Senior Director, Global Engineering

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Connecticut, +13 more states.

📋 Description

• Define and implement Avantor’s global engineering strategy that aligns with growth, operational excellence, and sustainability objectives.

• Translate the strategy into functional goals, governance frameworks, and execution plans.

• Establish global engineering standards, design principles, and industry best practices.

• Participate in the operations PMO leadership team to influence decisions regarding manufacturing footprint, capacity, and technology.

• Oversee global capital programs up to $50M and capital projects up to $150M, which include plant constructions, expansions, and infrastructure investments.

• Lead projects through all phases: concept development, FEED, design, execution, commissioning, and handover.

• Promote alignment across operations, supply chain, quality, EHS, and finance concerning scope, schedule, budget, and business-case KPIs.

• Set automation standards and upgrade strategies for both existing and next-generation equipment.

• Integrate manufacturing systems with enterprise digital platforms, collaborating with IT, digital, and cybersecurity teams.

• Implement Industry 4.0 technologies, advanced analytics, and smart-factory solutions.

• Develop asset lifecycle and reliability strategies aimed at enhancing uptime, maintainability, and cost efficiency.

• Enhance enterprise-wide Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and operational predictability.

• Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement methodologies, root-cause analysis, and systemic corrective actions.

• Provide technical expertise in discrete assembly and fill, chemical processing, scale-up, and optimization.

• Guide the deployment of automated manufacturing systems, robotics, PLC/SCADA, MES integration, and advanced control systems.

• Ensure that processes and engineering designs comply with GMP, ISO, regulatory, corporate safety, and client requirements.

• Ensure adherence to PSM regulations, including PHA, HAZOP, mechanical integrity, and MOC.

• Integrate inherent safety, risk-based decisions, containment strategies, and environmental stewardship into engineering practices.

• Lead, mentor, and develop director-level and managerial talent.

• Manage workforce planning, recruitment, staffing, resource allocation, and personnel management decisions.

• Promote accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

• Collaborate with operations, quality, supply chain, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams.

• Manage relationships with EPC firms, vendors, equipment suppliers, and technology providers.

• Balance global standardization with local regulatory and market needs.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field.

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in engineering and operations within chemical, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or similarly regulated sectors.

• Proven experience in leading global engineering organizations and managing capital portfolios, including programs up to $20M and plant builds/expansions exceeding $100M.

• Strong foundation in process engineering and automated manufacturing systems.

• In-depth knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM) and regulatory compliance.

• Experience in overseeing new plant constructions, large-scale expansions, and brownfield projects.

• A successful track record of building and leading high-performing technical and leadership teams.

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or an MBA is preferred.

• PMP certification from the Project Management Institute is preferred.

• Experience within multi-site global organizations with intricate supply chains.

• Familiarity with digital manufacturing, IT/OT integration, MES, EBR systems, and advanced control technologies.

• Prior responsibility for engineering budgets, capital allocation, and governance of portfolios.

• Knowledge of GMP, ISO 9001/13485, and other regulated quality systems.

• Ability to lead in complex and ambiguous environments while exercising independent judgment.

• Experience in discrete assembly and fill, chemical processing, scale-up, and optimization within regulated settings.

• Understanding of robotics, PLC/SCADA, MES integration, and advanced controls.

• Knowledge of PHA, HAZOP, mechanical integrity, and management of change (MOC).

• Ability to collaborate with global, cross-functional stakeholders and external EPC firms, vendors, equipment suppliers, and technology providers.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Wellness initiatives.

• Health savings accounts.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• 401(k) plan with company matching.

• Employee stock purchase program.

• 11 paid holidays annually.

• 18 PTO days each year.

• Volunteer time off.

• 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave, except in states offering paid family leave.

• Educational opportunities to foster career growth and success.