Director, Operations Manager, Manufacturing ​/ Production

Head of MSAT (Manufacturing Science & Technology)

CDMO | Dundee, Scotland | Senior Leadership Role

up to £85,000

Our client is a globally established contract research, development and manufacturing partner focused exclusively on the animal health sector.

Supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology organisations worldwide, the company provides integrated services spanning development, technical transfer, scale‑up and commercial manufacturing of veterinary medicines for both companion and livestock markets.

With operations across the UK, Europe, North America and Asia‑Pacific, the organisation has built a strong reputation as a strategic partner to animal health innovators, combining scientific expertise, operational excellence and long‑term customer collaboration.

The business continues to invest significantly in its global manufacturing network and technical capabilities, with the Dundee site playing a key role in delivering complex development and commercial programmes to international clients.

Driven by a collaborative and performance‑led culture, the organisation places strong emphasis on innovation, customer partnership and continuous improvement across its operations.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT) to join the senior leadership team at a key pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Dundee.

The Head of MSAT will lead the strategic direction, delivery and ongoing development of technical services, process support and technology transfer activities across the site.

This role is critical in ensuring robust manufacturing performance, successful product lifecycle management and high‑quality technical delivery to global customers. The position requires a balance of strategic leadership and hands‑on technical oversight across process troubleshooting, validation, process monitoring and new product introduction activities.

The successful individual will act as a central technical leader within the organisation while serving as a senior interface with customers and external partners.

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the MSAT and Analytical/Technical Services teams
• Develop technical capability across the function, ensuring appropriate expertise exists to support current and future manufacturing programmes
• Lead technology transfer and new product introduction activities across the site
• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives and operational optimisation
• Ensure implementation and maintenance of safe, GMP‑compliant working practices
• Provide senior technical troubleshooting and process support to manufacturing operations
• Ensure products remain in a validated state throughout their commercial lifecycle through ongoing monitoring and validation oversight
• Contribute as a key member of the Site Leadership Team
  , supporting site strategy and performance delivery
• Establish and track technical and operational KPIs aligned to business objectives
• Act as senior escalation point for customers, building strong technical and commercial relationships
• Support stability programmes and lifecycle management activities across product portfolios

• MSc or equivalent qualification in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy or related discipline
• Demonstrated experience delivering successful drug product technology transfer programmes

• 8–12+ years’ experience within pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing environments
• Progressive leadership experience managing technical or MSAT functions
• Strong knowledge of GMP and global regulatory requirements including FDA standards
• Proven background in pharmaceutical formulation, process development or manufacturing technologies
• Experience driving operational improvement and implementing new technical strategies
  
  Strong analytical and data interpretation capability
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and manage competing priorities
• Experience working within CDMO, contract manufacturing or customer‑facing environments highly advantageous
• Familiarity with ERP systems and standard business software platforms