Director of Technical Operations

Allerton Bishop Search; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is supporting a pharmaceutical organisation in finding a Director of Technical Operations. This role involves strategic scientific leadership for R&D and manufacturing teams in the EMEA region. Key responsibilities include managing a UK-based scientific team and driving technical excellence in project delivery. The ideal candidate should possess extensive scientific leadership experience within pharmaceutical or biotech environments and hold a relevant degree.

Qualifications

• Extensive scientific leadership experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, or CDMO environments.
• Strong technical expertise in drug substance and/or drug product scale-up.
• Strategic thinker with an agile, solutions-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage a UK-based scientific team supporting EMEA operations.
• Drive technical excellence in project delivery and day-to-day operations.
• Provide project management expertise across multiple international initiatives.

Skills

Scientific leadership

Technical expertise in drug substance/product

Project management

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Life Sciences

Job description

Allerton Bishop is supporting a leading pharmaceutical organisation in the search for a Director of Technical Operations. The Director of Technical Operations will provide strategic scientific leadership across the EMEA region for R&D and manufacturing teams, specialising in drug substance and complex drug product development. The position is based in England with frequent travel both domestically and internationally.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage a UK-based scientific team supporting EMEA operations.
• Drive technical excellence in project delivery and day-to-day operations.
• Provide project management expertise across multiple international initiatives, ensuring cost control, timelines, and compliance.
• Partner with global colleagues to deliver successful product and project outcomes.
• Shape the strategic growth of EMEA R&D and manufacturing capabilities for both drug substance and drug product.

Your Profile

• Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Life Sciences (MSc or PhD desirable).
• Extensive scientific leadership experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, or CDMO environments.
• Strong technical expertise in drug substance and/or drug product scale-up.
• Strategic thinker with an agile, solutions-focused approach.

Seniorities

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Science and Project Management

Industries

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Biotechnology Research
• Research Services