George Higginson is currently partnered with a leading biologics CDMO that is looking to appoint a Senior Director, Head of Facilities & Engineering to lead its Facilities, Engineering, Maintenance, and EHS operations in San Diego, CA.This is a senior leadership opportunity responsible for driving operational excellence, facility reliability, engineering strategy, and continuous improvement within a highly regulated cGMP manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will report directly to the VP of Global Engineering & Manufacturing, overseeing critical site infrastructure, capital projects, and engineering operations while playing a key role in the site's leadership team.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all Facilities, Engineering, Maintenance, and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) operations.
Lead preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and calibration programs to ensure equipment reliability and operational readiness.
Oversee external Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) providers, ensuring contractual compliance, service quality, and operational performance.
Manage departmental budgets, CAPEX planning, engineering investments, and facility improvement initiatives.
Lead facility upgrades, equipment installations, engineering projects, and infrastructure development.
Ensure compliance with cGMP, FDA, EMA, MHRA, and applicable regulatory and safety requirements.
Establish and monitor KPIs to improve equipment reliability, minimize downtime, and optimize operational efficiency.
Lead, mentor, and develop engineering and facilities teams while collaborating with Manufacturing, Quality, and senior site leadership.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.10+ years of Facilities & Engineering experience within a cGMP-regulated pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or biologics manufacturing environment.5+ years of leadership experience, including managing supervisory personnel and contributing to departmental strategy. Strong technical expertise in HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and facility infrastructure systems. Proven experience managing preventive maintenance, calibration programs, and manufacturing equipment reliability. Demonstrated experience with CAPEX planning, budget management, and engineering project delivery. Experience overseeing external facilities management providers, contractors, or outsourced engineering services. Strong understanding of FDA regulations, cGMP compliance, EHS requirements, and engineering best practices. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and cross-functional stakeholder management skills. Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity to join an established and growing biologics CDMO in a highly influential leadership position, with responsibility for shaping engineering strategy, driving operational improvements, and ensuring the reliability of critical manufacturing infrastructure. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team, influence strategic investment decisions, and play a pivotal role in supporting the development and manufacture of life-changing biologic therapies. Interested in learning more? Apply directly or contact George Higginson at AL Solutions for a confidential discussion.
