Position Summary
The Hard Services Lead is a strategic, mission-critical role responsible for ensuring the operational excellence and regulatory compliance of a large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing facility's building infrastructure. This position directly impacts the production of life-saving medications and medical devices by maintaining critical building systems, cleanroom environments, and controlled atmospheres that meet stringent FDA, EMA, and HPRA standards. As a key leader within JLL Life Sciences' operations team, you will drive facility uptime, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize maintenance operations for one of Ireland's premier pharmaceutical manufacturing sites.
Key Responsibilities
* Own PPM compliance programme targeting 100% on-time completion within the Facilities Planning Group scope, managing approximately 2,000 PM and 5,000 CM work orders annually
Manage backlog within permitted limits (<100 days for non-GMP, <30 days for GMP systems) with escalation protocols for at-risk work activities- Develop, implement, and continuously optimize preventive maintenance strategies using risk-based methodologies, ensuring all building systems support GMP/GDP compliance and minimize unplanned downtime that could impact drug production
* Oversee vendor management and contractor coordination for specialized pharmaceutical facility services, including qualification of suppliers, performance monitoring, and ensuring all external maintenance activities meet life sciences regulatory requirements
* Ensure strict adherence to regulatory compliance standards (FDA, EMA, HPRA) through meticulous documentation, validation of building system performance, and maintenance of qualification status for all facility infrastructure supporting drug manufacturing
* Lead annual budget planning and cost optimization initiatives for building maintenance operations, developing strategic spending plans that balance regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and capital expenditure requirements while achieving cost targets
* Champion health & safety excellence by conducting comprehensive risk assessments, implementing safety protocols for maintenance activities in pharmaceutical environments, and ensuring team compliance with both JLL and client safety standards
* Maintain detailed documentation and reporting systems including maintenance records, compliance audits, system performance metrics, and regulatory inspection readiness documentation to support FDA/EMA inspections and internal quality reviews
* Compile and present weekly deep dive reports, produce monthly dashboard reports and produce Identify opportunities for improvement and develop action plans for off-track metrics
* Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Regulatory Affairs teams to align building maintenance activities with manufacturing schedules and regulatory requirements
* Lead and develop a high-performing maintenance team through coaching, training, and performance management while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory excellence
* Manage capital improvement projects for building infrastructure upgrades, ensuring projects meet pharmaceutical design standards, regulatory requirements, and are delivered on time and within budget
* Conduct regular facility condition assessments and develop long-term building maintenance strategies that anticipate equipment lifecycle needs and support facility expansion or modernization plans
* Maintain full audit readiness and support timely response to audit recommendations through stakeholder collaboration
Essential Qualifications
Education:
* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Facilities Management, or related technical / trade qualification
* Experience:
* Minimum 7-10 years of building maintenance experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device manufacturing environments
* 5+ years of leadership experience managing maintenance teams in regulated life sciences facilities
* Proven track record supporting FDA, EMA, or HPRA regulatory inspections and compliance audits
Regulatory & Industry Knowledge:
* Deep understanding of Irish building regulations, EU pharmaceutical regulations, and international GMP/GDP standards
* Experience with cleanroom classifications (ISO 14644), controlled environments, and critical utility systems
* Knowledge of ISPE (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering) guidelines and industry best practices
* Proven track record managing PPM programmes and driving PM:CM ratio improvement
* Vendor management and contractor coordination experience in regulated environments
Certifications (Preferred):
* Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
* Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent
* Irish Safe Pass certification
* HVAC/refrigeration technician certifications
Technical Skills
* Building Systems Expertise:
* Advanced knowledge of pharmaceutical-grade HVAC systems, including air handling units, cleanroom pressurization, temperature/humidity control, and filtration systems
* Electrical systems management including emergency power and energy management
* Plumbing and process utilities including purified water systems, compressed air, steam, and waste management systems
* Fire safety and life protection systems specific to pharmaceutical manufacturing environments
* Technology & Software:
* Proficiency with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) such as Maximo, SAP PM, or similar platforms
* Building automation systems (BAS) and building management systems (BMS) operation and troubleshooting
* Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and data analysis tools
* CAD software for facility drawings and maintenance documentation
Project Management:
* Experience managing complex maintenance projects from planning through execution
* Budget management and financial analysis capabilities
* Change management and process improvement methodologies
* Vendor negotiation and contract management skills
Essential Soft Skills
Leadership Excellence:
* Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop cross-functional maintenance teams in fast-paced pharmaceutical environments
* Strong coaching and mentoring skills with focus on building technical capabilities and regulatory awareness
Communication & Collaboration:
* Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with ability to present complex technical information to diverse stakeholders
* Experience interfacing with senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and external auditors
* Collaborative approach to working with Production, Quality, Engineering, and external vendor teams
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making:
* Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to troubleshoot complex building system issues under pressure
* Data-driven decision-making approach with focus on root cause analysis and continuous improvement
* Ability to balance competing priorities while maintaining focus on patient safety and product quality
Regulatory Mindset:
* Meticulous attention to detail with understanding that maintenance activities directly impact patient safety
* Strong documentation discipline and commitment to maintaining detailed, audit-ready records