Head of Manufacturing

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies. We’re also a Great Place to Work.

This is a collaborative environment where people are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. Welcome to an inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Experience the benefits of lifelong learning, growth and development. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society – and there’s no better time to join our exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a Head of Manufacturing for our new ADC Facility in Singapore, a ~$1.5 billion investment to support our broad and rapidly advancing portfolio of ADC’s. This role is critical in ensuring the seamless production of our medicines, critical for our innovative oncology therapeutics. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in biologics manufacturing to optimize processes, maintain stringent quality standards, and inspire a high-performing team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for all clinical and commercial manufacturing activities at our ADC manufacturing facility. This person will provide leadership to all Process Execution Teams (PET) across the facility. This includes mAb, Drug Linker, DS Conjugation, vial filling and secondary packaging. They will foster effective cross-functional working relationships with site functions such as Engineering, MSAT, Supply Chain, HR, Finance and Quality as well as a number of global functions (Capital Engineering, Global Tech Ops, PT&D, Quality, Finance, IT, & Global Supply Chain).

The person in this role is a key member of the Singapore Operations Leadership Team and is responsible for ensuring that the site delivers on all relevant metrics and KPI’s associated with successful plant start up, new product introduction, regulatory approvals and on-going supply activities.

This role reports into the Client Lead, Singapore Operations. The role will be Singapore based, with some travel to Europe required during facility design.

Scope and Deliverables:

• Leadership: Develop and execute manufacturing plans that align with AstraZeneca's business objectives and the specific requirements of ADC production.

• Safety and Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. Promote a strong safety culture within the manufacturing environment.

• Operational Excellence: Oversee all aspects of the ADC manufacturing process, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and scalability. Manage production planning, scheduling, and execution to meet product demand and quality standards.

• Team Development: Recruit, lead and mentor a diverse team of manufacturing professionals. Cultivate a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the facility.

• Process Optimization: Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing principles and advanced bioprocessing techniques to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

• Quality Assurance: Collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance and Quality Control teams to ensure all regulatory and internal quality standards are adhered to. Implement robust quality control measures throughout the production process.

• Stakeholder Management: Engaging with various stakeholders, including senior leadership, project teams, and external partners, to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

• Budget & Resources: Supporting the development of budget and resource plans to ensure that program objectives are met.

• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks that could impact on the successful start up of the facility, and developing contingency plans as needed.

Essential Requirements:

• Extensive experience in a biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical company having held accountability for complex manufacturing operations, experience in new facility start up is an advantage.

• In-depth knowledge of ADC production processes, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

• Innovative, with strong focus and proven experience in delivering continuous improvement through the use of the latest process excellence tools.

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with experience in a matrix environment.

• Proven ability to analyze complex data and make strategic decisions.

• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated ability to manage both tactically and strategically, to prepare contingency plans and ensure execution of plans

• Sound judgment and comfortable operating in a challenging, fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment.

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements for clinical and commercial biopharmaceutical facilities.

• Demonstrated leadership skills in developing, motivating, and organizing high performing work groups in the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry.

• Excellent communication skills—both upwards and downwards and outside the company. Ability to lead and communicate orally, in written documents, and in formal presentations is required

We would like you to have:

• Undergraduate degree in a Science or Engineering discipline.

• Advanced degree (Masters, PhD, MBA) is an advantage.

This role presents a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of AstraZeneca's ADC ambitions in a dynamic and evolving environment. If you possess the requisite expertise and are eager to take on this challenge, we invite you to apply and join our innovative and ambitious team at AstraZeneca.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.