Director, Manufacturing

Director, Manufacturing

Director, Manufacturing

Location:

Montréal, Québec or Sydney, Nova Scotia (Hybrid; frequent travel within Canada and internationally required)

Position Overview
A growing, innovation-driven manufacturing organization is seeking a senior leader to oversee the scale-up and commercialization of complex bioprocesses. This role is responsible for transitioning production from pilot-scale operations to full commercial manufacturing while ensuring robust process performance, quality, and operational readiness.
The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in fermentation-based manufacturing, a working knowledge of downstream processing, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams through rapid growth and operational complexity. This position works closely with engineering, product development, quality, and supply chain stakeholders to support reliable, scalable production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the scale-up and technology transfer of bioprocesses from pilot-scale to commercial manufacturing, including optimization of upstream and downstream operations

• Oversee fermentation-based production at increasing reactor volumes, supporting transitions to large-scale manufacturing environments

• Provide leadership for commercial manufacturing operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and high-quality output

• Align engineering and manufacturing decisions with commercial, operational, and economic objectives

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of bioprocess engineers and fermentation specialists

• Partner cross-functionally with research, product development, quality, supply chain, and commercial teams to support organizational growth

• Manage external manufacturing partners and contract manufacturing relationships as required

• Support downstream processing activities, including product recovery, purification, and compliance with quality standards

• Collaborate with supply chain and procurement functions to ensure reliable access to raw materials and timely product delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline

• 10+ years of experience in biomanufacturing or process engineering, with demonstrated success scaling fermentation-based processes

• Strong background in submerged (liquid) fermentation within pilot and commercial manufacturing environments

• Experience working across both internal manufacturing operations and external contract manufacturing organizations

Leadership & Professional Attributes

• Strategic, systems-oriented thinker with a strong operational mindset

• Collaborative leader who communicates clearly across technical and non-technical teams

• Comfortable operating in high-growth, evolving manufacturing environments

• Strong problem-solving skills and sound judgment in complex, data-driven settings

• Approachable, transparent, and capable of fostering a positive, performance-focused team culture

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