Senior Manager (Upstream), MSAT

Manufacturing Sciences, Analytics and Technology (MSAT) drives the industrialization and continuous improvement of biological processes and products. The function adopts new technologies and digital innovations while serving as the custodian of manufacturing process knowledge.

Positioned at the intersection of R&D and manufacturing, MSAT is a multidisciplinary function providing expertise in process sciences, manufacturing, process modelling, statistical analysis, validation, and technology transfer.

The Senior Manager, Upstream MSAT (Modulus Singapore) holds decision-making authority across key areas including talent management, team development, and budget allocation. From a technical perspective, the role is accountable for upstream process platforms and material-related decisions across process transfer, validation, manufacturing support, and investigations.

This role also drives innovation through the implementation of new technologies and materials, while ensuring process robustness, optimization, and continuous platform improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team of MSAT upstream scientists and engineers.

• Define team structure, workflows, and deliverables to support process transfer and manufacturing operations.

• Coach and develop team members, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and open communication.

• Drive employee engagement and enhance the organization’s attractiveness for talent in Singapore’s manufacturing sciences landscape.

2. Process Transfer & Project Leadership

• Develop upstream process and engineering strategies to ensure consistency across products and platforms.

• Establish systems and tools for standardization and knowledge management.

• Lead site- or team-level programs/projects, including:

  • Defining manufacturing processes

  • Establishing validation and control strategies

  • Authoring complex technical documents and regulatory inputs

• Ensure delivery of projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards.

3. Manufacturing Support

• Organize MSAT upstream support to meet manufacturing needs, including after-hours on-call support.

• Provide scientific expertise for routine operations and troubleshooting.

• Lead complex investigations, assessments, and CAPA activities.

• Ensure upstream process robustness for assigned products.

• Drive Continued Process Verification (CPV) activities.

4. Lifecycle Management & Innovation

• Act as the primary site contact for assigned products, ensuring alignment with global technical teams.

• Lead initiatives for process and program improvements, including yield optimization and new technology implementation.

• Serve as a subject matter expert and potentially a network-level key opinion leader.

Requirements

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership with strategic vision and operational mindset.

• Effective communicator in cross-functional and multicultural environments.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a data-driven approach.

• Self-directed with the ability to work autonomously and drive initiatives.

• Scientifically curious with a continuous improvement mindset.

Technical & Educational Background

• Degree (or higher) in Biotechnology, Biological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

• Extensive industry experience in mammalian biopharmaceutical processes, including:

  • Process engineering

  • Technology transfer

  • Process validation

  • Manufacturing support

• Strong understanding of upstream processes and parameter interactions.

• Hands-on experience in pilot-scale or large-scale manufacturing environments (cell culture and/or purification).

• Solid knowledge of cGMP requirements and current regulatory expectations.