M3M3 — Senior Manager
Manufacturing Operations / Bioprocess (Upstream Processing) Manager
The Upstream Manufacturing Manager oversees upstream processes, ensuring they are executed efficiently, safely, and in compliance with GMP regulations. They translate process science into routine production, maintain conditions that maximize cell growth and product yield, and prevent contamination.
What this level means
Leads multiple teams or a sub-function; sets goals and owns cross-team execution.
- Scope
- Multiple teams or a sub-function
- Autonomy
- Sets goals within functional strategy
- Complexity
- Multi-team execution and resourcing trade-offs
- Impact
- Sub-function outcomes
- Decision rights
- Owns goals, budget input, and people decisions across teams
- Leadership
- Manages managers and/or several teams
- Typical experience
- 8–12 yrs
What you'd do
- Manage all operational aspects of upstream bioprocessing.
- Supervise and lead a team of upstream production staff.
- Act as the first line of technical support for upstream process issues.
- Ensure compliance with GMP and relevant regulatory guidelines.
- Coordinate with other departments for cross-functional operations.
- Plan production campaigns in alignment with demand forecasts.
- Oversee safe operations and ensure environmental compliance.
- Manage the operational budget for the upstream department.
- Oversee upstream bioprocessing operations.
- Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
- Coordinate production campaigns with demand forecasts.
- Lead and manage upstream production staff.
- Provide technical support for process issues.
Skills, knowledge & tools
- Team leadership
- Process optimization
- Regulatory compliance
- Budget management
- Cross-functional coordination
- Technical support
- Production planning
- Safety management
- Data analysis
- Strategic planning
- GMP regulations
- Upstream bioprocessing techniques
- Biopharmaceutical production
- Environmental compliance
- Operational budgeting
- Process science translation
- Cell growth optimization
- Contamination prevention
- Demand forecasting
- Technical troubleshooting
- Leadership and Team Management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Analytical & Data-Driven
- Commitment to Quality & Compliance
- Interpersonal skills
- Strategic Thinking
- Safety Orientation
What good looks like
- Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemical/Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with at least 3–5 years in upstream processing operations.
- Master’s degree in a relevant discipline preferred.
- Experience in tech transfer and handling deviations in a regulated environment preferred.
Common titles
Manufacturing Operations / Bioprocess (Upstream Processing) ManagerMid to Senior Management
What it pays
Market-pay benchmarks for this family × level are being recalibrated across all survey sources and will return shortly.
O*NET / SOC: 13-0000 — Business & Financial Operations Occupations (inferred)