Role can be based from Athlone, Cork or Dublin site.

Introduction to role:
In Alexion Technical Operations (ATO), we work closely with Alexion’s manufacturing network of internal sites and external manufacturing partners, our colleagues in Development, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Commercial Operations to provide technical leadership to ensure delivery of quality products to our patients and support our product pipeline. The Product Technical Lead (PTL) is responsible for providing company-wide technical leadership of Alexion’s commercial products throughout the product lifecycle. As the technical product expert, the incumbent will build and implement strategy to proactively minimize technical risks, through early detection and mitigation of same during late-stage commercialisation, technology transfer activities, and commercial operations. The PTL is the technical liaison within Alexion Technical Operations, working with, Site Technical Services, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Process Development, Supply Chain, Finance, and other functions to ensure regulatory compliance, best in class technical manufacturing, and associated testing processes.

The role bridges efficient communication, technical insights, and decision making related to the technical quality of our products, including the identification and mitigation of risk, and supporting continual technical improvement initiatives across the sites manufacturing our products.

You will be responsible for:

Be the company-wide technical lead for assigned (bio)pharmaceutical product(s) of the portfolio encompassing a variety of modalities, primarily drug substance, raw materials through drug product packaging and associated testing of manufactured products
Maintain knowledge and history of the product(s) process throughout the entire commercial lifecycle, inclusive of development history
Perform process management in the following areas (but not limited to):
- Owner of product improvement road map
- Owner of specification review committees
- Owner of product technical risk summary (based on product risk register) in conjunction with product quality risk register
- Perform process capability analysis (periodic basis) and provide recommendations, in support of APQRs and product reviews
- Review CPV plans and outputs reports for recommendations
Serve as an empowered Alexion Technical Operations representative working collaboratively and cross-functionally with Strategic Product Leads and Product Team members contributing to product vision, technical strategy, technical business cases, plans, and delivery - must consult with functional leaders and bring Operations view to the table to support decision-making and planning
Support Operations by providing technical expertise for investigation and resolution of process deviations with internal/external manufacturing, through authoring/ review and mentoring on key risk assessments
Proactively manage risk and drive product related decisions to ensure the Product team is successful in achieving improvement goals
Identify and lead through to approval, opportunities for process/operational improvements for replication and implementation across the manufacturing network
Collaborate with Technical Services (internal/external) to design, implement and maintain robust process control strategies for products during Technology Transfer and commercial manufacture stages. Author, review and approve CMC sections of regulatory agency submissions, responses (IRs), supporting successful regulatory agency inspections by providing subject-matter expertise on technology transfer, and process, to support the technical content of filings and ensuring flexibilities built in to minimize impact of future process changes
Serve as the empowered Operations representative on CMC Product teams for late-stage clinical products to ensure delivery of commercial products that are consistent with Operations long term strategies
You will present/defend technical and scientific approaches in both written and verbal form, including during regulatory agency inspections
Define, implement, and improve business processes for technical aspects of product lifecycle management
Define the methodology and approaches for developing business cases for lifecycle improvement projects, considering technical, financial, supply and regulatory aspects
Embed Digital solutions/AI into PTL related workflows that enables reduction in NVA
Capture and embed lessons learned from commercial experience back into late stage filing approach, reducing technical risks for continued commercial supply and on time approvals
Support Alexion Strategic Initiatives
Mentor and develop talent of the future
Serve as Technical SME for core identified area/topic.

Essential Skills / Experience:

Degree in scientific or engineering subject area with experience in (bio)pharmaceutical manufacturing/development/process engineering:
Minimum Batchelors Degree
Demonstrated previous experience in a CMC lead / product technical lead role with demonstrated ability to lead cross functional team in a matrix environment
Demonstrated ability to build new organisations or business processes
Extensive technical knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, in Technical, R&D, Process Development, or similar Product Stewardship/Champion roles. Experience in a combination of areas such as DS/DP processes, combination devices, final packaging, vaccine manufacture, cell and gene therapy, oligonucleotides, and associated relevant background in analytical testing/characterisation
Extensive technical knowledge of commercial manufacturing with experience with biologics or small molecule, or development manufacture
Comprehensive understanding of cGMP requirements and the ability to implement best practices to ensure technical excellence
Expertise in successful execution and management of technology transfer, process support within a clinical/commercial facility, or product development setting
Excellent communication skills with the ability to successfully influence across levels, across functions, with senior leaders and technical leaders
Ability to work in a complex, dynamic, global environment, thinking strategically and balancing both long and short-term priorities
Strong technical writing skills and statistical analysis experience
Ability to travel up to 15%
The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

Masters / advanced degree preferred
Experience of Small Molecule processes/products beneficial
Lean/OPEX/Six Sigma qualification, with proven record of improvements
Experience of statistical analysis, and software packages (e.g., JMP)
Strong level of proficiency in MS Office software including Word, Excel, Outlook, Visio, and PowerPoint
Digital and AI savvy.

At AstraZeneca's Alexion division, you'll find an environment where innovation thrives. Our commitment to rare diseases means your work will have a profound impact on underserved patients worldwide. With a rapidly expanding portfolio, you'll enjoy the entrepreneurial spirit of a leading biotech while being supported by exceptional leaders. Our culture celebrates diversity, innovation, and connection to patient experiences. Here, your career is not just a path but a journey to making a difference where it truly counts.

Ready to make an impact? Join us today!

Date Posted

01-Apr-2026

Closing Date

14-Apr-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

Director, Product Technical Lead

Job Description