Job Openings
Senior Technical Lead: Manufacturing Digital Systems
About the job Senior Technical Lead: Manufacturing Digital Systems
BIOVAC is one of the leading sterile vaccine manufacturers rooted in Africa, with our core purpose being to "protect life". We are looking to hire a dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and meticulous
Senior Technical Lead – Manufacturing Digital Systems to join a goal-oriented team
JOB PURPOSE:
- To lead the strategic development and implementation of manufacturing and business digital systems across biopharmaceutical manufacturing and supply chain operations. This role combines deep technical expertise with leadership capabilities to ensure digital solutions align with regulatory standards, operational efficiency, and business goals.
- To be a definitive source of knowledge who contribute their expertise to enhance supply chain, production and quality efficiency.
- To driving operational excellence initiatives and provide technical leadership to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and enhance overall performance within the organization
QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED:
Required:
- A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, applied health/life sciences or equivalent.
Preferred:
- Expertise in manufacturing digital systems such as SAP ERP, MES, EBR, LIMs,
- Exposure to cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), data analytics, and cybersecurity.
- Familiarity with supply chain technologies like blockchain, RFID, and predictive analytics.
- Certifications such as PMP, ITIL, or Six Sigma are a plus.
- Tertiary education within applied/technology sciences (Example: Pharmacy, Engineering)
- Relevant certification in Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies
Experience needed to deliver the role seamlessly:
Required:
- More than 10 years' experience within an applied technical role within a commercial vaccine/aseptic manufacturing environment e.g., QA Manager, IT applications specialist, technical transfer, continuous improvement specialist, technical project manager,
- Proven experience in leading and implementing complex or high value digital manufacturing systems projects
- Proven experience in detailed root cause problem solving, process improvement and implementation of corrective/preventative measures.
- Proven practical experience in the ability to improve critical business metrics related to end to end vaccine/aseptic manufacturing.
- Advanced working knowledge within engineering, qualification, validation, and quality assurance
- Advanced knowledge of aseptic vaccine processing/manufacturing operations
- Experience in having faced successfully local quality audits would be an advantage.
Preferred:
- Hoslitic experience across multiple disciplines with pharmaceutical manufacturing and SC specific to the pharmaceutical industry.
- Multiple SAP installations and start up.
- Demonstrated ability to develop digitals metrics both functionally and cross functionally
KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:
Core Technical Delivery:
- Digital Manufacturing and business process Expertise and System Delivery: Provide expert insight in their field of expertise and across the vaccine/aseptic end to end manufacturing process including supply chain. Design, scope and implement manufacturing and business digital systems including but not limited to SAP, MES, EBR, LIMs, etc.
- Production Optimization: Responsible for optimizing production processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality. Analyze production data, identify areas for improvement, and implement process enhancements. This includes evaluating equipment, workflow, and resource utilization to streamline operations and reduce downtime.
- Training and Education: Play a crucial role in training production staff on area of expertise. Develop training programs, conduct training sessions, and ensure that employees are knowledgeable about aseptic principles and comply with the necessary protocols.
- Strategic initiatives: Shape the overall technical direction of an organization or a department focusing on key business drivers within multiple operational departments.
- Standardization: To define and implementing technical standards, frameworks, and best practices across multiple projects and teams.
- Continuous Improvement: Actively participates in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production processes, reduce risks, and increase efficiency. Stay updated with industry trends, new technologies, and regulatory changes, and propose innovative solutions to optimize aseptic manufacturing operations.
- Documentation and Reporting: Responsible for maintaining and reviewing production records, batch documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Generate reports, compile data for management review, and ensure compliance with documentation requirements.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. They need to effectively communicate goals, expectations, and instructions to the team, collaborate with cross-functional departments, and present information to senior management or stakeholders.
- Problem-solving: Possess strong problem-solving skills to identify issues, analyze root causes, and develop effective solutions. This includes the ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and handle unexpected challenges that arise during production operations.
- Planning and Organization: The ability to develop and execute production plans, set priorities, allocate resources effectively, and meet deadlines. Effective planning and organization skills are crucial for ensuring efficient production processes and meeting production targets.
- Technical Aptitude: The ability to understanding key production processes, equipment, and technologies.
- Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze production data, identify trends, and derive actionable insights for improving efficiency, quality, and performance.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Production environments can be dynamic and subject to change. Being adaptable, flexible, and resilient in the face of unexpected situations or shifting priorities is crucial.
Core Technical Competencies:
- Manufacturing Knowledge: Expert understanding of the end-to-end manufacturing processes, including cleanroom operations, sterilization techniques, environmental monitoring, contamination control, formulation, filling, filtration, inspection, labelling and packaging. End to end understanding of the full SC, Manufacturing and QA/QC processes.
- Quality Management Systems: Detailed knowledge of quality management systems (QMS) such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), ISO standards, and regulatory compliance requirements. Familiarity with documentation practices, deviation management, change control, and validation processes.
- Process Optimization: Ability to analyze complex processes, identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks, and implement process optimization strategies. Experience in conducting process capability studies, process validation, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Proficiency in analyzing and interpreting data to identify trends, patterns, and performance metrics. Skilled in using statistical software tools, data visualization techniques, and creating reports or dashboards for performance monitoring.
- Risk Management: Detailed knowledge of risk assessment methodologies, such as Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Ability to identify potential risks, develop risk mitigation strategies, and implement preventive measures.
Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
If you do not receive a response from us within three weeks after the closing date please understand that your application was not successful.
We believe in the magic of diversity within teams and to achieve this, we do apply Employment Equity principles during our selection process where this is necessary to achieve such diversity.
Disclaimer:
Dear Applicant, we appreciate your interest in joining our organization. It is imperative for us that you understand how we handle your information. We are committed to ensuring the security and confidentiality of the information you provide. Your personal details will be collected for the sole purpose of the application process and will be used strictly for that purpose. By applying, you acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and protection of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. If you have any inquiries or concerns, our Human Capital department is available to provide clarification. We look forward to reviewing your application.''
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