Company Overview

Our client is a rapidly growing pharmaceutical manufacturer headquartered in Abu Dhabi, operating state‑of‑the‑art facilities built to global standards. The company was established as part of the UAE’s long-term strategy to build a world‑class healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem, aligning with national initiatives to strengthen medicines security and expand regional manufacturing capabilities.

The manufacturing complex, completed in 2022, is fully functional and currently produces 20 SKUs across multiple therapeutic areas, with significant capacity for scaling operations. The site operates with advanced technology and strict adherence to GMP practices, holding regional GMP certifications and working with production capacities.

The Role

The Chief Manufacturing Officer will lead all manufacturing operations across the Abu Dhabi facility, driving operational excellence, compliance, productivity, and continuous improvement. You will oversee Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and EHS functions while preparing the organisation for future EU GMP approval and expansion into high‑potency and oncology production at full global standards.

This role is central to ensuring the company maintains its position as a leading pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in the MENA region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all manufacturing operations across general, high‑potent, oncology, and hormonal production lines

• Implement and maintain world‑class GMP standards, including preparing the site for EU GMP accreditation in 2027

• Direct Quality Assurance, ensuring adherence to cGMP, MOHAP/EDE, SFDA and other regional regulatory frameworks

• Oversee Engineering & Maintenance, ensuring optimal performance of equipment, utilities, and manufacturing infrastructure

• Lead EHS to maintain a safe, compliant, and risk‑mitigated operational environment

• Drive operational efficiencies, manufacturing excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives

• Work closely with R&D, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to support existing products and new product introductions across multiple therapeutic areas

• Manage budgets, resource planning, and long‑term manufacturing strategy

• Provide leadership and development to a growing technical and manufacturing workforce

• Support regional and international regulatory audits and inspections.

• Guide future onboarding of oncology and hormonal production expansions

• 2027 target for EU-GMP approval

Qualifications & Experience

Must‑Have Experience:

• Strong background in Oncology manufacturing (ideally high‑potent APIs and finished dosage forms)

• Experience in Hormones and/or high‑potency manufacturing environments

• Deep knowledge of EU GMP, with preference for candidates who have worked in EU GMP‑approved facilities

• Proven leadership experience overseeing Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and EHS functions

• Executive‑level experience in pharmaceutical operations within a regulated environment

Highly Advantageous Experience:

• Previous experience working in the MENA region, demonstrating cultural alignment and regional regulatory familiarity

• Experience with UAE GMP, or manufacturing experience in Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Jordan, or the UAE

• Experience supporting or leading facilities through regulatory upgrades or new GMP certifications

Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes:

• Strategic, visionary leadership with the ability to scale operations globally

• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities

• Ability to build and mentor high‑performance technical teams

• A hands‑on, pragmatic operational leadership style

The Offer

• Monthly Base Salary: AED 60,000 – 90,000 (depending on experience)

• Annual Bonus

• Potential Long‑Term Incentive Program (in development, subject to final confirmation)

• Relocation support for international candidates (if required)

• Opportunity to lead a next‑generation pharmaceutical manufacturing hub with major regional and international growth plans

• Platform to build the first EU‑GMP‑aligned oncology and hormone manufacturing capability in the UAE

*Please note, this is a highly confidential search and the clients confidentiality must be respected during the screening process by Withers & Wagg.

Apply below if you think you have the right capabiltiies to perform in this job.