Head of Downstream Processing (DSP) Manufacturing Operation m/w/d

Functional lead for an interdisciplinary team of process engineers, specialists, shift team leads, manufacturing specialists and biotechnologists. Manages and support the operational activities of a manufacturing DSP unit with regard to safety, quality and on-time-in full delivery. Is accountable for the performance and results in the DSP area. Member of the Manufacturing Leadership Team. 

Type of employment: Payroll

Industry: Biotech

Skills: Manufacturing Operations

Project start: 14 Sept 2026

Project duration: 6 months

Key Accountabilities

• Lead, develop, and coach a multidisciplinary manufacturing team (process engineers, manufacturing specialists, shift leads, and biotechnologists), with overall responsibility for performance management, talent development, workforce planning, hiring, and employee relations.
• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient execution of DSP manufacturing operations, delivering production campaigns in line with safety, quality, GMP, and customer requirements.
• Drive operational excellence by managing performance metrics, resolving manufacturing issues, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and promoting process standardization and  innovation across the production organization.
• Oversee resource and capacity planning, training strategy, and implementation of new technologies to ensure operational readiness and sustainable business performance.
• Provide strong cross-functional leadership and communication, ensuring effective information flow, escalation management, and collaboration with MSAT, Production Support, QA, USP Operations, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as the manufacturing representative during customer meetings, audits, and regulatory inspections, ensuring ongoing compliance and inspection readiness.
• Maintain technical and quality oversight through approval of change controls, risk assessments, workplace inspections, and implementation of GMP documentation within the manufacturing unit.
• Act as a key member of the Manufacturing Leadership Team, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement while supporting overall site objectives and operational performance.
• Support capital investment and facility expansion projects as the manufacturing subject matter expert, contributing to facility design, commissioning, qualification, automation, and operational readiness.
• Act as deputy to the Head of Operations, ensuring leadership continuity and effective decision-making when required. 

Qualifications & Competencies Required

• MSc or equivalent degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in both English and German.
• 10+ years of experience in biotechnological manufacturing (e.g., Production Biotechnologist, Bioprocess Engineer).
• Demonstrated agility and adaptability, with a continuous improvement mindset and the ability to effectively lead and support change initiatives.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align objectives to organizational strategy, make informed decisions, and identify operational and financial improvement opportunities.
• Proven collaboration skills, including the ability to build effective cross-functional partnerships, share knowledge, and foster an inclusive work environment.
• Customer-focused approach with experience understanding stakeholder needs, managing relationships, and driving continuous improvement through insights and data.
• Results-oriented professional with a track record of delivering against KPIs, managing competing priorities, securing stakeholder buy-in, and ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Effective leadership capabilities, including accountability, integrity, coaching and development of others, and fostering open communication, safety, and sustainability within teams.