Head of Technical Support US

Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company with offices across Europe and in US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.

We are in the business of changing lives. Focusing on high unmet medical needs, we synergize compelling science, technology, and collaborative approaches to create a deep pipeline of best-in-class medicines. With capabilities from lab to patient, including a decentralized cell therapy manufacturing platform, we are committed to challenging the status quo and delivering results for our patients, employees and shareholders. Our goal is not just to meet current medical needs but to anticipate and shape the future of healthcare, ensuring that our innovations reach those who need them most.

We pioneer for patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and perseverant idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you: The ‘make-it-happener’.

Scope of the job

As Head of US Technical Support (associate director), you will join the US cell therapy technical operations team. You will lead a team of technical support specialists and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure highest standards of quality and compliance. This team plays a critical role in ensuring the successful deployment of equipment and systems to our decentralized manufacturing sites across the United States. 

Your role

• Lead the deployment of equipment and systems to decentralized manufacturing sites in US, ensuring alignment with global policies and contracts.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including Site Management, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain teams, to understand their technical support needs and priorities.

• Provide technical expertise and guidance to support the installation, qualification, and validation of equipment and systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP, GAMP).

• Manage a team of technical support specialists, providing leadership, mentorship, and development opportunities to ensure their success and engagement.

• Collaborate with vendors and external partners to evaluate new technologies, negotiate contracts, and oversee the procurement process for equipment and systems.

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and training materials to support the operation and maintenance of equipment and systems.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize the efficiency, reliability, and performance of equipment and systems across manufacturing sites.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track the effectiveness of technical support activities and identify areas for improvement.

• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements related to equipment and systems used in CAR-T cell therapy manufacturing.

• Budget Management:

  • Take responsibility for managing the budget for Technical Support in the region, including the cost of labor, equipment, and supplies.

  • Develop and oversee the budgeting process, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

  • Monitor and track expenses, identify areas for cost savings, and implement measures to optimize spending.

Who are you?

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field. Advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma) is a plus.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in technical support, engineering, or operations roles within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management position.

• Strong knowledge of equipment and systems used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and/or quality control.

• Proven leadership abilities, including the ability to inspire and motivate team members, foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

What’s in it for you?

At Galapagos, we prioritize your continuous growth and development, fostering a culture of empowerment. Our employees are the driving force behind our mission to lead in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

Base compensation for this position ranges from $129,375 to $215,625. Actual base compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors including experience, qualifications, job-related knowledge, demonstrated skills and geographic location. The company reserves the right to modify base salary ranges at any time.

In addition, this position is eligible for participation in Galapagos’ performance bonus plan and long-term incentive program. We offer comprehensive and generous benefits and programs to help our colleagues lead healthy lives and to support important moments in life.

Galapagos is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job.

We are Galapagos: together, we make it happen…!