Sr. Manager Maintenance & Reliability

Use Your Power for Purpose

Working with Pfizer's dynamic engineering and operations teams, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring reliable, compliant, and efficient operation of aseptic and lyophilization manufacturing assets, their associated automation systems, and supporting utilities. You will translate business priorities into an executable reliability strategy, reduce unplanned downtime, strengthen inspection readiness, and enable consistent supply performance through data-driven maintenance excellence. You will actively participate in the site's Integrated Manufacturing Excellence (IMEx) production system, leveraging its structured framework to drive operational excellence, continuous improvement, and audit readiness.

What You Will Achieve

In this role, you will:

• Own and drive the site maintenance & reliability strategy for GMP manufacturing operations, ensuring sustained compliant operation and business continuity.

• Lead reliability performance improvement (e.g., PM effectiveness, predictive programs, lubrication strategy, remediation plans for bad actors).

• Ensure robust operation of critical aseptic and lyophilization systems (e.g., lyophilizers, autoclaves, parts washers, isolators, CIP/SIP, cleanroom support systems) by partnering with Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, and Engineering.

• Strengthen inspection readiness through disciplined documentation, work order quality, and controlled execution consistent with GMP expectations.

• Lead teams and suppliers delivering maintenance services; build capability, performance culture, and strong cross-functional ways of working.

• Manage GMP automation systems supporting production equipment: oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of PLC, SCADA, HMI, and batch management systems.

• Champion EHS leadership in maintenance operations: enforce adherence to Pfizer Global EHS Standards and local Spanish regulations; ensure safe work practices, contractor safety compliance, risk assessments, and Permit-to-Work governance across all maintenance activities; support site EHS programs including incident investigation, corrective actions, industrial hygiene, and emergency preparedness.

• Drive IMEx Production System within the Engineering ecosystem: apply IMEx elements—Standard Work (SW), Visual Management (VM), Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Continuous Improvement (CI Loop)—to maintenance operations; leverage the tiered meeting cascade and problem-solving methodologies to eliminate losses and improve process performance.

• Set objectives for multiple projects, leveraging managerial and technical skills to guide the team effectively.

• Develop and implement strategies for maintenance programs, including production equipment, clean utilities and MRO inventory.

• Provide leadership in developing tactical plans and monitor their execution, ensuring alignment with the Site & Division's strategy.

• Assess talent needs, identify and develop a diverse talent pipeline, and hold managers accountable for their development.

• Conduct routine inspections and ensure all engineering equipment and systems are maintained and qualified as per schedules.

• Develop continuous improvement programs to enhance the performance and reliability of plant production equipment.

• Support the development of the Site Master Plan, ensuring effective use of assets and capital investment.

How You Will Achieve It

• Lead execution through others: set direction, priorities, and performance expectations for maintenance, reliability, and automation support teams and service providers, ensuring site commitments are met.

• Drive proactive reliability: identify recurring issues, lead/assign remediation plans, and ensure PM tasks and material lists are optimized and maintained.

• Own planning discipline: govern planning and scheduling to maximize GMP uptime and right-first-time execution; coordinate production windows and maintenance readiness.

• Manage deviations and risk: anticipate issues and potential deviations (including automation and equipment control system failures), propose solutions, and implement corrective actions before failures occur; support investigations and impact assessments as needed.

• Ensure spares strategy and data quality: define spare parts strategies (including automation components), maintain spare part master data, and ensure functional equivalent decisions are robust and documented.

• Support GMP documentation updates: ensure maintenance-related and automation-related changes are captured in the appropriate controlled documents (e.g., SOPs, records, technical documentation), coordinating with Quality and site systems.

• Lead cross-functional alignment: work closely with Manufacturing, Technical Services, Quality, Validation, and Supply Chain to protect compliance and supply performance in aseptic and lyophilized operations.

• Lead financial stewardship: develop annual objectives, plans, and budgets for maintenance and automation support; track performance, highlight risks, and provide input for financial reporting cycles.

• Safety leadership: adhere to Pfizer Global EHS Standards and site safety requirements; enforce safe work practices across all teams; ensure contractor and team compliance with EHS requirements including risk assessment, Permit-to-Work, LOTO (Lock-Out/Tag-Out), confined space, and working at height protocols; actively participate in site EHS audits and inspections.

• Drive IMEx and Continuous Improvement: actively deploy and sustain IMEx elements (TPM, Standard Work, Visual Management, CI Loop) within the maintenance ecosystem; use structured problem-solving (Method 1/2/3) to address recurring losses; participate in the tiered meeting cascade and Gemba walks to ensure operational standards are maintained and improved.

Here Is What You Need (Minimum Requirements)

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Automation, or equivalent).

• Strong experience in pharmaceutical/biotech manufacturing with demonstrated understanding of GMP requirements (EU GMP Annex 1, Annex 11, FDA 21 CFR Part 11).

• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and/or service providers; strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Demonstrated capability in maintenance/reliability management (preventive maintenance systems, corrective maintenance governance, and reliability improvement mindset).

• Strong organizational and execution skills; ability to manage priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.

• Knowledge and practical experience with a Production System / Integrated Manufacturing Excellence (IMEx) or equivalent Lean/Operational Excellence framework (e.g., TPM, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing), including structured problem-solving, standard work, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Demonstrated EHS awareness and commitment: understanding of EHS risk management principles, ability to enforce safe work practices, and willingness to actively lead safety culture within maintenance operations. Familiarity with Pfizer Global EHS Standards or equivalent industry frameworks.

• Working knowledge of GMP automation systems (PLC, SCADA, HMI, DCS) and their role in aseptic manufacturing operations; ability to manage operational support for automation infrastructure and coordinate with automation engineering specialists.

• Proficiency in project management tools and techniques

• Robust PC skills and experience

• Solid understanding of manufacturing techniques and recognized tools

• Experience in maintenance and reliability engineering

• Ability to manage multiple projects and ongoing work activities of moderate complexity

Bonus Points If You Have (Preferred Requirements)

• Experience in 24/7 GMP manufacturing operations.

• Experience supporting aseptic operations and/or lyophilization (freeze dryers, associated utilities and support systems).

• Experience with reliability tools and programs (PM effectiveness, predictive technologies, lubrication programs, "bad actor" management.

• Experience with planning/scheduling governance and CMMS/EAM data quality, and spare parts strategy management.

• Strong systems skills (e.g., EAM, SAP, Excel/PowerPoint; technical documentation workflows).

• Active IMEx deployment or sustainability experience at site level, including participation in CI Loop, PCTs, IMEx assessments, ecosystem deployment, health checks, etc.

• Experience in an international/multicultural environment within the pharmaceutical industry.

• Fluent in English; Fluency in Spanish is a must as this is a site-based operation

• Master’s degree with relevant pharmaceutical experience

• Strong communication and leadership skills

• Proficiency in maintenance reliability principles, particularly Reliability Centered Maintenance and Total Productive Maintenance with an emphasis on operator care

• Training or certification in Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, Equipment Life Cycle Costing, and Root Cause Failure Analysis using DMIAC principles

• Ability to retrieve, calculate, and report Overall Equipment Effectiveness data

• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such 
  as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance 

Non-Standard Work Schedule, Travel, or Environment Requirements

• On-site role at Algete manufacturing facility.

• Availability for occasional off-hours support for critical equipment events or shutdowns.

• Lead, develop, and inspireenvironment high‑performing maintenance and reliability teams in a 24/7 GMP operation

• Potential travel (<10%) for training, cross-site benchmarking, or supplier visits.

• Work in GMP-controlled areas, cleanrooms, and technical spaces; appropriate gowning and safety PPE required.

#LI-PFE

Purpose 

Breakthroughs that change patients' lives... At Pfizer we are a patient centric company, guided by our four values: courage, joy, equity and excellence. Our breakthrough culture lends itself to our dedication to transforming millions of lives.  

Digital Transformation Strategy

One bold way we are achieving our purpose is through our company wide digital transformation strategy. We are leading the way in adopting new data, modelling and automated solutions to further digitize and accelerate drug discovery and development with the aim of enhancing health outcomes and the patient experience.

Flexibility  

We aim to create a trusting, flexible workplace culture which encourages employees to achieve work life harmony, attracts talent and enables everyone to be their best working self. Let’s start the conversation!  

Equal Employment Opportunity 

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial to building a successful business. As an employer, Pfizer is committed to celebrating this, in all its forms – allowing for us to be as diverse as the patients and communities we serve. Together, we continue to build a culture that encourages, supports and empowers our employees.

Disability Inclusion

Our mission is unleashing the power of all our people and we are proud to be a disability inclusive employer, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all candidates. We encourage you to put your best self forward with the knowledge and trust that we will make any reasonable adjustments to support your application and future career. Your journey with Pfizer starts here!

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