About this role
At Bavarian Nordic, we are committed to saving and improving lives by unlocking the power of the immune system. Our commercial product portfolio includes market-leading vaccines against smallpox, mpox, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis, typhoid fever, and cholera. We excel in R&D innovation, manufacturing, and commercialization, striving to improve people's health and quality of life worldwide, protecting our tomorrow.
As the current role holder has taken on new internal responsibilities, we are now seeking a senior manufacturing leader to take on a key role in Drug Substance (DS) production. DS is a highly regulated vaccine manufacturing organization, and the role has a significant impact on our business performance, supply reliability, and patient safety.
The role
As the Head of Drug Substance Cell & Supply, you will have full accountability for operations in Wash & Supply and the Cell Operation, covering people, performance, quality, and delivery. You will lead an organization of 50+ leaders and employees in a highly skilled team, operating in a GMP‑regulated environment, where operational excellence and compliance are equally critical.
This is a role with real consequences: production success or failure directly affects Bavarian Nordic’s ability to meet customer commitments, regulatory expectations, and public health obligations.
The role is located at our biggest manufacturing site in Kvistgaard and reports to the VP, Head of Drug Substance.
Key responsibilities
Overall leadership for Wash & Supply, Cell, DS Engineering and allocated technical department
Accountable for people, safety, quality, delivery, and cost
Ensure GMP compliance and inspection readiness in close collaboration with Quality
Drive a strong safety, quality, and compliance culture across the organization
Deliver reliable supply through robust planning, execution, and continuous improvement
Lead, develop, and engage a large, diverse organization of operators, specialists, and managers
Support DS management with cross‑functional priorities and facilitate long‑term operational strategy
Partner closely various site stakeholders
Balance day‑to‑day operational performance with longer‑term capability building and risk reduction
Represent Manufacturing in senior internal forums and towards key stakeholders
You will now and then act as a substitute for Head of DS
Your profile
We are seeking someone who holds extensive experience from GMP manufacturing within pharmaceuticals, biotech, or vaccines and a proven track record from leadership roles of large organizations (50+ employees), including managers and specialists. Besides this, you bring
Strong understanding of quality systems, regulatory expectations, and inspections
Experience operating in complex, high‑pressure environments where priorities must be balanced carefully
A leadership style that creates clarity, accountability, and trust
Ability to translate strategic objectives into safe, compliant, and reliable operations
Comfort engaging with senior stakeholders and supporting senior management level
Strong proficiency in Danish, both written and spoken, is important for success in this role
Why join Bavarian Nordic
In this role, you will have clear, visible impact on both business results and public health
Leadership responsibility for one of the most critical parts of the company
A strong purpose‑driven organization working on vaccines that matter
Close collaboration with highly committed experts across Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply
The opportunity to shape how Bavarian Nordic manufactures vaccines in the years ahead
Caught your interest?
If you are ready to take on a pivotal role in a growing organization and drive meaningful change in healthcare, apply now and join Bavarian Nordic in our mission to improve health outcomes and foster sustainable growth.
We kindly request that headhunters or recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this position.
Bavarian Nordic is a global vaccine company with a mission to improve health and save lives through innovative vaccines. We are a preferred supplier of mpox and smallpox vaccines to governments to enhance public health preparedness and have a leading portfolio of travel vaccines. We are headquartered in Denmark and have manufacturing, research, and sales offices across Europe and North America.
Bavarian Nordic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
For more information, visit www.bavarian-nordic.com
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About Bavarian Nordic
Danish vaccine company specializing in infectious disease vaccines including smallpox/mpox and travel health. Based in Kvistgaard.
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