Planning & Optimisation Manager

The Planning and Optimisation Manager is responsible for developing, coordinating, and optimising all planned maintenance, calibration, and engineering activities across a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing site. The role ensures that equipment and utilities remain compliant, reliable, and available to support uninterrupted production. This position acts as the central link between Engineering, Production, Quality, and external vendors to ensure all work is executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with regulatory expectations.

Main Duties

-Maintenance Planning - Build and manage detailed preventive and predictive maintenance schedules for production equipment, utilities, and critical GMP systems.

-Work Order Management - Review, prioritise, and prepare work orders, ensuring all materials, permits, and documentation are ready before execution.

-GMP Compliance - Ensure all planned activities meet regulatory requirements, including data integrity, traceability, and proper documentation in CMMS systems.

-CMMS Administration - Maintain asset records, job plans, BOMs, and maintenance histories within the site's Computerised Maintenance Management System.

-Engineering Coordination - Collaborate with technicians, engineers, and production teams to plan shutdowns, calibrations, and equipment overhauls.

-Vendor Management - Schedule and coordinate external contractors, ensuring compliance with site safety and quality standards.

-Spare Parts Planning - Work with the stores team to ensure critical spares availability and accurate inventory levels.

-Continuous Improvement - Analyse maintenance performance data to identify reliability improvements and optimise maintenance strategies.

-Risk & Impact Assessment - Support risk assessments, deviation investigations, and change control activities related to engineering work.

Engineering Background - HNC/HND or degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related engineering discipline.

-Pharma or GMP Experience - Experience in a regulated pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device environment.

-CMMS Proficiency - Hands-on experience with systems such as SAP PM, Maximo, or Blue Mountain.

-Technical Understanding - Knowledge of process equipment, utilities (HVAC, WFI, clean steam), and calibration requirements.

-Planning & Scheduling Skills - Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage complex, multi-department schedules.

-Communication Skills - Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders.