Head of External Manufacturing - Biotechnology

Role overview

An innovative biotechnology company focused on creating next-generation sustainable ingredients through precision fermentation for food and cosmetics is hiring a Head of External Manufacturing. This position will own the industrialisation roadmap, the scale-up journey, and the commercial manufacturing approach for a fast-growing business.

What you will do

• Set the direction for external manufacturing, taking processes from pilot stage through to full commercial output.
• Source, assess, and oversee CMOs and other strategic production partners covering fermentation, downstream processing, and refining.
• Drive technology transfer work so that processes move smoothly from R&D into pilot and commercial facilities.
• Handle negotiations for manufacturing contracts, commercial terms, output pricing, and delivery timelines with external partners.
• Create and expand a reliable manufacturing partner network that can support business growth over time.
• Build cost models for manufacturing, lead COGS improvement initiatives, and contribute to commercial decisions using manufacturing economics.

Candidate profile

The role calls for a science-trained leader with a strong background in industrial biotechnology and hands-on experience in manufacturing, process development, fermentation, or external production environments. The employer is looking for someone who has successfully managed scale-up and technology transfer from lab or pilot settings into commercial operations, and who is confident working with both technical and commercial stakeholders.

The company also values a proven track record in negotiating manufacturing agreements, technical partnerships, and collaboration terms with CMOs or similar industrial partners. Strong project management, relationship-building, and stakeholder management capabilities are essential, along with a practical understanding of fermentation, downstream processing, bioprocessing, and industrial manufacturing.

Education and experience

• MSc or PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in industrial biotechnology, fermentation, process development, manufacturing operations, or external manufacturing.

Why this role stands out

This is a high-impact opportunity to help shape the manufacturing strategy of a rapidly expanding biotechnology company. The role includes close collaboration with manufacturing partners across Europe and beyond, while contributing to the launch of sustainable products for global markets.

Application note

Candidates are asked to share a CV or resume for consideration. Due to the expected volume of interest, only successful applicants will receive a response. If there is no contact within 2 weeks, the application should be considered unsuccessful. The hiring partner is an executive search and selection firm operating from London with recruitment expertise across healthcare, ingredients, chemicals, contract manufacturing, packaging, and semiconductor sectors.