Director, Technical Operations

Bachem; Vista (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

401(k) with employer contribution

Paid vacation and personal/sick days

Job summary

Bachem Americas is seeking a Director of Technical Operations in Vista, CA to lead the Technical Operations team across manufacturing support, tech transfer, product stewardship, and lifecycle management. You will partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&D and Project Management to drive operational excellence and site capabilities.

The role requires 8+ years GMP experience and 3+ years of leadership in technical operations, with strong GMP knowledge, project management,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field with equivalent experience
• Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related field
• 8+ years of GMP experience in pharma/biotech/CDMO/process development/manufacturing
• 3+ years of leadership in Technical Operations/manufacturing science
• Strong GMP knowledge, quality systems, regulatory requirements, validation principles
• Analytical, troubleshooting, decision-making, problem-solving; Lean Six Sigma familiarity
• Ability to lead and develop technical teams and collaborate cross‑functionally
• Strong PM and communication skills with stakeholder influence
• Budgeting, resource planning, and COGS considerations for Technical Operations
• Matrix organization collaboration across functions and sites
• Proven ability to lead change and implement new technologies
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, tech transfer, product stewardship, lifecycle management, SOPs, ERP/MES, documentation

Responsibilities

• Lead Technical Operations team and ensure manufacturing readiness
• Oversee technology transfer with internal and client-site transfers
• Drive manufacturing efficiency through troubleshooting and data-driven improvements
• Represent Technical Operations in site leadership and cross-functional initiatives
• Guide technical support for new product introductions and site projects
• Support automation and digitalization initiatives aligned with business goals
• Coach and retain technical talent through knowledge sharing and development
• Partner with stakeholders for risk management, tech strategy, and COGS improvements
• Provide technical input for regulatory inspections and validation activities
• Promote process safety and GMP compliance across the site

Skills

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Decision making

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

Leadership

Cross‑functional

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical/biochemical/pharma/chemistry

Master's degree in chemical/biochemical/pharma/chemistry

Tools

ERP/MES systems

Job description

A Brief Overview The Director, Technical Operations leads the Technical Operations team and ensures that manufacturing technology, technical capabilities, and operational readiness support site objectives, customer requirements, regulatory expectations, and global standards. This role provides leadership for technical operations across manufacturing support, technology transfer, product stewardship, process optimization, validation support, automation and digitalization initiatives, technical documentation, and lifecycle management activities. The Director, Technical Operations leads scientists, chemists, engineers, technical writers, process specialists, and other technical experts supporting clinical and commercial manufacturing, new product introductions, and technology transfers. The role collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&D, Project Management, and Global Technical Operations to strengthen process robustness, inspection readiness, operational excellence, and future site capabilities. This position reports to the Vice President, Global Technical Operations.

What You Will Do

• Ensure technical support for clinical and commercial products through technology transfer, process monitoring, troubleshooting, product stewardship, validation support, lifecycle management, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Lead technology transfer activities, including internal transfers and transfers from client sites, ensuring effective planning, risk assessment, process understanding, validation readiness, and technical documentation.
• Lead efforts to improve manufacturing efficiency and process robustness through troubleshooting, root cause investigations, change controls, CAPAs, data analysis, and process optimization initiatives.
• Serve as a member of the site leadership team, representing Technical Operations in site initiatives, operational readiness activities, and alignment with global technical standards.
• Lead technical support for manufacturing activities, new product introductions, process improvements, and site operational initiatives in partnership with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, R&D, and Project Management.
• Support the development and implementation of technical capabilities, automation and digitalization initiatives, and platform technologies aligned with site and business needs.
• Coach, develop, and retain technical talent by promoting knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, accountability, and professional development.
• Partner with cross‑functional stakeholders to support technical strategies, risk management activities, technology transfer execution, operational excellence initiatives, and COGS improvement efforts.
• Support regulatory inspections, audits, validation activities, and inspection readiness efforts by providing technical expertise and documentation support.
• Promote process safety, technical stewardship, and compliance with company policies, procedures, and GMP requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline with equivalent relevant experience or
• Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related scientific or engineering discipline
• 8+ years of GMP experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, CDMO, process development, manufacturing science, technical operations, or manufacturing environments with exposure to clinical and commercial manufacturing.
• 3+ years of leadership experience in Technical Operations, manufacturing science, process development, or related technical functions, including leadership of technical and cross‑functional teams, technology transfers, process optimization, validation support, technical documentation, and lifecycle management activities.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, quality systems, regulatory requirements, validation principles, process safety, and inspection readiness expectations.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills; familiarity with Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence methodologies.
• Ability to lead and develop technical teams and effectively collaborate with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Strong project management and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive execution.
• Understanding of budgeting, resource planning, COGS improvement opportunities, and business considerations that impact Technical Operations.
• Ability to work effectively within a matrix organization and collaborate across multiple functions and sites.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, improve processes, and support implementation of new technologies and digital tools.
• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, technology transfer, product stewardship, lifecycle management, SOPs, qualification protocols, ERP/MES systems, and technical documentation.

Annual Salary Range

$129,992.80 - $178,740.10

Total Rewards

We offer all Team Members a total rewards package including competitive pay, annual performance bonus, a generous benefit package with comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision coverage, 401(k) plan with employer contribution, and paid vacation, personal and sick days.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Bachem takes responsibility for future generations by a careful handling of resources and avoiding environmental risks. We continually improve our ecological performance and develop and implement new approaches for enhancing employees’ environmental awareness. EcoVadis has awarded Bachem Gold Medal status in their assessment of Bachem.

Bachem Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer

As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate the diversity of our team and are committed to building an inclusive workplace where individuals are hired and advanced based on merit, skills, and qualifications. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

At Bachem, you’ll find a diverse, multicultural team. The (a) in the job title stands for all. We welcome applications from all candidates. What matters are your skills and motivation—regardless of age, gender, background, religion, or sexual orientation.