Senior Director, Global Engineering

The Opportunity: 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 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 and 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.

Key Responsibilities

Remote role with 25% travel

Global Engineering Leadership

Define and execute the global engineering strategy aligned with Avantor’s growth objectives, operational excellence standards, and sustainability goals. Translate strategy into functional objectives, governance structures, and execution roadmaps across a multi‑site engineering organization. Establish global engineering standards, design principles, and best practices to ensure consistency, scalability, and compliance. Serve as a key member of the operations PMO leadership team, influencing enterprise decisions related to manufacturing footprint, capacity, and technology strategy.

Capital Projects and Industrial Expansion

Own and govern a global capital portfolio, including Programs up to $50M (process improvements, automation upgrades, equipment installations, and operational initiatives) and Capital projects up to $150M (new plant builds, major expansions, and large‑scale infrastructure investments). Ensure disciplined execution across the full project lifecycle: concept development, FEED, design, execution, commissioning, and handover. Lead front‑end engineering design, and execution of major capital investments. Drive cross‑functional alignment (operations, supply chain, quality, EHS, finance) to ensure delivery against scope, schedule, budget, and business case KPIs. Ensure capital decisions are evaluated with a long‑term strategic lens, balancing risk, return, and enterprise impact.

Digital Transformation, Automation, and IT/OT Strategy

Establish global standards and upgrade strategies for automation systems, applicable to both existing and next‑generation equipment. Drive integration of manufacturing systems with enterprise digital platforms, enabling real‑time visibility, analytics, and data‑driven decision‑making. Partner with IT, digital, and cybersecurity teams to ensure secure, resilient, and future‑ready architectures. Deploy Industry 4.0 technologies, advanced analytics, and smart factory solutions to modernize operations.

Operational Excellence and OEE Performance

Develop and implement global asset lifecycle and reliability strategies to improve uptime, maintainability, and cost efficiency. Drive enterprise‑wide improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) across sites to enable predictable production output. Leverage digital tools, connected systems, and advanced analytics to identify variability, improve performance, and standardize outcomes. Lead the development and application of new technology to enhance OEE and operational predictability. Partner with site leadership to implement Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies. Lead root cause analysis and systemic corrective actions for major operational and safety events.

Process Engineering and Manufacturing Systems

Provide technical leadership in discrete assembly & fill, chemical processing, scale‑up, and optimization within regulated environments. Guide design and deployment of discrete automated manufacturing systems, including robotics, PLC/SCADA, MES integration, and advanced controls. Ensure processes are robust, validated, and compliant with GMP, ISO, and customer requirements. Support modernization of manufacturing capabilities through automation, digitalization, and advanced process control.

EHS and Process Safety Management (PSM)

Ensure project compliance with Process Safety Management (PSM), including hazard studies (PHA, HAZOP), mechanical integrity, and management of change (MOC). Ensure engineering designs meet or exceed all regulatory and corporate safety standards. Embed inherent safety and risk‑based decision‑making into engineering strategy and execution. Ensure containment, safe design, and environmental stewardship are integral to all capital and operational decisions.

Strategic Decision‑Making and Functional Leadership

Address multi‑dimensional problems by adapting methods and approaches in the absence of defined procedures or precedent. Work on issues impacting current performance and future‑state capabilities, including next‑generation manufacturing concepts. Evaluate complex situations where outcomes depend on both data and intangibles such as stakeholder alignment and organizational impact. Exercise independent judgment in defining methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria. Decisions have critical, long‑term impact on the function and enterprise success.

People Leadership and Organizational Development

Lead, coach, and develop director‑level and managerial talent across the global engineering organization. Build and sustain a strong pipeline of technical and leadership talent aligned to future business needs. Responsible for workforce planning, including hiring, staffing, and resource allocation to ensure execution capability. Holds full people management authority, including hiring, firing, promotion, and reward decisions in accordance with corporate guidelines. Lead one or more functional areas through subordinate directors and managers, ensuring accountability for overall performance. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. Act as a visible leader across regions, reinforcing alignment and organizational capability.

Cross‑Functional and Global Collaboration

Collaborate with operations, quality, supply chain, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams to support enterprise objectives. Manage relationships with external partners, including EPC firms (Engineering, Procurement, Construction), vendors, equipment suppliers, and technology providers. Balance global standardization with regional flexibility to meet regulatory and market requirements. Influence and align diverse stakeholders across geographies, often requiring persuasion and executive‑level communication.

Qualifications and Experience Required

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.

Preferred 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.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Functional Leadership and Enterprise Strategy Execution
• Capital Portfolio Ownership and Long‑Term Impact Thinking
• Digital Manufacturing and IT/OT Integration
• Operational Excellence and OEE Performance Management
• Engineering and Technical Mastery
• Decision‑Making Under Complexity and Ambiguity
• Organizational Design and Workforce Planning
• Talent Development and Leadership Coaching
• Global Collaboration and Executive Influence
• Risk‑Based and Forward‑Looking Judgment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life‑changing science. The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor. We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success.

At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world.

Pay Transparency

The expected pre‑tax pay for this position is $167,500.00 - $282,325.00. Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at View email address on click.appcast.io and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

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3rd Party Non‑Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.

Avantor®, a Fortune 500 company, is a leading global provider of mission‑critical products and services to customers in the biopharma, healthcare, education & government, and advanced technologies & applied materials industries. Our portfolio is used in virtually every stage of the most important research, development and production activities in the industries we serve. One of our greatest strengths comes from having a global infrastructure that is strategically located to support the needs of our customers. Our global footprint enables us to serve more than 225,000 customer locations and gives us extensive access to research laboratories and scientists in more than 180 countries. We set science in motion to create a better world.