Do you want to take responsibility and make a difference with your work? With your expertise, we can achieve great goals together. We are WACKER - Reliable. Determined. Ambitious. As one of the world's most research-intensive chemical companies, we've been making countless products that are an integral part of your everyday life possible for over 100 years. From vegan food to resource-efficient buildings to solar cells, we develop sustainable solutions that change the future.

Wacker Biotech, as part of WACKER, is a leading global biotechnology organization specializing in the production of biopharmaceuticals. The company has outstanding technologies for the rapid, efficient and thus cost-effective production of therapeutic proteins for clinical and commercial supply. Currently it is the biggest dedicated microbial Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) in the world. lts four dedicated and fast-growing production sites are currently based in Germany (Halle and Jena), The Netherlands (Amsterdam) and The United States (San Diego, CA). At our Amsterdam-based center Wacker Biotech B.V. focuses on the GMPcompliant microbial based production of recombinant proteins, vaccines and live microbials as drug substance and drug product.

To strengthen our team in Amsterdam,
we are looking for you as a(n) Head of Local Engineering

The Head of Plant Engineering is accountable for the safe, reliable, cost‑effective, GMP‑compliant operation and continuous development of all engineering, maintenance, utilities, validation, equipment life-cycle and facility activities at the Amsterdam site. The role ensures the availability and integrity of the technical infrastructure required for biopharmaceutical production and maintains compliance with regulatory, corporate, and EHS standards. By translating global BU BioPharma and corporate engineering strategies into effective site execution. The role drives sustainable performance and continuous improvement. The Head of Plant Engineering acts a key interface between site operations, client project management, QA/ QC, and external stakeholder. The Head of Plant Engineering ensures alignment, technical excellence, long‑term site readiness and rolling out of future digitalization and automation programs.

Leadership & Site Accountability

• Lead and develop the local engineering organization, including performance management, competency development, and succession planning.
• Track record in Change & Transformation Management
• Proven leadership experience in a technical organization, and for smaller teams, stakeholder alignment & Cross-Functional/ Cross-Departmental collaboration
• Full budget responsibility for site engineering including planning, control, and reporting.
• Representing the site towards internal and external stakeholders (clients, authorities, auditors, contractors).
• Be a member of the site leadership team.

 Technical Operations & Infrastructure

• Ensure equipment/ technical readiness for client projects. The scope includes cleanrooms, QC labs, manufacturing lines, automation systems and production-related utilities. process-support systems, automation, and building technologies.
• Refine strategic approach for maintenance, troubleshooting, troubleshooting, contractor management and service agreements.
• Ensure GMP-compliant operation, documentation, data integrity, and lifecycle management of all equipment & technical systems.
• Act as site-level Validation responsible for engineering systems, in close collaboration with QA.

Compliance, Quality & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with GMP, EHS, plant & occupational safety, environmental regulations, and corporate standards.
• Ensure proper handling of quality records such as deviations, change control and CAPAs.
• Support and contribute to inspections and audits as required.
• Ensure emergency preparedness, business continuity readiness and site technical safety readiness.

Projects, Investment & Continuous Improvement

• Plan, coordinate, and execute technical investment projects and shutdown activities aligned with business, site operations and capacity needs.
• Contribute to cross-site and global BU BioPharma initiatives and standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cost efficiency, energy reduction, sustainability, and environmental impact.
• Define, monitor and report relevant engineering KPIs.

Collaboration & Communication

• Act as the primary interface between the Amsterdam site Operations, Project Management, QA/ QC, and external partners
• Ensure transparent reporting and alignment with global strategies, standards and objectives.

Education & Experience

• University degree in engineering (e.g. bioprocess, chemical, mechanical or similar).
• Extensive experience in pharmaceutical/ biopharmaceutical engineering & facility design within GMP‑regulated environments
• Proven experience in CAPEX/project and multi-project management, including planning, execution and budget control
• Solid experience in GMP Compliance, Commissioning & Qualification (CQV) including equipment lifecycle management
• Hands-on expertise in Site Master Planning & Long-Term Capital Planning
• Strong knowledge of utilities, facility management, maintenance, validation, and subsequent automation/ PNS systems
• Fluent in English (Dutch native preferred); strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• You reside in and are eligible to work in The Netherlands (valid-work permit)

We kindly request that recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this vacancy. 

What do we offer?

• Employment: A challenging and international position in a professional and informal working environment
• Compensation: Attractive salary, holiday allowance, home-office travel allowance, participation in the company's success, subsidized pension plan
• Work-life balance: Flexible working hours (where possible), 30 days of vacation
• Versatile development opportunities: Support for professional development

As an international company, we welcome the diversity of people. We consciously promote equal opportunities and a diverse, inclusive culture in our teams - this is what makes us successful.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Reference Code: 30978