Manager Equipment & Systems - Leiden (NL)

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’.

We are looking for a Manager Equipment & Systems to join our Technical Support team, part of the Global Cell Therapy Technical Operations group in Leiden, the Netherlands. In this role, you will lead a team of (senior) technical support specialists and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance. This team plays a critical role in building the strategic framework for equipment life cycle management and ensuring its implementation at the Galapagos Central Site in Leiden. On-site presence is key for this role.

Your role

• Define the global equipment life cycle management strategy and implementation plan.

• Lead the deployment of equipment and technical systems (e.g., equipment management system, LIMS) at the Galapagos Central Site. Provide technical expertise and guidance to support the installation, qualification, and validation of equipment and technical systems, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., GMP, GAMP). Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and training materials to support the lifecycle (e.g., operation and maintenance) of equipment and systems.

• In close collaboration with procurement, ensure agreements for global purchase and maintenance contracts for key equipment vendors.

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

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

• Ensure efficient organization and planning of all activities in the department:

  • Ensure smooth daily operations.

  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize the efficiency, reliability, and performance of equipment and systems at the Central Site.

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

  • Take responsibility for managing the assigned budget for Technical Support.

Who are you?

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

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in technical support, engineering, or operations roles in a GMP environment within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.

• Strong proven leadership experience (minimum of 5 years). Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate team members, foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.

• Extensive knowledge of GMP equipment life cycle management; experience with equipment and systems used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and/or quality control. Experience in CSV is a strong plus.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and set priorities.

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.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment with strong focus on your health and well-being. Join us in our journey towards sustainability, as we strive to make a lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.

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 can make it happen…!