Head of External Manufacturing - Biotechnology

Optify Search are currently partnered with an innovative biotechnology company developing next-generation sustainable ingredients through precision fermentation for the food and cosmetics industries. We are searching for a Head of External Manufacturing to lead the industrialisation, scale-up and commercial manufacturing strategy of a rapidly growing organisation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the external manufacturing strategy from pilot scale through to full commercial production.
• Identify, evaluate and manage Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs) and strategic manufacturing partners across fermentation, downstream processing and refining.
• Lead technology transfer activities, ensuring successful scale-up from R&D into pilot and commercial manufacturing facilities.
• Negotiate manufacturing agreements, commercial terms, production costs and timelines with external partners.
• Build robust manufacturing networks and long-term strategic partnerships to support company growth.
• Develop manufacturing cost models, drive Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) reduction initiatives and support commercial decision-making through manufacturing economics.

Qualifications

• Scientific Background: MSc or PhD in Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Industrial Biotechnology Experience: 8+ years' experience within industrial biotechnology, fermentation, process development, manufacturing operations or external manufacturing environments.
• Technology Transfer & Scale-Up Expertise: Demonstrated success transferring processes from laboratory or pilot scale into commercial manufacturing facilities.
• Commercial & Negotiation Skills: Proven experience negotiating manufacturing agreements, technical collaborations and strategic partnerships with CMOs and industrial partners.
• Technical Understanding: Strong knowledge of fermentation, downstream processing, bioprocessing and industrial manufacturing operations.
• Leadership Competencies: Strong project management, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence both technical and commercial teams.

This role offers the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the manufacturing strategy of a high-growth biotechnology business. The successful candidate will work closely with leading manufacturing partners across Europe and beyond while helping bring innovative sustainable products to global markets.

About Optify Search

Optify Search is a leading executive search and selection business. From our offices in London, we provide retained and contingency recruitment solutions across industry and have specialist recruitment consultants operating within the Healthcare, Ingredients, Chemicals, Contract Manufacturing, Packaging and Semiconductor sectors.