VP Manufacturing Science and Technology 100% (m/f/d)

VP Manufacturing Science and Technology will lead the strategic and operational direction of the Manufacturing Science and Technology (MS&T) organization across all manufacturing sites globally. This leader will ensure the development, optimization, and implementation of robust manufacturing processes to consistently deliver high-quality pharmaceutical products.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:
   • Develop and execute the strategy for the MS&T function aligned with the company’s business objectives and operational goals.
   • Establish a culture of innovation, quality, and efficiency within the MS&T organization.
   • Drive the adoption of advanced technologies, such as continuous manufacturing, digital transformation, and predictive analytics.
   • Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the overall manufacturing and supply chain strategy.
   • Coordinate with local MS&T teams to ensure consistency and compliance with global standards.
2. Operational Excellence:
   • Oversee the global technology transfer of products, ensuring seamless scale-up, validation, and commercialization.
   • Ensure robust and reliable manufacturing processes are in place, minimizing variability and optimizing efficiency.
   • Lead the process validation lifecycle, ensuring compliance with global regulatory requirements.
   • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
   • Provide technical leadership in troubleshooting and resolving complex manufacturing issues.
3. Collaboration and Cross-Functional Leadership:
   • Partner with Quality, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams to ensure alignment on product and process requirements.
   • Act as a key liaison with regulatory authorities during audits, inspections, and submissions related to manufacturing processes.
   • Collaborate with Analytical Science & Technology (AS&T) to ensure analytical methods are aligned with process requirements.
   • Manage relationships with external partners, including contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs), to ensure technical alignment and process consistency.
4. Talent and Team Development:
   • Build and lead a high-performing MS&T team, ensuring the development and retention of top talent.
   • Foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous learning.
   • Provide coaching and mentorship to MS&T leaders and teams at the site and regional levels.
5. Compliance and Governance:
   • Lead the MS&T governance, guidance and processes are harmonized and applied across the company.
   • Ensure functional support to local MS&T organization aligned with regional office.
   • Manage MS&T related budgets FTE, OPEX.
   • Role model Arcera Values and adhere to the internal policies and standard operating procedures designed to ensure patient safety, including mandatory attendance at trainings.

Key Skills:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to set a long-term strategic vision while executing immediate priorities.
• Change Management: Proficiency in leading organizational change and fostering a culture centered on quality and compliance, ensuring employee engagement.
• Decision-making under pressure: Make high impact decisions in complex and ambiguous situations.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of the pharmaceutical industry landscape, regulatory requirements, that drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
• People Leadership: Developing leadership pipelines and fostering a strong organizational culture.
• Organizational Savviness: Expert at navigating complex corporate structures, building strong cross-functional relationships and influencing key stakeholders to align strategies with business objectives.
• End-to-End Global Network Transformation & Optimization: Proven expertise in designing and leading the transformation of fully integrated global networks, encompassing manufacturing, quality, supply chain, digital, and B2B operations. Adept at driving network optimization through data-driven decision-making, advanced digital technologies, and strategic partnerships. Skilled in fostering a transformation mindset, enhancing agility, and aligning regional and global operations to improve efficiency, resilience, and business performance.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams in resolving complex issues.
• Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, technical operations, or MS&T.
• Proven track record of leading global teams and managing complex technical challenges.
• Extensive experience in technology transfer, process validation, and commercial manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of global regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, EMA, ICH guidelines).
• Demonstrated success in implementing advanced manufacturing technologies and driving innovation.
• Fluent English, an additional language desirable.