Site Lead

Job Title: Head of API & Peptide Manufacturing

Location: France (Confidential New Site)

Employment Type: Full-time, Senior Leadership

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced senior leader to establish and lead our new API and peptide manufacturing site in France. This is a unique opportunity to shape a state-of-the-art facility from the ground up, driving operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and innovative manufacturing practices. The successful candidate will report directly to the Global Head of Manufacturing and will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategy, culture, and operational performance of the new site.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, build-out, and operational launch of the new API and peptide manufacturing facility, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, timelines, and budget.
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that support the production of high-quality APIs and peptides, including small molecules and complex peptides.
• Ensure compliance with global GMP, regulatory, and quality standards, including EU and international regulations.
• Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team, establishing a strong culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Drive process optimization, capacity planning, and technology transfer initiatives to maximize efficiency and scalability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure seamless integration of manufacturing processes.
• Manage P&L, budgets, and operational KPIs to deliver financial and operational targets for the site.
• Represent the site to internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory authorities, clients, and partners.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Advanced degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in API and/or peptide manufacturing, ideally within a GMP-regulated environment.
• Proven track record of leading site build-outs or significant operational expansions in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Deep knowledge of regulatory requirements for API and peptide production (EMA, ICH, FDA).
• Strong leadership, team-building, and communication skills, with experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on operational expertise, capable of driving both short-term delivery and long-term growth.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in French preferred.

Key Attributes:

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to lead change in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to quality.
• Collaborative, yet decisive, with excellent problem-solving skills.

Why Join Us:

• Lead a greenfield facility from inception to operational excellence.
• Influence strategic direction and contribute to innovative manufacturing approaches.
• Work within a collaborative, global organization committed to scientific excellence and patient impact.