Technical Operations Manager, Process Chemistry

Pharmaron; Coventry (RI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Pharmaron in Coventry, RI, is seeking a Technical Operations Manager, Process Chemistry, Kilo Lab to lead and optimize Kilo Lab operations and technology transfer across process development and GMP campaigns. The role emphasizes safety, compliance, team leadership, capacity planning, and collaboration with Process Chemistry and Quality groups.

The successful candidate will bring 8+ years in pharmaceutical or CDMO ops, strong experience in process development, scale-up, and cross-functional

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, or CDMO operations.
• Experience supporting process development, scale-up, or pilot plant operations.
• Experience leading technical or operational teams.
• Demonstrated experience with GMP operations.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Kilo Lab operations, including scheduling, resource allocation, equipment readiness, and execution of process development, scale-up, and GMP campaigns.
• Collaborate with Process Chemistry to enable process development, scale-up, and translation of laboratory procedures into safe, practical operations.
• Lead operational readiness for internal and external technology transfers, including resource assessments, scale-up readiness reviews, risk mitigation, and knowledge transfer.
• Promote process safety through risk assessments, hazard reviews, and implementation of safeguards for development-scale operations.
• Oversee facility and equipment readiness, maintenance, reliability, qualification support, and lifecycle planning.
• Lead and develop Kilo Lab personnel, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related technical discipline

Job description

Technical Operations Manager, Process Chemistry, Kilo Lab

Salary Range: $110K-$150K

Location: Coventry, RI

About Pharmaron

Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing organization (CRO/CDMO) helping pharma and biotech companies bring new therapies to life. With over 25,000 employees worldwide across 28 locations in the US, UK, China, and Singapore, we support drug discovery through to manufacturing with fully integrated high-quality services.

We're proud of the impact we make and just last year, we supported 887 discovery projects, 1,100+ CMC programs, and 1,397 clinical trials across all phases. Our teams are involved in everything from small molecules, ADC's, biologics, and gene therapies and we work with more than 3,300 global customers. To learn more, visit www.pharmaron.com.

What You'll Do

The Technical Operations Manager, Process Chemistry provides leadership and oversight of Kilo Lab and Process Chemistry operational activities in support of process development, scale-up, technology transfer, clinical supply, and commercial development programs.

This role serves as the operational leader for the Kilo Lab, ensuring that facilities, equipment, personnel, and operational systems are maintained and resourced to support the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of process development activities and GMP campaigns. The position partners closely with Process Chemistry, Quality, Engineering, EHS, Manufacturing, and Project Management to enable effective execution and successful project delivery.

The Technical Operations Manager is responsible for sustaining an agile, science-driven operating model that meets the evolving needs of development-stage programs while maintaining compliance with site safety, quality, and GMP requirements.

The role will preserve and advance the established Kilo Lab operating philosophy, in which Process Chemistry retains ownership of process design, technical direction, and operational procedures, while Technical Operations provides the infrastructure, resources, and execution support necessary to enable efficient operations and successful program outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Kilo Lab Operations

• Lead Kilo Lab operations, including scheduling, resource allocation, equipment readiness, and execution of process development, scale-up, and GMP campaigns.
• Optimize facility utilization, operational efficiency, and execution across competing project priorities.

Process Chemistry Partnership and Technology Transfer

• Partner with Process Chemistry to enable process development, scale-up, and translation of laboratory procedures into safe, practical operations.
• Lead operational readiness for internal and external technology transfers, including resource assessments, scale-up readiness reviews, risk mitigation, and knowledge transfer.
• Collaborate on operational procedures and continuous improvement while preserving Process Chemistry ownership of process design and technical direction.

Process Safety, Equipment, and Compliance

• Promote process safety through risk assessments, hazard reviews, and implementation of appropriate safeguards for development-scale operations.
• Oversee facility and equipment readiness, maintenance, reliability, qualification support, and lifecycle planning.
• Ensure compliance with site safety, quality systems, and GMP requirements, including personnel qualification, deviation management, CAPAs, and inspection readiness.

Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Growth

• Lead and develop Kilo Lab personnel, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Process Chemistry leadership to assess capacity, identify operational constraints, and plan future staffing, facility, and equipment needs.
• Support operating and capital budgets, capability expansion, and long-term capacity planning.

What We're Looking For

Education

• BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related technical discipline.

Required Experience

• 8+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, or CDMO operations.
• Experience supporting process development, scale-up, or pilot plant operations.
• Experience leading technical or operational teams.
• Demonstrated experience with GMP operations.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional activities.
• Knowledge of process safety and scale-up principles.
• Preferred Experience
• API development and manufacturing.
• Technology transfer execution.
• Early-phase pharmaceutical development.
• Reactive chemistry and hazard assessment.
• Capital project management.
• Pharmaceutical pilot plant or Kilo Lab operations.

Why Pharmaron?

Pharmaron is a premier service provider for the life sciences industry. Founded in 2004, Pharmaron has invested in its people and facilities and established a broad spectrum of research, development, and manufacturing service capabilities throughout the entire drug discovery, preclinical, and clinical development process across multiple therapeutic modalities, including small molecules, biologics, and CGT products. With over 25,000 employees and operations in the US, UK, China, and Singapore. Pharmaron has an excellent track record in delivering R&D solutions to its partners in North America, Europe, Japan, and China.

Collaborative Culture:

You will thrive in our inclusive and collaborative environment, where teamwork and innovation go hand in hand. Here, your voice matters, and your contributions make a real impact. "Employees Number One" and "Clients Centered" are the core cultural values at Pharmaron