Manager Operations Support

Objective

The Manager Operations Support will be responsible for Support Departments within the Rotterdam Operations Business Unit, primarily that of Cell and Virus Production and Training. This function will also manage the realization of contracted technology transfers to partner laboratories together with the Technology Transfer Project Coordinator in NL inclusive of organizing the training of partner laboratories technicians and new technicians within Cerba Research Netherlands.

Responsibilities and Tasks

General

• Manage the Cell and Virus Production Team to ensure adequate and continuous resources for Production, this includes optimizing cell lines

• Manages activities for Training and Development of staff, this includes implementation of training programs

• Reach sponsor contracted milestones with the operational team

• Maintain training level of partner lab technicians and realize technical training for onboarding Laboratory Operations technicians

• Maximize utilization of existing resources, equipment, and operational personnel, as well as make recommendations for changes

• Develop staff to be high-performing contributors to the team

• Lead the team to encourage maximum performance

• Facilitate creative problem solving, collaboration, and productive troubleshooting with the team

• Recruit the next generation of training staff, keeping in mind long-term needs

• Develop and maintain outside expertise and backup capabilities

• Oversee day to day operations and guide the teams

• Evaluate existing technology transfer workflows and processes and determine which require documentations, cross-training, redesign, or automation is necessary.

• Ensure that needed documentation, cross-training, redesign, or automation efforts are ongoing and held accountable for timelines and quality.

Human Resources

• Supervising employees within the department and identifying and addressing their developmental needs and skills 

• Responsible for efficient and effective division of tasks within the department 

• Developing, coordinating and structuring work plans for the department 

• Managing output and quality of work conducted with the department 

• Advises senior management on staffing for execution of the work of the department

Safety and Health

• As a line manager, you are responsible to provide a workplace that is physically and mentally safe for the employees within your department. This includes: 

• Ensuring compliance with the applicable HSE policy, procedures and guidelines within the team. 

• Identifying and evaluating workplace risks and taking appropriate measures to minimize these risks and regularly reviewing and adjusting this based on experiences and new insights. 

• Organizing work in a way that does not adversely affect the safety and health (physically and mentally) of employees under the authority of Senior management; 

• Involved in supporting and informing HSE and Senior Management in adapting work methods and tools to the personal characteristics of employees to create a safe and healthy working environment. 

• Records and analyzes workplace accidents, near misses and incidents and takes measures to prevent them in the future 

• Ensure that employees are well informed about the risks in their work and trained how to work safely and healthily.

• Works proactively with the company physician and HR to prevent long-term absenteeism and assist employees in returning from illness. 

• Is the first point of contact for employees when it comes to health and safety issues, identifies problems, advises, takes action and excels where necessary. 

Education

• Tertiary qualifications related to cell culture and Virus production

Experience

• Minimum of 10 yrs experience in the required Technical field

• Minimum of 7-10 yrs experience of Laboratory Operations

• Experience in a management role

• Experience with Virus culturing and propagation

Required Competences

Hard Skills

• Knowledge of all guidelines and requirements necessary to set up a laboratory worldwide

• Good oral and written communication skills (English and Dutch)

• Knowledge of OECD series on principles of GLP and compliance monitoring Number 17 is required

Soft Skills

• Planning and Organizing: Strategically planning laboratory operations, managing resources, and ensuring efficient workflows to meet objectives while staying compliant with regulations. 

• Managing: Overseeing staff, budgets, and operations to ensure that daily functions are executed smoothly, optimizing productivity and performance across all laboratory activities. 

• Insight & Solution Oriented: Analyzing operational challenges and providing practical, data-driven solutions to improve laboratory processes, enhance efficiency, and meet scientific or business objectives. 

• Presenting: Communicating laboratory performance, operational updates, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with company goals and transparency in results. 

• Adaptability: Adjusting to changing priorities or evolving regulatory requirements, ensuring that the lab can continue to operate effectively in a dynamic environment.