SVP, Head of Cell Therapy GMP Manufacturing & Process Development (all genders)

Senior Vice President (SVP), Head of Cell Therapy GMP Manufacturing & Process Development (all genders)

For our Cell Therapy Manufacturing Site in Modena, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced leader to join our team as :

SVP, Head of Cell Therapy GMP Manufacturing & Process Development (all genders)

This role is part of the global leadership team and is responsible for overseeing internal and external cell therapy projects, as well as driving the growth and development of the Modena Cell Factory to meet strategic business needs.

The SVP will ensure the successful transfer and GMP-compliant manufacturing of cell and gene therapies, while also taking ownership of logistics and supply chain management. Additionally, the role supports collaborations—both internal and external—for manufacturing activities, and champions the expansion and innovation of our manufacturing capabilities and technologies.

The SVP plays a key role in supporting business development, strategic partnerships, and planning efforts for stand-alone manufacturing as well as integrated development programs.

About the Cell Therapy Business at Evotec

iPSC-based Cell Therapy is a pioneering focus area within Evotec, marked by significant growth and a strategic ambition to lead the market. We invest in cutting-edge technology platforms and generate discovery-stage projects to attract partners and drive progress. Our collaborators include leading international pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

The global Cell Therapy Business Unit is fully integrated into Evotec’s innovation and drug development structure, advancing partnered projects to IND and clinical stages. Core teams are located in Göttingen, Germany (Research & Process Development) and Modena, Italy (Process Development, QC, Regulatory Affairs, and GMP Manufacturing), with additional support from Evotec’s global network of sites.

Our Modena site is a recent addition to the Evotec group, equipped with a state-of-the-art Cell Factory certified by AIFA (Italian Medicines Agency). The team comprises highly skilled professionals with strong backgrounds in cell therapy development. With opportunities for significant expansion, the Modena site plays a key role in Evotec’s strategic partnerships and CDMO service offerings.

Your Profile

We are seeking a cell therapy expert with a vision to bring innovative treatments to patients. Candidates should bring deep expertise in cell therapy manufacturing and development, with a proven track record spanning early-stage projects through late clinical or commercial production. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and team management capabilities are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Modena site and operational team, overseeing process development, GMP manufacturing, QA, and QC functions

Ensure compliance with timelines and budget requirements

Drive operational efficiency, cost optimization, and continuous improvement

Oversee the transition from development to GMP-compliant manufacturing

Ensure implementation and optimization of logistics and supply chain processes

Guarantee compliance with EU-GMP and other relevant regulatory guidelines

Uphold pharmaceutical standards in accordance with national and international regulations

Represent the site during audits and inspections

Contribute to the business plan and strategic positioning of the Modena site

Support CDMO discussions and strategic partnerships

Lead team development and foster a high-performance culture

Integrate innovation into cell therapy manufacturing strategies

Guide the development of facilities to meet strategic and client needs

Serve as a key contact for internal and external GMP transition and manufacturing projects

Collaborate closely with leadership in Modena, Göttingen, Verona, and across Evotec’s global sites

Represent the site at conferences, industry meetings, and networking events to increase visibility

Qualifications and Experience

PhD or equivalent in pharmacology, medicine, biology, or a related scientific discipline

Minimum 10 years’ experience in the cell therapy sector, with a strong track record in ATMP manufacturing from development to GMP production

Experience spanning early-stage through late clinical manufacturing; commercial manufacturing experience is a plus

Previous experience in the pharmaceutical industry or a CDMO environment is highly desirable

Familiarity with clinical trial design is a plus

Solid understanding of EU-GMP regulations; FDA experience is beneficial, but EU manufacturing expertise is essential

Proven leadership experience managing senior scientists and / or group leaders

Excellent communication skills and a collaborative leadership style

Structured, hands-on approach with a passion for science and manufacturing translation

Strong personal motivation, flexibility, and high energy

Ability to work cross-functionally and across cultures within a global organization

Fluent in English (written and spoken); knowledge of Italian is an advantage, but not required

If you are a forward-thinking leader with a passion for advancing cell therapies and building high-performing teams, we encourage you to apply and help us shape the future of cell therapy manufacturing at Evotec.

ENG : In the frame of our Diversity policy, Evotec considers, with equal competences, all applications including people with disabilities.

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