Senior Manager, Pilot (all genders)

Job Title: Sr. Manager, Pilot

Location: Toulouse
Department: Pilot, P&PD
Reports To: Director Process Science Development

About Us: this is who we are

At Just Evotec Biologics, we believe that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation and success. As a forward-thinking team, we thrive on challenging the status quo, learning from each other, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We're on a mission to create a place where curiosity isn't just encouraged—it’s celebrated.

Are you someone who asks questions, seeks answers, and isn't afraid to go deeper?   #BeCUREious with us and see where your curiosity can take you!

The Role: Your challenge …in our journey

We’re looking for a passionate and curious Sr. Manager, Pilot to join our team. If you’re excited by new challenges, solving complex problems, and learning every step of the way, you might just be the perfect fit. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to drive impactful projects, collaborate with bright minds, and explore uncharted territories.

As a Sr. Manager, Pilot at Just Evotec Biologics, you'll have the freedom to ask the hard questions, think outside the box, and find creative solutions that push us forward. It’s a role where your curiosity will fuel both your personal growth and the success of the team.

What You’ll Do:

• Leading a multidisciplinary team responsible for operating and developing pilot-scale upstream (bioreactor) and downstream (purification) unit operations, including the execution of 50 L scale engineering and material generation batches bridging process development and cGMP manufacturing.

• Translating laboratory-scale process parameters into scalable pilot operations, ensuring robustness, reproducibility, and readiness for technology transfer to manufacturing.

• Collaborating with upstream, downstream, analytical, and manufacturing teams to design and execute pilot-scale studies supporting process characterization, equipment qualification, and material generation for toxicology and stability studies.

• Overseeing daily pilot plant operations, including scheduling, facility readiness, documentation, and compliance with applicable safety and quality standards.

• Driving the implementation and optimization of intensified and continuous bioprocesses at pilot scale, leveraging single-use technologies and process automation to streamline operations and data management.

• Serving as a key technical resource and subject matter expert for scale-up principles, process control strategies, and tech transfer documentation to cGMP manufacturing.

• Ensuring proper documentation of process data, deviations, and batch records; authoring and reviewing SOPs, protocols, and technical reports.

• Training, mentoring, and supervising technical staff, ensuring adherence to best practices in pilot-scale operations and fostering a culture of safety and scientific excellence.

• Engaging with equipment vendors and engineering teams for the design, selection, and troubleshooting of pilot-scale bioprocess equipment.

• Clearly and effectively communicating pilot study objectives, results, and recommendations to internal project teams, management, and external partners.

• Supporting the development and implementation of digital data capture and analysis workflows to improve process understanding and decision-making.

• Participating in cross-functional project teams to plan and deliver pilot-scale activities aligned with development timelines and regulatory milestones.

Who You Are:

• Holder of a Master’s degree in Biochemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or related field with 15+ years of experience, or Ph.D.holder with 10+ years of experience in bioprocess development, scale-up, or pilot plant operations.

• Fluent in English (mandatory). French proficiency is a plus.

• Able to prove extensive hands-on experience in pilot-scale bioreactor operations (10–200 L) and downstream purification systems (chromatography and filtration).

• With a strong understanding of scale-up principles, process control, and data interpretation for both upstream and downstream processes.

• Experienced in supporting engineering batches, material generation, and technology transfer to cGMP manufacturing.

• Able to prove ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage pilot facilities, and coordinate cross-functional projects.

• Experienced in process intensification and continuous bioprocessing is highly desirable.