Sr. Product Leader

Bachem AG•Vista, CA

14d•$150,560 - $207,020

About The Position

The Sr. Product Leader is accountable for the commercial success, strategic direction, and operational performance of one or more products following handover from CMC development. This role leads cross-functional product teams, oversees manufacturing and supply chain performance, manages budgets and capacity needs, and ensures reliable product delivery throughout the CMC lifecycle. Serving as the central point of contact for customers and internal stakeholders, the Sr. Product Leader drives alignment on product strategy, facilitates key decisions, and leads the resolution of product-related risks and production disruptions. The role also supports CAPEX planning and promotes safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement to enhance product quality, process efficiency, and cost performance.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical/scientific discipline (Master's or PhD preferred)
10+ years of (biopharma/CDMO/chemical industry experience
5+ years of proven matrix or line leadership experience with a track record of customer-facing management roles within the chemical and/or life science industry
Leadership in cross-functional teams without line-management authority
Strong knowledge of chemical process development, product manufacturing under cGMPs (small- and large-scale), supply chain management, and regulatory compliance topics.
Proven proficiency in the development and global transfer of manufacturing processes.
In-depth knowledge of relevant industry standards and GMP regulations.
Strong financial acumen and budget management skills.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels and to collaborate across diverse teams.
Demonstrated ability to drive business growth and operational excellence.
Proficiency in MS Office/Teams and MS Project.
Advanced knowledge of software such as SAP, Salesforce, MasterControl, or similar CRM, QMS, or business software

Nice To Haves

Experience with CAPEX projects (preferred)
MBA, PMP or similar certification (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Assume overall accountability for the commercial success of one or more products following handover from the CMC Development Project Leader, including the results of the post-handover CMC Project Team, such as successful PPQ completion, and the Commercial Manufacturing Team regarding manufacturing quantity, capacity, cost, and product delivery.
Lead and integrate the product’s operational activities and CMC lifecycle strategy, including next-generation processes, in collaboration with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, Operations, and customer stakeholders.
Oversee, integrate, and optimize end-to-end manufacturing and supply chain processes to ensure on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery to the customer while supporting operational excellence throughout the product lifecycle.
Serve as the central point of contact for major cross-functional product decisions and escalations, partnering with local leadership across sites and representing the product as a standing member of internal and external steering committees, including CAPEX and Joint Executive Steering Committees.
Lead the cross-functional Product Team and drive strategic alignment, escalating insufficient resource or capacity allocation as appropriate and assembling ad hoc project teams or task forces to proactively address product-related needs.
Take accountability for the timely resolution of production disruptions, deviations, and other urgent issues by ensuring they are first addressed at the operational level and, when resolution is delayed or not feasible, promptly escalating and facilitating cross-functional problem-solving through closure.
Act as the primary customer-facing representative for the product, maintaining consistent communication across all levels and making decisions regarding continued product development and strategy in alignment with Commercial and Operations functions.
Maintain overall budget responsibility for the product and serve as a key stakeholder for capital investments, including requesting product-specific CAPEX based on strategic product-planning opportunities and supporting new multi-purpose or dedicated equipment and the ramp-up of commercial production in new assets.
Promote a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement across all functions supporting the product lifecycle, including evaluating and implementing new technologies and methodologies to improve process efficiency and product quality and reduce cost of goods sold (COGS).