Manufacturing Operations Manager - Lyophilisation

Sanofi Group; Waterford; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanofi Waterford is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager for Lyophilisation. You will lead the Lyophilisation Autonomous Production Unit, ensuring reliable supply of lyophilised vial products for rare disease patients globally.

The role reports to the Head of Lyophilisation Operations and drives continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. Join a global biopharma network focused on delivering life-changing therapies.

Qualifications

• Higher level Diploma/Degree in third level qualification or equivalent.
• Significant experience as an Operations Manager or other management role.
• Significant experience of pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Technical knowledge of sterile filling and lyophilisation technology.
• Detailed knowledge of cGMP regulations.
• Good problem solving and analytical skills.
• Effective facilitator & excellent interpersonal skills.
• Influences site KPI’s and drives area improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead all assigned operations activities to ensure that objectives are met; batch filling & Lyophilisation (Loading/unloading), batch turnaround time, batch release cycle time, annual planning, project/program implementation, CI plans, etc.

Skills

Operations management

Pharmaceutical manufacturing

cGMP regulations

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Training & development

Continuous improvement

Safety compliance

Education

Diploma/Degree in related field

Tools

Lyophilisation equipment

Job description

Job Title: Manufacturing Operations Manager - Lyophilisation

• Location: Waterford, Ireland
• Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
• Work Arrangement: On-site

About the role

Reporting directly to the Head of Lyophilisation Operations and as a leader for Sanofi, you will play an integral role within the Lyophilisation Autonomous Production Unit management team, ensuring reliable supply of lyophilised vial products for our rare disease patients globally.

Ready to get started?

Join a global network that powers how Sanofi delivers — seamlessly, purposefully, and at scale. In Manufacturing & Supply, you’ll help reimagine how life-changing treatments reach people everywhere, faster.

About Sanofi

We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives.

Main responsibilities

• Lead all assigned operations activities to ensure that objectives are met; batch filling & Lyophilisation (Loading/unloading), batch turnaround time, batch release cycle time, annual planning, project/program implementation, CI plans, etc
• Ensure all activities are undertaken in compliance with cGMP (FDA 21 CFR Part 211, EU GMP Annex 1) and Safety standards
• Ensure all employees, for which they are responsible, are trained against SOPs and GMP requirements relevant to their job
• Ensure procedures are correctly defined and followed.
• Monitor the level of GMP compliance in their area on an on-going basis through audit, deviations and GMP document reviews
• Develop and improve the effectiveness of training on a regular basis
• Develop and lead a continuous improvement program that will result in savings to COGs

About You

Essential requirements:

• Higher level Diploma/Degree in Third level qualification or equivalent
• Significant experience as an Operations Manager/ other Management role
• Significant experience of pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• Technical knowledge of relevant sterile filling and lyophilisation technology
• Detailed knowledge of cGMP regulations
• Good problem solving and analytical skills
• Effective facilitator & Excellent interpersonal skills
• Influences site KPI’s and drives area improvement
• Full understanding of Health & Safety and legal requirements for the safe operation of his team

It would be advantageous to have (not essential):

• Sterile Operations experience in sterile filling and lyophilisation
• cGMP experience in a management position

Why choose us?

• Shape the future of medicine and vaccine delivery with cutting-edge technology, ensuring seamless launches and a resilient global supply.
• Transform lives worldwide by delivering life-changing treatments anywhere, anytime.
• Grow, thrive, and make an impact in a workplace that empowers you to bring your best self every day, with pride.
• Help deliver 30+ new product launches by 2030, ensuring patients get treatments faster than ever.