Technical Operations Manager

Location: Sligo, Ireland
Industry: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Function: Technical Operations / Process Engineering / Process Chemistry

Technical Operations Manager – Drug Product Manufacturing

We are looking for an experienced Technical Operations Manager to join the Technical Operations team at our pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Sligo.

The Technical Operations Manager will lead the process engineering and process chemistry group supporting drug product (DP) manufacturing across approximately 4–6 commercial products, as well as new product introductions (NPIs).

This is a senior technical leadership position combining people management, process engineering, process chemistry, technical transfer, validation, new product introduction and continuous improvement. The role provides technical expertise and programme management support for commercial drug product manufacturing and site-wide NPI delivery.

The successful Technical Operations Manager will play a key role in improving manufacturing performance through initiatives focused on yield improvement, cycle-time reduction, process robustness and cost reduction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 3–6 process engineers and process chemists, including setting objectives, performance management, career development, coaching and mentoring.
• Provide technical leadership and accountability for approximately 4–6 commercial drug products and new product introductions.
• Lead the technical support of large-scale drug product manufacturing, working across complex chemistry, engineering and solid oral dose processes.
• Provide technical leadership across the full product lifecycle, from development and introduction through to commercial manufacturing.
• Lead new process implementation and validation activities from project initiation through to process qualification.
• Plan and lead technical transfers for future product introductions.
• Support new product introductions (NPI), manufacturing start-ups and site readiness activities.
• Identify, prioritise and deliver continuous improvement projects focused on yield, cycle time, process performance and standard product cost.
• Lead technical investigations and provide solutions to complex manufacturing and process challenges.
• Prepare process fits, feasibility studies, development activities and operating budgets for future product introductions.
• Manage medium-scale capital projects and provide technical input into site-wide projects.
• Support departmental budgeting and resource planning as delegated by the Manufacturing Manager.
• Work closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, R&D and other cross-functional teams to deliver technical and business objectives.
• Support site strategy and work with internal and external stakeholders to influence product development, technology transfer and manufacturing strategy.
• Coach and develop technical support engineers and chemists to build strong technical capability within the team.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, compliance, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all activities comply with relevant GMP, EHS and environmental standards, procedures and policies.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science or another relevant scientific or technical discipline.
• Proven people leadership experience, including responsibility for direct reports.
• 5+ years' experience in process engineering and/or process chemistry within a GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting commercial pharmaceutical manufacturing, ideally including drug product manufacturing.
• 3–5+ years' experience supporting new product introductions, manufacturing start-ups and/or technology transfers within a pharmaceutical environment.
• Strong experience across batch processing, technical transfer, commissioning and process validation.
• Experience working with complex pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and solving technical problems within a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering continuous improvement and process optimisation initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to evaluate multiple solutions and make sound technical decisions.
• Experience managing technical projects and influencing stakeholders across a complex, cross-functional organisation.
• Strong communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail with a strong GMP and compliance mindset.
• A results-driven approach with the ability to operate independently and take ownership of complex technical challenges.

Why This Role?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Technical Operations Manager, Process Engineering Manager, Process Manager, Technical Manager or Senior Process Engineer looking to take the next step in their pharmaceutical manufacturing career.

As Technical Operations Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a technical team and influence site strategy while working across commercial drug product manufacturing, technology transfer, new product introduction, process validation and continuous improvement.

If you have strong experience in pharmaceutical process engineering, process chemistry or technical operations and are looking for a role combining technical leadership, people management and strategic project delivery, we'd be interested in hearing from you.