Head of Engineering

Why this role matters

Douglas is one of New Zealand's leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, and we're looking for an experienced Head of Engineering to lead the performance, reliability and future capability of our manufacturing assets and facilities.

Reporting as a key member of the Manufacturing Leadership Team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Engineering, ensuring our equipment, facilities and systems support world-class manufacturing performance today while positioning us for future growth.

This is a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for engineering strategy, capital investment, asset performance, automation and digital transformation across our Auckland manufacturing operation.

What you'll do

• Lead and develop a high-performing team – Build capability, create clarity and foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and leadership development.
• Champion automation and digital transformation – Lead the adoption of new technologies, automation and data-driven decision-making to improve productivity, quality and business performance.
• Drive operational excellence – Ensure engineering services, maintenance activities and capital projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in compliance with GMP and regulatory requirements.
• Shape engineering strategy – Develop and execute engineering plans that improve asset reliability, operational efficiency, quality outcomes and manufacturing performance.
• Manage capital investment and resources – Develop engineering budgets, oversee capital expenditure programs and build strong partnerships with suppliers and contractors.

What you'll bring

• Significant senior engineering leadership experience within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Expertise across mechanical, electrical, automation and asset management disciplines.
• A strong track record of leading capital projects, operational improvement and engineering transformation.
• Experience driving Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong financial and commercial management capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the business.
• Knowledge of GMP-regulated manufacturing environments is highly desirable.

Why join us?

• Award-winning culture - Join a team that's genuinely a great place to work (and we've got the awards to prove it).
• Career growth - We're big on developing our people and promoting from within.
• Extra leave - After six years with us, you'll get five weeks of annual leave.
• Parental perks - Get 16 weeks of top-up payments during your parental leave.
• Security matters - We've got you covered with life and income protection insurance.
• Feel good with THRIVE - Our wellbeing program helps you be your best, inside and out.
• Exclusive discounts - Enjoy special deals on big-name brands like Clinicians, BraveFace, Avene, Ego, and more.

Douglas is one of New Zealand's largest and most successful pharmaceutical companies. Privately owned and globally focused, our team of over 500 people develops and manufactures high-quality healthcare products that improve lives around the world.

Next Steps

If you're invited to complete a video interview as the next stage of your application, we'd love you to embrace it. Video interviews allow more people the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to the hiring manager in a new and innovative way, giving you a better chance of securing your ideal role. Relax, be yourself and don't worry, we all feel a bit awkward in front of the camera.

Feel free to reach out to Paula van Zijl, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Douglas Pharmaceuticals, for a confidential chat: ***email_hidden*** / 027 384 0746 / 09 837 6409