Head of Process Technology & Support

My client is a medium sized life–science company performing a range development and manufacturing roles for biopharmaceuticals. This also includes all associated support functions from logistics through to engineering, quality control / quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and management. The Company manufactures two licensed products, Erwinase?? and the UK's Anthrax Vaccine as well as providing R&D services for product development.

The post holder will report to the Deputy Head of Production.

Job Summary

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, experienced individual with a strong track record of leadership experience across a variety of settings and topics in the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry. Working alongside the CEO/Executive team, the job holder will not only be expert in the development of new biopharmaceuticals but will also be commercially aware of the bioprocess industry; advising on the best path of growth for the business and future commercialisation options.

The individual will also be required to play a key role in supporting the Process Technology team in supporting associated manufacturing processes and analytics, as well as providing expert support to existing licensed products. The individual will, working with their senior team, drive projects in the areas of both manufacturing capacity and product extension work, ensuring that the appropriate resource is identified and in place and that projects are delivered on time and to budget.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working with senior managers in the current Process Technology team, and where appropriate cross–functionally across the business, lead, manage and direct various change management programmes, ensuring that resources are available and in place, with delivery according to agreed timescales.
• Establish strategies that meet project and regulatory requirements, in collaboration with the Executive team and expert consultants.
• Develop and maintain suitable project schedules, budgets and risk mitigation plans with project teams and external service providers if necessary.
• Liaise with service providers on a regular basis to monitor progress against milestones; review and manage technical data and documentation to ensure timely action.
• Contribute to the development of company's strategy, challenging assumptions, and decision–making as appropriate and providing an appropriate guidance on all activities, plans, targets, and business drivers.
• Design and manage an integrated financial budget for the department to ensure that the business is in delivery of its financial objectives and maximises department's contribution.
• To promote and uphold the highest standards of professionalism to create, maintain and enhance their reputation amongst its customers and stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.
• To grow and develop the business through the identification and exploitation of opportunities and by establishing strategic collaborations and interactions with third parties, including public and private sector bodies.
• To support and contribute to the delivery of continuous improvement in all areas of the business to enhance the quality, delivery, rate of growth and competitiveness.
• Coordinate support and cooperation between the education sectors.
• To take Executive responsibility for Health & Safety and management of the Health & Safety Manager. Oversee the implementation, management and delivery of all H&S policies, arrangements, and procedures across the business.
• To ensure that all duties are performed in line with Health & Safety Policy and ensure safe working practices and that staff are aware of individual responsibilities under the H&S Policy, the Fire Safety Policy, and other H&S regulations.
• To contribute to publications in national and international journals; to review scientific communication (abstracts, articles, presentations, etc.) for internal and external purposes.
• Work with senior teams to grow the business, formulating strategies and plans. To comply with ethical, scientific, GMP, etc. guidelines and statutory principles throughout all departmental activities.
• To ensure that strategic and operational plans, goals, and objectives are documented, communicated, reviewed, and evaluated on a continuous basis.

Requirements:

• Advanced experience of managing a successful pharmaceutical business.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, applied preferably within a multi–disciplinary R&D environment, with a strong track record of successful delivery.
• Meet the requirement for a commercially astute, articulate, technically strong, dynamic, insightful, and influential leader with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
• Corporate awareness; financial and commercial management.
• Proven leadership and managerial experience in a matrix management environment.
• Awareness of the regulatory and pharmaceutical environment.
• Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Experience with staff assessments and appraisals
• Experience of current Health and Safety legislation
• Ability to interrogate and interpret data, problem–solve, make sound decisions and recommendations
• Exceptional communication skills in a complex multi–stakeholder context.
• Collaborative leadership and management skills.
• Ability to handle high levels of pressure and critical decision making.
• Substantial practical and academic experience.
• Experience in the setting of specifications for drug products

If you think you match the skills listed above and are looking for a new challenge in the Biotech industry, then please apply with your CV or call Thomas Nash on (0) for a completely confidential chat about your situation.