(Senior) External Manufacturing Manager (m/f/d) - CTM

We are a specialty vaccine company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases addressing unmet medical needs.

We have leveraged our expertise and capabilities both to commercialize three vaccines, including the world’s first and only chikungunya vaccine, and to rapidly advance a broad range of vaccine candidates into and through the clinic, including candidates against Lyme disease, Shigella and Zika.

We are currently looking for a motivated (Senior) External Manufacturing Manager (m/f/d) - CTM to join our team in Vienna. You will collaborate with internal departments such as R&D, Clinical, Quality and Supply Chain focusing on the following key responsibilities: Drug Substance Process, Technological Transfer & Scale-Up, Supply Chain & Planning, Supplier Relationship Management and Project Management. In detail you will be working on tasks such as:

• Oversee and manage the manufacturing of Clinical Trial Materials (CTM) through external partners and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs)
• Lead Drug Substance (DS) production, including efficient scale-up and tech transfer of DS processes from lab to clinical and commercial manufacturing scales
• Act as the primary liaison between internal technical teams and external CDMOs to ensure high-quality, GxP/GMP-compliant production for clinical trials
• Adapt project planning and associated costs according to the specific requirements of each clinical phase to ensure successful CTM supply
• Manage timelines and resources effectively to ensure on-time delivery of all materials, while upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance
• Demonstrate flexibility in responding to project changes and coordinate closely with external partners to meet key project milestones
• Support regulatory filings, including IND and BLA submissions, ensuring manufacturing data and processes meet global regulatory standards
• Collaborate with internal teams to provide the necessary technical documentation for regulatory submissions, including audits and inspections

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related field
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in Drug Substance (DS) manufacturing in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with a focus on clinical or commercial supply
• Proven experience in tech transfer and scale-up of DS manufacturing processes with CDMOs
• Strong understanding of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, including fermentation, cell culture, purification, and analytical techniques
• Good knowledge of regulatory and quality compliance standards, especially GMP
• Experience supporting regulatory submissions (INDs, BLAs) and global regulatory filings
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects and external partnerships
• Experience in vaccine manufacturing or large-scale biological production is a plus
• Flexible and adaptable, capable of pivoting in response to project changes and unforeseen challenges
• Open-minded, with an entrepreneurial spirit and proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation
• Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills, able to work effectively in a multicultural, cross-functional environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with international teams, showing sensitivity to different cultures and practices
• Strategic thinker with analytical skills for solving technical challenges

Benefits

Working with Valneva means being part of a global biotech company with a clear vision to make a meaningful impact in the world. At Valneva, you can expect a dynamic and innovative work environment characterized by an open, appreciative company culture and exciting, impactful assignments. Enjoy the benefits of flat hierarchies, an international atmosphere, and regular company events that foster collaboration and connection.

Additionally, we offer:

• Work Life Balance: flexitime & compensation days
• Financial perks: Performance-related bonus & Lunch vouchers
• Lifelong learning: Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning & German/English courses for free
• Health & Wellbeing: Free access to sports and fitness activities via myClubs

Join us and shape the future of biotechnology!

Due to legal reasons we are obliged to disclose the minimum salary for this position, which is € 65.000 gross per year based on full-time employment. However our salaries are market oriented and in line with your qualifications and experience.