Upstream Process Development Manager

SRG; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

CPI is seeking an experienced Upstream Process Development Manager to provide strong leadership across our biologics upstream capabilities in Synthetic & Mammalian Upstream Process Development, based in Darlington.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams, manage resources, drive delivery, ensure GMP compliance, and collaborate with clients and partners to scale up and optimise upstream processes.

Qualifications

• Experience leading upstream biologics teams across multiple projects.
• Experience with CHO, HEK293 or related platforms.
• Ability to manage resources, timelines and cross-functional delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and support upstream scientists and engineers across multiple projects.
• Plan, track, and adjust delivery; balance workload and priorities.
• Provide high-level technical leadership and governance in upstream biologics.
• Engage with clients and partners to support bid development and delivery.
• Ensure work adheres to SHE, GMP/GxP and data integrity standards.

Skills

Upstream process development

People management

Resource planning

Stakeholder engagement

GMP/GxP compliance

Job description

Upstream Process Development Manager - Synthetic & Mammalian Focus (Darlington) £50,000 - £66,000 per annum

About the Roles

CPI is seeking an experienced Upstream Process Development Manager to provide strong leadership across our biologics upstream capabilities in Synthetic & Mammalian Upstream Process Development.

What You'll Be Responsible For

People & Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, and support highly capable teams of upstream scientists and engineers
• Create clarity and structure for teams working across multiple concurrent projects
• Drive performance, engagement, and development through effective line management
• Act as a confident escalation point for complex technical, delivery, and resource challenges

Programme & Resource Management

• Manage resource allocation across a diverse portfolio of projects
• Balance workload, capability, and priorities to ensure successful delivery
• Apply appropriate tools and approaches to plan, track, and adjust project delivery
• Work closely with project managers and stakeholders to align timelines and expectations

Technical & Strategic Oversight

• Provide high‑level technical leadership and governance within your upstream specialism
• Act as technical lead on complex projects where required
• Support the development, scale‑up, and optimisation of upstream biologics processes
• Translate business and technology strategy into executable team plans

Stakeholder & Business Engagement

• Act as a credible technical and managerial representative with clients and partners
• Support bid development and customer engagement activities
• Build strong internal and external networks to support capability growth
• Contribute to the long‑term development of CPI's upstream process development capability

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure work is delivered in line with SHE, GMP/GxP, and Data Integrity requirements
• Maintain high standards of documentation, reporting, and technical governance
• Promote a culture of safe, compliant, and high‑quality scientific delivery

Role Focus Areas: Synthetic & Mammalian Upstream Focus

• Development and scale‑up of mammalian and synthetic expression systems
• Experience with CHO, HEK293 or related platforms
• Exposure to advanced modalities such as mRNA, viral vectors, or cell‑free systems

About You

You are a proven upstream leader who combines strong technical credibility with excellent people and delivery management skills. You enjoy leading teams through complexity and thrive in environments where priorities shift and multiple programmes run in parallel.

You'll Bring

• Significant experience in upstream process development within biologics
• Demonstrable experience managing teams across multiple simultaneous projects
• Strong capability in resource planning and workload prioritisation
• Confidence leading and developing experienced technical specialists
• A clear, structured, and pragmatic management style

Desirable (but not essential)

• Experience working in regulated or GMP‑aligned environments
• Exposure to both microbial and mammalian/synthetic upstream platforms
• Experience acting as technical lead or primary client contact
• Formal management training or chartered professional status

Why Join CPI?

• Influence and lead nationally significant upstream capabilities
• Work with highly capable technical teams delivering complex biologics programmes
• Genuine leadership roles with autonomy and strategic input
• Exposure to advanced modalities and future‑focused technologies
• Competitive salary (£50k‑£66k)

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy