At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage biologics manufacturing operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Company: Leading CDMO specialising in biologics with a global client base.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a centre of excellence with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Drive innovation in biologics manufacturing and make a real impact in the biotech industry.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in biologics manufacturing and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
My client is a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) specialising in biologics, supporting clients across mammalian cell culture, microbial fermentation, and downstream purification for clinical and commercial-scale production.
Our UK site is a centre of excellence for biologics manufacturing, serving a global client base of biotech and pharmaceutical innovators. We are seeking an experienced Site Director to take full operational and strategic leadership of our facility, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of manufacturing programmes while driving continued growth and site development.
The Role
As Site Director, you will hold overall accountability for the performance, compliance, and culture of the site. You will lead a multidisciplinary team spanning manufacturing, quality, engineering, supply chain, and technical operations, ensuring the facility consistently meets GMP standards, client commitments, and business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and P&L accountability for the site, ensuring delivery against safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
- Act as the site's Responsible Person/Qualified Person liaison, maintaining full compliance with MHRA, EMA, and FDA GMP requirements.
- Lead, coach, and develop the senior site leadership team across Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain functions.
- Own the site's health & safety culture, ensuring robust EHS systems and continuous improvement.
- Drive operational excellence initiatives (Lean/Six Sigma) to improve right-first-time rates, capacity utilisation, and cost efficiency.
- Serve as a key point of contact for major clients, supporting business development, technology transfer, and new project onboarding.
- Oversee capital investment planning, site expansion projects, and long-term facility strategy.
- Ensure inspection readiness and lead engagement with regulatory bodies during audits and inspections.
- Represent the site within the wider corporate leadership structure, contributing to group-level strategy.
About You
- Significant senior leadership experience within biologics manufacturing, ideally within a CDMO, biopharmaceutical, or biotech manufacturing environment.
- Proven track record of managing large, multidisciplinary teams and full site P&L responsibility.
- Strong working knowledge of biologics manufacturing processes (upstream/downstream, fill-finish, or drug substance/drug product) and associated GMP regulatory frameworks.
- Demonstrated success leading regulatory inspections (MHRA, FDA, EMA) with strong outcomes.
- Commercially astute, with experience supporting client relationships and business growth.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and change management skills.
- Degree in a relevant scientific, engineering, or technical discipline; advanced degree or professional qualifications advantageous.
Site Director - Biologics CDMO in Farnham employer: Confidential
As a leading employer in the data centre operations sector, we offer an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and accountability, while our commitment to safety and operational excellence ensures that you will be part of a team that values your contributions. With opportunities for international travel and the chance to lead critical operations across the EMEA region, this role provides a unique platform for impactful leadership and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Director - Biologics CDMO in Farnham
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Confidential. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Confidential!
We think you need these skills to ace Site Director - Biologics CDMO in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Confidential that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Confidential.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Confidential does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Confidential
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Confidential. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Confidential's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Confidential. This shows your passion for the industry!
