[Hiring] Senior Director, Global Engineering @Avantor

Role Description

The Senior Director, Global Engineering provides strategic and operational leadership across Avantor’s global engineering organization, driving excellence in capital project execution, site engineering, process and discrete automated manufacturing systems, digital transformation, and EHS/PSM compliance. This role ensures world-class engineering capabilities that enable safe, reliable, scalable, and digitally enabled operations across a global network of manufacturing and filtration sites.

In collaboration with the VP, PMO of Operations and L3 team, the role will establish and develop the strategy for the global engineering function, translating enterprise priorities into functional objectives, operating models, and execution frameworks.

The role owns and governs diversified global capital programs, including:

• Complex engineering and operational programs up to $50M
• Major plant builds, site expansions, and large-scale infrastructure projects up to $150M

These investments are critical to Avantor’s long-term growth and operational performance, directly impacting capacity, technology adoption, and manufacturing footprint strategy.

One of the core mandates of this role is the development and application of new technology to drive improved Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) consistently across manufacturing sites, enabling predictable production output, reduced variability, and enterprise-wide operational consistency.

This role requires enterprise-level thinking, conceptual reasoning, and independent judgment. Decisions are often made in ambiguous conditions where outcomes depend on both quantitative analysis and intangible factors such as risk, organizational alignment, and long-term business impact. The incumbent operates with significant autonomy, frequently making non-traditional or innovative decisions that influence the function over a multi-year horizon.

Remote role with 25% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Operations (or related discipline).
• 15+ years of progressive engineering and operations leadership experience in chemical, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or similarly regulated environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading global engineering organizations and capital portfolios, including Programs up to $20M and plant builds and expansions above $100M.
• Strong background in process engineering and discrete automated manufacturing systems.
• Proven expertise in Process Safety Management (PSM) and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing new plant builds, large-scale expansions, and brownfield transformations.
• Track record of building and leading high-performing technical and leadership teams.

Requirements

• Master’s degree preferred in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or an MBA.
• PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) preferred.
• Experience in multi-site global organizations with complex supply chains.
• Exposure to digital manufacturing, IT/OT integration, MES, EBR systems, and advanced controls.
• Prior responsibility for engineering budgets, capital allocation, and portfolio governance.
• Familiarity with GMP, ISO 9001/13485, and other regulated quality systems.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Employee stock purchase program.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Accrue 18 PTO days annually.
• Eligible for volunteer time off.
• 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave).