Team Manager Pilot Plant & Process Science

Reporting to the Senior Director Strategic Manufacturing Solutions & Pilot Plant, you will lead the Pilot & Process Science team within the Biologics Development Center, overseeing the planning, execution and documentation of pilot-scale processes for biologics drug substance (DS).

Combining strong technical expertise with hands-on operational leadership, you will organize and guide a team of biotechnicians and process engineers to deliver pilot batches, support process scale-up and enable successful technology transfers to commercial manufacturing. You will ensure that team activities, resources and deliverables are aligned with client commitments, internal project objectives and Celonic’s strategic priorities.

• Lead and develop the team: Guide, supervise and develop a team of biotechnicians and process engineers, setting clear objectives, priorities and responsibilities in line with management guidance and Celonic’s strategic goals.
• Oversee pilot process execution: Guide the design, execution, troubleshooting and documentation of pilot-scale processes for biologics drug substance, including mammalian cell culture, upstream processing (USP) and downstream processing (DSP), for client work packages and internal initiatives.
• Ensure operational delivery: Plan and coordinate pilot plant activities, resources and supporting functions in line with Celonic’s S&OP planning, ensuring the timely and effective delivery of pilot batches and project commitments.
• Drive technology transfer: Support and coordinate the transfer of processes, knowledge and documentation to commercial manufacturing facilities, working closely with the relevant teams to facilitate successful implementation and manufacturing readiness.
• Promote technical excellence: Assess, implement and transfer state-of-the-art technologies for biologics production, providing technical guidance and supporting troubleshooting, process improvement and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate across functions: Maintain close collaboration and regular exchanges with other Biologics Development Center departments, project stakeholders and commercial manufacturing teams to ensure alignment and effective execution.
• Ensure quality and safety: Promote high standards of documentation and good laboratory practices, ensuring compliance with applicable procedures and health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline operations, optimize resource utilization and establish efficient, agile ways of working.

• Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Bioprocess Engineering or a related scientific or engineering discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in pilot-scale or commercial production of biotechnological products, preferably in the biologics industry.
• Experience in technology transfer between sites or from development/pilot scale to commercial manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of bioprocessing technologies, including mammalian cell culture, USP and DSP, as well as cGMP principles and commercial manufacturing constraints.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing small to mid-sized operational teams and coordinating multiple projects.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges and translate findings into practical improvements.
• Familiarity with Quality by Design (QbD), statistical tools and data-driven process optimization.
• A proactive, flexible and collaborative approach, combined with strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands and deliver high-quality results within agreed timelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Fluency in written and spoken English;
  German is an advantage.

• Make a difference by directly impacting patients lives
• Biologics is an attractive, high growth sector with professional development
• Offers a multinational and diverse workplace
• Proud to be a pioneer in “Next Generation” manufacturing technologies
• Family owned:
  Entrepreneurial, and short communication lines
• Basel is a great place to live, play and work in the center of Europe