Biologics Manufacturing Operations Director

AstraZeneca plc; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

AstraZeneca plc is seeking a decisive Operations leader based in Dublin to head end-to-end biologics drug substance manufacturing. You will guide upstream and downstream activities through release, embedding continuous improvement while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

You will mentor teams, partner across EHS, QA, Engineering, and Supply Chain, and drive performance and modernization within a rapidly evolving portfolio.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years in pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical manufacturing operations, quality, and/or technical services, with biological drug substance exposure preferred.
• Proven ability to build resilient, high-performing operations with strong risk, quality, and regulatory stewardship.
• Exceptional talent management, team-building, and strong communication skills.
• Experience with digital transformation and AI-enabled tools in operations; ability to mentor teams.
• Clear evidence of leading organizational change and driving continuous improvement in dynamic environments.
• Deep knowledge of global GMP and regulatory requirements for drug substance facilities; regulatory inspection success.

Responsibilities

• Establish and sustain high-reliability manufacturing processes with contingency readiness.
• Lead digital and AI initiatives to improve yield, throughput, monitoring, and predictive maintenance.
• Build, inspire, and retain a top-quality manufacturing organization.
• Orchestrate cross-functional collaborations with EHS, QA, Engineering, and Supply Chain to remove barriers.
• Act as a visible change agent to drive adoption of new processes and tools.
• Own production performance metrics, capacity, cycle times, and cost/sustainability improvements.
• Lead regulatory inspections, tech transfers, and new product introductions with minimal disruption.

Skills

Digital & AI Acumen

People Leadership

Regulatory Know-How

Change Management

Operational Resilience

Education

Undergraduate degree in Science or Engineering

Job description

AstraZeneca plc is seeking a decisive Operations leader based in Dublin to head end-to-end biologics drug substance manufacturing. You will guide upstream and downstream activities through release, embedding continuous improvement while ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.

You will mentor teams, partner across EHS, QA, Engineering, and Supply Chain, and drive performance and modernization within a rapidly evolving portfolio.