​Role: Senior Director, Engineering

Industry: Biopharmaceuticals

Location: Europe

Discovery

A global biotechnology leader investing over $2 billion USD in a greenfield biopharma manufacturing facility in Europe required a Senior Director of Engineering to lead the design, construction and operational readiness of the new sterile fill-finish site.

The role required a combination of technical expertise in biologics and sterile manufacturing, leadership capability, and experience managing large-scale capital projects. Finding candidates with this blend, who could relocate and operate effectively in a rapidly scaling, global organisation created a highly targeted talent pool.

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Reach

We conducted a global executive search, mapping senior engineering leaders across Europe, North America and Asia with experience in sterile operations and capital project environments. Our approach leveraged our extensive sector networks to identify both active and passive candidates capable of delivering the technical and leadership outcomes required.

Close collaboration with the client ensured alignment on cultural fit, strategic priorities and relocation considerations. Together, we developed a relocation and integration strategy to ensure a seamless transition into the new European hub.

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Assessment

Candidates were evaluated on their track record in designing and commissioning sterile fill-finish facilities, leadership of large-scale teams and ability to operate in a start-up environment. Leadership style, cultural alignment, and operational execution capability were assessed through structured interviews and market insights.

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Impact

A Senior Director of Engineering with over 20 years of biologics experience was appointed within a compressed timeline. The appointment accelerated site readiness and strengthened operational leadership for the $2B project, enhanced the client’s talent brand in the European biotech market and established a foundation for ongoing executive hiring across quality, operations and technical functions as the site scales toward full production.

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Explore the rest of our Executive Search case studies here.

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CONTACT US

Wherever they are in the world, we'll find them

Reach out to Shane Browne, Managing Director - International Operations(shane.browne@hrmrecruit.com).

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