Our client, a fast-growing, innovation-led biotechnology company are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to support the scale-up of a highly specialised manufacturing operation serving the global life sciences and vaccine sectors.
The organisation operates within a highly regulated environment and is commercialising a proprietary, next-generation production platform used in pharmaceutical, vaccine and research applications. Significant investment and expansion plans are underway, including new facilities and increased production capacity.
This is a senior leadership role with direct influence on operational strategy, growth, and international expansion.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead the scale-up of manufacturing operations to meet increasing global demand
2. Build, develop and manage a high-performing production operations team
3. Ensure operations comply with best practice and all relevant regulatory requirements
4. Oversee production planning, scheduling, and delivery to meet customer, budget and quality expectations
5. Maintain stringent quality standards within a controlled, contamination-free environment
6. Drive continuous improvement across efficiency, cost and operational performance
7. Provide operational and strategic input into business planning and international expansion initiatives
8. Support grant applications, reporting and financial management activities
9. Represent the organisation at international conferences, partner engagements and client meetings
Requirements
10. Minimum of 5 years' senior operational management experience within a regulated environment
11. Degree-level qualification in engineering, science or a business-related discipline
12. Proven ability to manage end-to-end operations, from shop-floor execution to board-level reporting
13. Strong leadership and people-management capability, including team development and stakeholder engagement
14. Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
15. Demonstrated strategic planning capability with strong commercial awareness
16. Experience within life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturing is highly advantageous but not essential