We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Supervisor, Manufacturing (Technical) to join our Production team based at Sekisui Diagnostics, Maidstone, Kent.
About the Role
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced biopharmaceutical manufacturing professional with strong leadership and scientific expertise in fermentation, downstream processing, and chromatography operations.
Reporting to Manufacturing Management, this role will lead the technical manufacturing team and provide strategic and operational oversight across manufacturing activities, driving process optimisation, continuous improvement initiatives, and compliance with quality and regulatory standards.
This position is ideally suited to someone who enjoys working collaboratively across multiple functions while developing both processes and people.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Lead and provide technical direction across fermentation, downstream and chromatography manufacturing areas.
- Drive process optimisation, scale-up and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor manufacturing performance and identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and compliance.
- Coach and develop production teams, promoting safe, compliant and effective working practices.
- Lead quality and compliance activities, including deviations, CAPAs, change controls, FMEAs, risk assessments, and regulatory audits.
- Support manufacturing operations, capital projects, equipment qualification and new product introductions.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Validation and Process Development teams.
- Represent Manufacturing in key operational forums and support budgetary and strategic planning activities.
What We're Looking For
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Degree (BSc or above) in a relevant scientific discipline.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical or related manufacturing environments.
- Strong expertise in fermentation, downstream processing and/or chromatography operations.
- Sound technical knowledge of upstream and downstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.
- Experience working within ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and/or ISO 14001 environments.
- Proven application of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S or other continuous improvement methodologies.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within a cGMP-regulated manufacturing environment.
Key Skills
- Strong technical problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Effective communication, presentation, coaching and mentoring skills.
- Strong planning, organisation and prioritisation abilities.
- High levels of accountability, attention to detail and quality focus.
- Adaptable, collaborative and able to respond effectively to changing priorities.
- Committed to continuous improvement, operational excellence and innovation.
Who we are
At Sekisui Diagnostics, we help improve patient outcomes by doing what we've always done - focusing on innovating and developing highly accurate diagnostics tests, reagents and systems. In recent years, social and consumer needs for medical care have been diversifying in line with dramatic transformations in the global medical environment. We will continue to embrace change and challenge new frontiers so that we can create unique, high-quality products and services that will leave our customers truly satisfied. With worldwide state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and an international sales and distribution network, we are a solid partner for healthcare professionals, distributors, and manufacturers around the world. Our global capabilities allow us to meet the specific needs of our wide range of customers - and customize solutions at both a regional and product level.
Sekisui Diagnostics offers a competitive compensation and benefits package
Equal Opportunities: As an equal opportunity employer, Sekisui Diagnostics is committed to a diverse workforce. Employment decisions will be made without discrimination based on race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable country and local laws. It is also Sekisui Diagnostics policy to comply with all applicable country and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.
Sekisui Diagnostics is pleased to consider all qualified applicants for open roles and encourages candidates to apply online. Only those candidates who are selected for further consideration or interviews will be contacted by a member of the company’s internal recruiting team.
Skills Required
- BSc degree or higher in a relevant scientific discipline
- At least 5 years of experience in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, or related manufacturing environments
- Expertise in fermentation, downstream processing, and/or chromatography operations
- Technical knowledge of upstream and downstream biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes
- Experience working within ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and/or ISO 14001 environments
- Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, or other continuous improvement methodologies
- Experience in a cGMP-regulated manufacturing environment
What We Do
Sekisui Diagnostics, a global provider of innovative medical diagnostics to physicians and laboratories, has been committed to improving the lives of patients for over 30 years. We continue to invest in new diagnostic products in the areas of diabetes, infectious disease, coagulation, diagnostic enzymes and automated systems.
