Job Title: Upstream Bioprocessing Team Leader
Location: East London
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
Cpl Life Sciences is collaborating with a clinical-stage biotech that specialises in genetic diseases. They are looking to hire an experienced Upstream Bioprocessing Team Leader on a permanent-basis. The ideal candidate will lead and manage the upstream bioprocessing function, ensuring safe, compliant, and reliable manufacturing of clinical and commercial gene therapies. Oversee a team of scientists, ensuring adherence to GMP standards, operational excellence, and continuous improvement within the manufacturing facility.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage, train, develop, and performance-review a team of up to six Bioprocessing Scientists.
Ensure all work is completed in compliance with GMP, Data Integrity, and Good Documentation Practices.
Maintain timely and compliant training for all team members before task execution.
Oversee and ensure timely closure of GMP documentation, including deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and audit actions.
Ensure manufacturing output meets agreed schedules and quality standards.
Lead initial quality response during processing and maintain inspection readiness.
Manage operational health and safety, ensuring all activities are risk assessed and hazards controlled.
Collaborate across departments to meet performance targets and resolve operational issues.
Communicate goals, progress, and updates effectively within the team.
Promote continuous improvement, coaching team members, and maintaining improvement systems.
Set and uphold high standards for cleanroom operations, environmental monitoring, cleaning, and material handling.
Key Performance Measures:
Zero injuries and incidents in the manufacturing environment.
On-time closure of GMP commitments.
Adherence to production schedules.
Delivery of manufacturing milestones for product development and launch.
Positive regulatory inspection results.
High employee engagement and retention.
Essential Competencies:
Strong leadership in cGMP manufacturing of advanced biopharmaceuticals.
Proven operational health and safety management in dynamic environments.
Effective coaching and development of high-potential teams in growth settings.
Excellent organisational, planning, and risk management skills.
Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capability.
Experience creating and embedding efficient workflows and performance systems.
Skilled in structured problem solving within cross-functional teams.
Commitment to fostering continuous improvement culture.
Background & Requirements:
Degree in Science or Engineering.
Solid experience in manufacturing operations, quality systems, and process development lifecycle.
Track record in regulatory inspections and audit readiness.