Downstream Biologics Functional Lead
APC Ltd is an award-winning science and technology driven biopharmaceutical process research company. In the space of 5 years, we have pioneered innovation in the sector, we now partner with 8 of the top 10 pharma and 5 of the top 10 biotech firms in the world, and we continue to grow.
From our world-class facility, we offer specialised bioprocess engineering solutions. Powered by novel technology and world-class scientific research, we help companies accelerate the development & launch of their medicines.
Our rapid growth has come from a commitment to excellence, a drive to innovate and the desire to develop a challenging, creative and rewarding environment for our team. If you are interested in a career focused on technical innovation, process design and impact, we would love to hear from you.
About the team
Department: Technical Operations
Reports to: Large Molecule Business Unit Director
Our DSP team comprises of 21 highly qualified, capable, and welcoming colleagues. We support our clients by delivering world class biopharmaceutical process research and development to accelerate the delivery of quality, life-changing medicines to the patient across a wide range of therapeutic areas. Now more than ever the opportunities are greater as technology enhances our capability to make a real difference to patients.
Our team vision is to enhance the process development experience for our clients in a dynamic and cross-collaborative environment, with application of best-in-class chemical engineering techniques, workflows, and technologies.
If you are looking to further your career in a cutting-edge dynamic, creative, and patient focussed environment then APC is for you.
Principal Duties and Objectives
People leadership
- Lead people in line with the values of APC and develop people within the function so that they can deliver excellent science to all projects
- Identify the resource needs for the function and assist recruiting of those personnel
- On-board new personnel and integrate them speedily to be effective in APC via buddy system, training plan etc
- For each team member, set objectives, manage performance and give feedback, have monthly 1:1s, create a development plan over time that includes CPD. Complete the PM review, calibration, salary letter and promotions processes for all team members
- Hold monthly staff meetings to promote 2-way communication including APC and function direction, priorities etc
- Ensure implementation of HR policies and guidelines as regards the team including recognition
Deliver the functions capability to successfully deliver projects to defined targets
- Ensure functional delivery to Projects/APC business through proactive people resourcing to projects and (in partnership with Technical Leads) ongoing monitoring of functional performance within projects (including escalation/resolution/prioritisation of issues)
- Proactively responsible for the function’s technical delivery across all projects in collaboration with functional technical leads.
- In partnership with Technical Leads, Principal Scientific Advisors, COO and CTO, develop and implement improvements to functional service offering and excellence (Technical & Operational)
- Implement functional equipment scheduling to projects inc. prioritisation
- Owns business case for Capex, and develop same in partnership with Technical Leads
- Jointly responsible with other leads, for cross-functional communication and partnership to deliver projects
- Ensures functional review of new project proposals.
- Develop Strategic vision for the function in collaboration with Technical Leads & Principal Scientific Advisors.
Set the culture/tone, ensure standards are maintained, support business processes
- Set and maintain the Safety and Quality culture of the function
- Act as footprint owner for assigned areas, assign equipment and area owners and ensure tasks are complete
- Support commercial (Visits/calls, prospecting)
- Implement improvements (e.g. From AARs) and resolve Tier items as appropriate
- Influence business processes (e.g. SOPs) to be practical for the functional team
Safety & Quality Compliance
- Promote a compliant culture of Safety and Quality through strong leadership and demonstration through day-to-day tasks.
- Consistently adhere to procedure, support continuous improvement and thorough problem solving – for all works including audit and investigations processes.
- Actively engage with and promote Safety & Quality reporting, e.g., safety adverse events and quality non-conformances.
- Where Safety & Quality tasks are assigned, ensure action ownership is assigned and tasks tracked to completion.
- Ensure Safety & Quality requirements for any site visitors/vendors are clearly communicated and are in place to support.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum of 3 years’ industry experience in technical and people management (if PhD qualified); or
- Minimum of 5 years’ industry experience in technical and people management (if Masters qualified)
Skills & Knowledge
- Evidenced track record in technical management of biopharmaceutical process projects.
- Experience in line management and developing team member’s skills and overseeing training programmes.
- Technical experience in the functions such as bioprocessing, analytical method development, biochemical engineering, PAT, process modelling, DoE, QbD and designing scale-up strategies for biopharmaceutical processes.
- Proven track record in internal and external technical communication.
- Experience in strategy development and stakeholder management
Personal Characteristics
- Excellent collaborative leadership and people management style
- Passion for the function and commitment to the success of APC
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally
- Excellent organisational and planning skills with an ability to prioritise and to meet set deadlines
How to apply
Suitable candidates should submit a CV and a Cover Letter by close of business 01st August 2025
APC is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all employees. All employment decisions at APC are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to gender, ethnicity, age, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, or any other status protected by Irish law.
Similar vacancies arising in the coming 6 months may be filled from this group of applicants.