Head of MSAT

Company Description

This is for a fast-growing biotechnology company operating at the forefront of life sciences, focused on the development and commercialisation of innovative therapies across biologics, advanced therapies and complex injectable products. As they scale their manufacturing and global supply footprint, they are building a best-in-class MSAT function to support late-stage development, tech transfer and commercial readiness.

Role Description

We are seeking an experienced Head of MSAT to lead and grow our Manufacturing Science & Technology organisation. This is a strategic leadership role, reporting into the VP of Technical Operations, with responsibility for driving process robustness, successful technology transfer and long-term manufacturing excellence across internal and external manufacturing networks.

This role will suit a senior MSAT leader who enjoys operating at both strategic and hands-on level, partnering closely with CMC, Quality, Supply Chain and external CDMOs.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, lead and develop a high-performing MSAT team across process engineering, validation, and lifecycle management
• Own the MSAT strategy supporting late-stage development, launch readiness and commercial manufacturing
• Lead all technology transfers from development into GMP manufacturing (internal sites and CDMOs)
• Act as the technical authority for process characterisation, scale-up, and continuous improvement
• Provide MSAT leadership for PPQ, process validation, and ongoing process verification
• Partner closely with Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain and Manufacturing to ensure inspection readiness and robust control strategies
• Drive technical oversight of external manufacturing partners, ensuring performance, compliance and knowledge transfer
• Champion a culture of data-driven decision making, operational excellence and risk based thinking

Experience & Profile

• Proven experience in a senior MSAT leadership role within biotech, biopharma or advanced therapies
• Strong background in biologics, cell & gene therapy, vaccines or complex sterile products
• Track record of leading successful tech transfers and product launches
• Deep understanding of GMP manufacturing, process validation and regulatory expectations
• Experience managing MSAT across CDMO networks
• Comfortable operating in a scaling organisation where structure is still being shaped
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at executive level

Charles Wiltshire
cwiltshire@barringtonjames.com