Head of MSAT

MSAT Manager

Permanent | Darlington | Up to £70,000

About the Role:

We are seeking an MSAT Manager to lead technology transfer activities into GMP manufacturing within an advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

Reporting into the leadership team, this is a highly visible role responsible for bridging the gap between process development and GMP operations, ensuring manufacturing processes are successfully transferred, implemented, and executed within a regulated setting.

This role combines technical leadership, people management, and customer engagement, making it ideal for someone who understands both clinical-stage bioprocessing and the practical realities of GMP manufacturing. You'll work closely with Development, Manufacturing, QA, QC, Bioengineering, Procurement, and external customers to ensure successful technology transfer and operational delivery.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

Technology Transfer & MSAT Leadership

Lead the transfer of development processes into GMP manufacturing facilities
Act as the primary technical point of contact for customers throughout technology transfer projects
Ensure new processes are robust, scalable, and suitable for GMP manufacture
Coordinate activities across Process Development, Manufacturing, QA, QC, Bioengineering, and external stakeholders to ensure successful implementation

GMP Manufacturing Support

Manage the day-to-day delivery of manufacturing support and preparation activities
Ensure production activities are executed safely, compliantly, and to schedule
Support the introduction of new products and processes into manufacturing operations
Lead deviation investigations, impact assessments, CAPAs, and technical reviews associated with transferred processes  

People Leadership

Lead a small operational team, including GMP operators and manufacturing support personnel
Set objectives, manage performance, and support development of team members
Ensure appropriate training, competency, and resource planning to support manufacturing activities
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement

Cross-Functional Project Leadership

Lead complex multidisciplinary projects involving technical, operational, and quality functions
Coordinate delivery across multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
Support strategic resource, capacity, and equipment planning
Ensure projects are delivered on time, to budget, and to required quality standards

Customer & Business Engagement

Work directly with customers to support process transfer and manufacturing readiness
Contribute technical expertise to business development activities and proposal development
Support future work-winning activities through technical input and customer engagement
Build strong relationships internally and externally to support successful project delivery

About You

You are an experienced bioprocessing or manufacturing professional who enjoys working across multiple functions and taking ownership of complex technical programmes.

You'll bring:

Significant experience within bioprocessing, biologics manufacturing, or MSAT environments
Strong understanding of GMP manufacturing and quality systems
Experience transferring development processes into clinical or GMP manufacturing environments
Knowledge of upstream, downstream, and analytical bioprocessing activities
Experience leading technical projects and coordinating cross-functional teams
Strong problem-solving capability and the confidence to make decisions in complex environments
Excellent stakeholder management and customer-facing skills

Highly desirable:

Clinical-stage manufacturing experience
MSAT, process transfer, or process validation experience
Experience managing GMP operators or production teams
Knowledge of biologics manufacturing and CMC principles

Experience with in mRNA, RNA therapeutics, or advanced biologics environments
Project management experience

Why Join Us?

Opportunity to play a pivotal role in the transfer of innovative products into GMP manufacture
Lead technically complex, customer-facing projects
Combine scientific, operational, and leadership responsibilities
Be part of a growing manufacturing organisation supporting cutting-edge therapies
Competitive salary package of up to £70,000

Location & Working Pattern

Based in Darlington
Full-time permanent position
Primarily site-based due to manufacturing and operational activities
Flexible working arrangements available around core business requirements

The Opportunity

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced GMP or bioprocessing professional to step into a role that sits at the heart of manufacturing delivery. You'll combine technical expertise, customer engagement, technology transfer, and people leadership to ensure innovative therapies successfully move from development into GMP production.

Guidant, Carbon
60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy