Senior Director, Manufacturing Technology and Development, Manufacturing Sciences

At AstraZeneca, we win through the science, it is at the heart of our every success. Every decision is rooted in the limitless possibilities of what science can do. We push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. This purpose underpins everything we do. It gives us a reason to come to work every day. It reminds us why we exist as a company. It helps us deliver benefits to patients and build new value for shareholders. It also sets the context for our employees’ activities and the roles of our teams, partners, and other collaborators. AstraZeneca has a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build top talent.

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to lead the charge in redefining drug development strategies into reality? As the Senior Director of Manufacturing Technology and Development within Manufacturing Sciences, you'll provide visionary technical leadership to design, build, and start-up  innovative clinical manufacturing site’s dedicated to biologics drug substance. These innovative facilities will focus on monoclonal antibodies and other large molecule modalities, incorporating sophisticated manufacturing capabilities such as fed-batch, intensified batch, and integrated continuous bioprocessing. With high-containment antibody-drug conjugate capability and flexible manufacturing suites, you'll have the opportunity to design capabilities to support technologies such as fermentation, plasmid DNA, messenger RNA, and viral vector production. Drive the technical strategy from conceptual design through validation, ensuring compliance with cGMP standards in a fast paced, innovation-driven environment.

Accountabilities:

What you'll do:

• Provide senior-level technical leadership throughout all phases of the site’s life cycle—including conceptual and detailed design, construction, commissioning, qualification, start-up, and ongoing improvements.

• Serve as the key authority in biologics drug substance manufacturing, with deep insights into monoclonal antibody process technology.

• Be responsible for the technical build-out and operational readiness of all  production lines, ensuring best-in-class containment, safety, and quality controls.

• Enable and future-proof flexible and modular manufacturing infrastructure that supports rapid technology transfer and introduction of new modalities.

• Drive the integration of digital manufacturing, sophisticated automation, data analytics, and continuous improvement tools to enhance process robustness, yield, and efficiency.

• Partner with various departments and external vendors to ensure successful and timely project execution.

• Establish and maintain thorough cGMP standards, risk management practices, and quality assurance frameworks.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing technical and implementation team to sustain a collaborative, agile, and innovation-driven culture.

• Promote a safety-first environment, championing standard methodologies in high-containment and occupational health.

• Serve as principal technical contact for inspections, regulatory interactions, and support operational/manufacturing knowledge transfer to commercial manufacturing.

• Support business strategy, capital planning, and long-term site capability development.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., Pharm.D., or Master’s degree) or Bachelors with equivalent experience in Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, or related scientific field.

• Deep technical expertise (typically 10-15 years) in biologics drug substance manufacturing technology including process scale-up and cGMP clinical and/or commercial manufacturing.

• Track record of successful technical leadership and delivery in large capital projects (>$100M+), preferably in greenfield or brownfield facility builds.

• Significant experience with high-containment manufacturing, ADC conjugation operations, and facility design for potent compounds is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with additional modalities such as fermentation-based processes, nucleic acid therapeutics (pDNA, mRNA), or viral vector production (AAV/lentivirus) is highly advantageous.

• Deep and current knowledge of global cGMP requirements, regulatory guidelines, and Health Authority expectations for biologics manufacturing facilities.

• Recognized as a thought leader and doer, with a reputation for operational excellence, effective risk management, and instilling a strong quality culture.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Desired experience with traditional fed-batch, process intensification, and continuous processing approaches for biologics.

• Demonstrated excellence in multi-functional leadership, project management, and team development.

• Innovative attitude with the ability to anticipate and proactively address technical challenges.

• Exceptional communication skills capable of engaging executive leadership and external partners.

• Adept at navigating ambiguity and delivering sustainable results in fast-paced environments.

• Critical thinking with foresight to plan for future pipeline trends.

• Proficient in deploying digital solutions in manufacturing.

• Strong business sense and understanding of clinical development to commercial transition.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $182,142 to $273,214.. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.  

At AstraZeneca, innovation is at our heart. We are committed to turning life-changing science into medicines that make a difference for patients worldwide. Our diverse team thrives on curiosity and collaboration, pushing boundaries to deliver rapid approvals that bring new treatments to those who need them most. With opportunities to work on projects at all stages of development, you'll be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued. We support your professional growth through our Regulatory academy and development path initiatives.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

20-Oct-2025

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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.