Senior Lead, Upstream Processing COE

Johnson & Johnson Innovation; Leiden; On-site; EUR 83,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Vacation days

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

Caregiver leave

Volunteer leave

Well-being reimbursement

Insurance plans

Service anniversary

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson Innovation seeks a Senior Manager to lead the Upstream Processing Center of Expertise at our Leiden site in the Netherlands. You will guide a team of experts to drive strategic improvements, optimize production processes, and ensure safety, quality, and compliance.

You will influence cross‑functional projects with MSAT, Quality Assurance, and R&D, delivering impactful changes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• 8–10 years of industrial experience in operations management, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead change and solve complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high‑performing team of engineers and supervisors focused on upstream process, equipment, and quality initiatives.
• Set clear objectives aligned with business goals, and provide coaching and support to ensure team success.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with departments such as Downstream Processing COE, Make Asset Management, Quality Assurance, MSAT, and R&D to deliver impactful projects on time and within budget.
• Monitor KPIs to ensure excellence in safety, quality, reliability, and financial performance.
• Drive operational efficiency in upstream processing through data‑driven improvements in yield and performance.
• Lead the introduction of new biopharmaceutical products, ensuring upstream process and equipment readiness.
• Maintain validated states of processes and equipment in GMP compliance.
• Champion LEAN culture through Root Cause Problem Solving, Gemba walks, and process observation.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Safety & quality awareness

Communication & stakeholder mgmt

Change leadership

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

Johnson & Johnson Innovation seeks a Senior Manager to lead the Upstream Processing Center of Expertise at our Leiden site in the Netherlands. You will guide a team of experts to drive strategic improvements, optimize production processes, and ensure safety, quality, and compliance.

You will influence cross‑functional projects with MSAT, Quality Assurance, and R&D, delivering impactful changes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.