Ware Campus remains flexible, compliant and fit for future operations, with regular review and governance.
- Act as the single point of accountability for all utilities and facilities operations across GSC and R&D at Ware, leading a team of over 40 GSK engineers and technicians and more than 150 embedded contract staff.
- Ensure utilities and facilities are designed, operated and maintained in full compliance with cGMP, safety, environmental, statutory and regulatory requirements.
- Provide technical leadership and act as a subject matter expert for site utilities such as HVAC, compressed air, nitrogen and purified water, including the review and approval of system modifications.
- Ensure the secure, continuous and cost‑effective supply of all site utilities, embedding continuous improvement methodologies to drive efficiency and productivity.
- Own and manage a utilities and facilities operating budget of approximately £15m, alongside stewardship of assets valued at ~£500m.
- Identify and sponsor reliability, performance and efficiency improvements across utilities and facilities, aligned to agreed budgets.
- Identify investment opportunities and ensure these are incorporated into Capital Investment Proposals and Facility Master Plans, with clear translation of site and customer requirements into project delivery.
- Build strong relationships with senior GSK stakeholders and external service providers, ensuring effective service delivery and value through governance at site, regional and national levels.
- Contribute to cross‑site and regional engineering governance, ensuring GSK benefits are realised consistently.
Why This Role Is Exciting
- You will operate at senior leadership level, influencing both site strategy and wider GSK engineering direction.
- You will lead one of the largest and most complex utilities and facilities operations within GSK.
- You will shape the future readiness of a critical manufacturing and R&D campus.
- You will balance long‑term strategic thinking with hands‑on technical leadership and operational excellence.
Basic Qualifications
- A degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
- Strong technical expertise in utilities and facilities within pharma/FMCG or other regulated industry.
- Demonstrated experience within an engineering function.
- Credibility as a technical authority, with experience influencing senior stakeholders.
- Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams including third‑party service providers.
- Strong understanding of cGMP, quality, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
- Experience in capital planning, asset management and operational budget ownership.
- A collaborative leadership style, able to influence in matrix environments.
- A track record of driving continuous improvement, risk management and operational resilience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Chartered Engineer status (or working towards).
- Background in mechanical, electrical or building services engineering.
- Project or portfolio management experience.
- Safety qualifications such as NEBOSH, ATEX or similar.
Closing Date for Applications: 19 May 2026 EOD
GSK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), military service or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law.
Engineering Director - Utilities and Facilities in Ware employer: WISE Campaign
Contact Detail:
WISE Campaign Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Director - Utilities and Facilities in Ware
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at GSK or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GSK's values and recent projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission of uniting science, technology, and talent to combat disease.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and driven continuous improvement in previous roles. GSK is looking for someone who can influence and inspire.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the GSK team.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Director - Utilities and Facilities in Ware
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in utilities and facilities management. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Engineering Director role at GSK.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this is a senior leadership position, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead large teams and manage complex operations. Share examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and driven continuous improvement in previous roles.
Highlight Technical Expertise: Don’t forget to emphasise your technical knowledge in areas like HVAC, compressed air, and regulatory compliance. We’re looking for someone who can act as a subject matter expert, so make sure to include any relevant certifications or experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at WISE Campaign
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to utilities and facilities, especially in the pharma sector. Be ready to discuss specific systems like HVAC, compressed air, and purified water, as well as how they comply with cGMP and safety regulations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams. Think about times when you influenced senior stakeholders or drove continuous improvement initiatives, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with GSK's operations, particularly the Ware Campus. Understand their strategic goals and how your role as Engineering Director can contribute to long-term resilience and sustainability. This will show your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the challenges it entails. Inquire about the current strategies in place for utilities and facilities, and how you can help shape future initiatives. This shows you're proactive and engaged.