Head Of Technical Operations - Australia

Haybury; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Adelaide is seeking a Head of Technical Operations to lead and optimize technical functions, ensuring compliant production and quality. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in bioprocess development and operational leadership. This full-time executive position calls for a strategic thinker with a robust background in GMP compliance and regulatory affairs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in technical operations leadership within a relevant industry.
• Proven experience in bioprocess or pharmaceutical process development.
• Strong understanding of GMP requirements.
• Exceptional project management and organisational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Align product development and manufacturing with corporate strategy.
• Oversee GMP-compliant manufacturing operations and product quality.
• Manage the end-to-end supply chain and ensure continuity.
• Maintain state-of-the-art production and laboratory facilities.
• Oversee quality systems and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Bioprocess development

GMP compliance

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Operational execution

Statistical analysis

Education

Master’s or PhD in Biotechnology, Engineering, Life Sciences

Degree in a related field

Tools

Bioreactors

Job description

Head of Technical Operations – Australia

Haybury, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Head of Technical Operations – Australia

Head Of Technical Operations – Australia

A newly created position joining this incredible team as Head of Technical Operations, based in Adelaide, Australia.

You will be working for a clinical-stage biotechnology company with a mission to treat and prevent disease by restoring gut microbial ecology. The company has very recently announced the first regulatory approval for a donor-derived microbiome drug product worldwide.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Technical Operations to lead the end-to-end technical functions of our organisation — covering manufacturing, quality, supply chain, engineering, and facilities. This senior leadership role ensures reliable, compliant, and cost-effective production of our products, from clinical supply through to commercial manufacture, while driving scalability and operational excellence.

As a creative leader, you will have an innovative and adaptable approach to leading teams and driving continuous process improvement.

The successful individual will be pivotal in translating R&D outputs into high-quality, regulatory-compliant products, supporting our pipeline from clinical development to commercial success.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Project Leadership – Align product development and manufacturing with corporate strategy; drive key technical projects to meet clinical, commercial, and operational milestones.
• Manufacturing & Production – Oversee GMP-compliant manufacturing operations, product quality, and supply reliability; lead technology transfer from R&D; implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimise yield, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency.
• Supply Chain & Logistics – Manage the end-to-end supply chain, ensuring continuity, vendor management, and inventory control across multiple geographies.
• Facilities & Engineering – Maintain compliant, state-of-the-art production and laboratory facilities; lead facility upgrades, equipment installations, and process automation.
• Compliance & Quality – Oversee quality systems, ensure regulatory compliance (TGA, FDA, EMA), and support audits, inspections, and submissions in partnership with Regulatory Affairs.
• Work Health & Safety – Provide leadership to ensure a safe workplace, meeting all WHS legislation and company standards.

About You

• Proven experience in bioprocess or pharmaceutical process development and scale-up
• Strong understanding of GMP requirements
• Strategic thinker with strong operational execution skills
• Exceptional project management and organisational abilities
• High integrity and commitment to quality and compliance
• Experience in scaling biotech or life sciences companies
• Knowledge of microbiome-based or anaerobic processes
• Strong regulatory knowledge (TGA, FDA, EMA)
• Experience with tech transfer documentation

Qualifications

• Degree in Biotechnology, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field
• 5+ years in technical operations leadership within a relevant industry
• Master’s or PhD in a relevant field
• Experience working with Bioreactors
• Project management certification (PMP or similar)

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Production, Research, and Strategy/Planning
• Industries: Research Services, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and Biotechnology Research

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