Downstream Technical Ops Mgr

MSD Ireland

Dunboyne

Hybrid

EUR 150,000 - 190,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

MSD Ireland in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, is seeking a Downstream Technical Operations Manager to lead a team of engineers and scientists across chromatography, filtration and formulation, ensuring robust downstream performance in a biologics manufacturing site.

This role balances hands-on technical leadership with strategic programme delivery, technology transfer activities, and continuous improvement across the product lifecycle, reporting to the Associate Director and driving site capability and

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (Level 8) in a technical field with biotech/pharma industry experience.
Minimum six years' experience in a biologics drug substance environment.
Technical expertise in upstream and/or downstream purification.
Experience in technology transfer for biologics (clinical or commercial).
Experience with automated systems (PAS, MES).
Process validation and cleaning validation experience.
Ability to travel internationally (<5% per year).

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor engineers and scientists within the MS&T department.
Lead technology transfer activities for clinical and commercial projects.
Develop strategies for technology transfer and process activities in line with standards.
Act as a process SME for investigations and guidance to the team.
Use risk management to prioritise activities and support initiatives.
Lead significant on-site projects for new product introduction and site capability build.
Coach and develop the technical operations team for continuous learning.
Drive ongoing optimisation of process equipment and development of future solutions.

Skills

Biopharmaceutical Industry

Manufacturing Process Improvements

People Leadership

Process Improvements

Quality Management Systems

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Management

Strategic Management

Team Leadership

Technology Transfer

Education

Bachelor's degree (Level 8) in Engineering or Science

Job description

Job Description

An outstanding opportunity for a highly skilled technical leader to join the downstream technical operations function at our state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing site in Dunboyne, Co. Meath.

The Downstream Technical Operations Manager holds end-to-end technical accountability for a complex biologics programme, leading a dedicated team across the full range of downstream unit operations, including chromatography, filtration, and formulation, with accountability for manufacturing support.

This role is accountable for ensuring that a team of scientists and engineers has the appropriate scientific depth, process knowledge, and problem-solving capability to meet the evolving demands of a diverse and growing biologics pipeline. The manager will drive technical readiness, manufacturing robustness, and continuous improvement across the product lifecycle.

Reporting to the Downstream Technical Operations Associate Director, this role requires a technical leader who can balance hands-on technical engagement with effective people leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic programme delivery.

Our facility in Dunboyne joined the global manufacturing network in September 2020. The Dunboyne site is a biologics drug substance single-use commercialisation facility, playing a significant role in helping to commercialise key medicines. The innovation and collaboration between research and manufacturing teams help accelerate the time it takes to bring medicines to market for the benefit of patients around the world.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and Manage Teams: Oversee and mentor a team of engineers and scientists within the MS&T department, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
Technology Transfer Leadership: Responsible for leading key technology transfer activities in support of a diverse range of clinical and commercial new product introduction projects.
Strategic Development: Develop strategies for, and support the execution of, technology transfer and process activities in line with industry and regulatory standards.
Subject Matter Expert: Act as a process Subject Matter Expert in support of process investigations and provide guidance to team members.
Risk Management: Use risk management techniques to assess strategies, prioritise activities, and support initiatives.
Project Leadership: Lead significant business-critical projects on-site associated with new product introduction and site capability build.
Coaching and Development: Support the coaching and professional development of other members of the technical operations team, ensuring continuous learning and skill enhancement.
Ongoing Optimisation: Drive the ongoing optimisation of process equipment and the development of future breakthrough business solutions.

Your Profile

Minimum of a Bachelor's Level 8 degree in a technical field (e.g., Engineering, Science, or equivalent), with experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
Minimum of six years' experience in a biologics drug substance environment.
Technical expertise in biological drug substance upstream and/or downstream purification unit operations required.
Experience in technology transfer for clinical or commercial biologics is strongly desired.
Experience with automated systems (PAS, MES) is highly desired.
Process validation and cleaning validation experience is desired.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and know when to escalates for resolution.
Flexible and self-motivated, with a proven ability to work cross-functionally to deliver technical solutions to issues.
Ability to travel internationally, as the role has a minimal travel requirement of approximately <5% per annum.

Required Skills