Director, BioNTech Site Services & Engineering

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As a part of our team of more than 5.000 pioneers, you will play a key role in developing solutions for some of the most crucial scientific challenges of our age. Within less than a year, we were able to develop our COVID-19 mRNA vaccine following the highest scientific and ethical standards – writing medical history.
 
We aim to reduce the suffering of people with life-changing therapies by harnessing the potential of the immune system to develop novel therapies against cancer and infectious diseases. While doing so, we are guided by our three company values: united, innovative, passionate. Get in touch with us if you are looking to be a part of creating hope for a healthy future in many people's lives.

Director, BioNTech Site Services & Engineering 

BioNTech is establishing an mRNA research and manufacturing facility in Melbourne based on its modular mRNA manufacturing approach called BioNTainers that will support R&D and the evaluation of mRNA vaccine candidates in clinical trials in Australia, with the aim of strengthening Australia’s mRNA ecosystem.

In this exciting role, you will build and lead a team of Site Services, Engineering and Maintenance professionals to deliver and operate a new state of the art R&D and clinical manufacturing facility in Melbourne, Australia.

Your main responsibilities are: 

• Set-up all relevant technical infrastructure for establishing a mRNA research and GMP-compliant clinical manufacturing facility in Melbourne in close cooperation with global BioNTech Site Services and Engineering functions.
• Active involvement during the construction of the site acting as the facilities (MEP), engineering (process, automation, CQV, cGxP compliance) as User team representative.
• Ensure detailed planning for production start of all building systems to support both R&D and GxP operations. 
• Hire, build, and train a local team for commissioning, qualification, automation, and start-up of the facility in support of being production ready.
• Full End-to-End technical owner of all infrastructure and equipment of the site 
• Lead the site services & Engineering and Maintenance function to ensure full availability for R&D and clinical mRNA manufacturing along the equipment & site life-cycle
  • ensures equipment and facility remain available & qualified/validated for use according to GxP regulations and do not impact the ability to deliver projects and products
  • Responsible for delivering end to end maintenance and calibration process improvements as well as leading the organization in identification and implementation of a world class maintenance program
  • Assumes overall accountability for the management of building, equipment, and grounds
  • Provides compliance with respect to scheduled planned maintenance and calibrations. Ensures computerized maintenance management system remains current
• Overall responsibility to manage a team for repair, maintenance, calibration, automation, CQV, as well as overall site services incl. site experience
• Site business process owner for all engineering and site services
• Manage the teams to ensure full equipment availability according to cGxP guidelines and the system, equipment and facility are maintained at appropriate GxP standards, meeting business requirements and user expectations
• Manage capital and non-capital projects to improve capacity, quality, efficiency, utilization and safety, health & environment 
• Implementation of the global strategies for laboratory planning & organization, as well as digitalization in research and development at the site
• Overseeing local Corporate Real Estate operations in alignment, ensuring strategic planning in alignment with the corporate strategy as under constant consultation with the gobal real estate team
• Maintain collaboration, information exchange, reporting and alignment processes with Global BioNTech Site Services, Global Engineering as well as the Global and Regional R&D and clinical manufacturing networks
  • Alignment of the dedicated site with the corporate and site services strategy, responsible for the implementation of the site services strategy at the site
  • Evaluates “Best Practices” among the network and external resources
  • Consults and cooperate with site/ business unit / corporate / supplier personnel as authorized and required, maintaining effective communications, and working relations
• Responsible for projects to maximize output, minimize cost and support efficiencies and improve SHE performance
• After the building has been commissioned, this position is responsible for the reliable operation of the technical systems and the organization as well as supervision of post construction warranty, maintenance, and repair work. For this purpose, a site-specific team of specialized technicians must be recruited and developed. 
• Administration of the department
  • Responsible for capital plan and forecasting as well as departmental budget
  • Establish departmental goals, metrics and monitor initiatives and performance 
  • Accountable for staff development, training, budgeting and cost control, talent mapping, succession planning, the development of strong leaders within the function, and multifunction long-term planning
  • Coordinate the activities of department management and provide direction and assistance on resolution of complex issues, and potential problems
• The role is the engineering and site services SPOC for all corporate functions 

What you have to offer: 

• University degree (MSc) in process engineering, mechanical engineering, or biotechnology
• +10 years of engineering experience in GxP clinical production
• Experience in CAPEX project delivery in pharmaceutical industry (~150 m A$)
• Profound experiences in biopharmaceuticals at senior management level
• High degree of process know-how for basic technical process operations 
• Extensive qualification knowledge and professional experience required 
• Pronounced team and communication skills 
• Analytical and concept-based thinking and acting GxP-related experience is a must 
• Strong industry network to equipment vendors etc.
• Project management skills, including resource planning, budget control & quality
• Good written and verbal English proficiency 
• Strong technical and people leadership skills including willingness to mentor team members and share knowledge
• Ability to be agile and effectively collaborate in a dynamic, cross-functional environment with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to communicate effectively up and down, at all levels of the organization, present complex and/or new ideas with clarity and simplicity
• Ability to work in an international team understanding cross-cultural perspectives for technical transfer of processes from Germany
• Employs strong analytical and problem-solving skills to manage shifting priorities, demands and timelines.  Ability to identify problems, define problem statements clearly and drive resolution through sound and systematic application of technical knowledge. Innovative and effective in solution development, risk management, and execution  
• Brings a positive, can-do attitude with the ability to succeed in a fast-paced work environment
• Demonstrates sound judgment in collecting and synthesizing relevant data and information; communicates, influences, and escalates issues and decisions as needed
• Takes accountability for actions, drives results, learns from mistakes. Is direct and truthful and therefore widely trusted – delivers on promises, goals, and expectations. Makes quality decisions and resolves problems rapidly. Asks "what can I do to help?"

Benefits for you:

We offer a competitive compensation package which will be determined by the contract type and selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

How to apply: 

Apply now and simply send us your application documents including Curriculum Vitae, copy of ID, copies of degree certificates and professional certificates, motivation letter as well as your contact details by using our online form.

Please note: 

• Only applications sent via our online form shall be considered.
• Only Candidates with the right qualifications and relevant experience shall be shortlisted and
• Incomplete applications shall be rejected.
• Please note that BioNTech will run a background check during the hiring process

We are looking forward receiving your application.

*BioNTech does not tolerate discrimination, favoritism, or harassment based on gender, political opinion, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic or social origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, physical appearance, health status or any other aspect of personal status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Most important – it’s a match!

BioNTech - As unique as you

www.biontech.com