Client Lead, ADC Conjugation Facility

Client Lead, ADC Conjugation Facility 

Location: Virginia, US

Hybrid working model, 3 days per week in the office location

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to build a flagship ADC conjugation facility that accelerates life-changing medicines to patients? A rare opportunity exists to lead the launch of a new facility on our Virginia campus. This campus will be built to support a rapidly growing pipeline in oncology, weight management, and metabolic disease. You will set the direction, shape how the facility operates, and ensure it delivers reliably and safely from day one.

As the Client Lead, you will define user requirements, align global partners, and operationalize the facility through start-up, product launch, regulatory approvals and into steady-state supply. Collaborate closely with a parallel program in Singapore and campus-wide teams to establish the right infrastructure and ways of working. You will be the leader who turns a blueprint into first batches and a sustainable, scalable operation—and position yourself to transition into the Site Lead role once the facility is running!

Accountabilities:

Program Leadership: Define the facility’s user requirements and long-term vision; ensure delivery of a site that meets business needs for ADC conjugation and supports the broader portfolio.

Facility Readiness and Start-up: Lead the operationalization of the Virginia conjugation facility, including commissioning, qualification, and readiness for new product introduction and regulatory approvals.

Global Alignment: Coordinate closely with related global workstreams, including the Singapore ADC program and campus initiatives, to ensure integrated design, execution and knowledge sharing.

Safety and Compliance: Establish and reinforce a strong safety culture; ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental and regulatory requirements from design through routine operations.

Manufacturing Execution: Oversee production planning, scheduling and execution to meet demand, achieve right-first-time performance and uphold rigorous quality standards.

Team Development: Recruit, mentor and inspire a high-performing, diverse team; build capabilities that support safe, efficient and compliant conjugation operations.

Process Optimization: Drive continuous improvement using lean principles and advanced bioprocessing techniques to boost productivity, reduce cost and enhance reliability.

Quality and Inspection Readiness: Partner with Quality Assurance and Quality Control to implement robust quality controls and maintain inspection readiness throughout start-up and beyond.

Stakeholder Engagement: Build trusted relationships with site functions, global partners, senior leadership and external partners to enable clear decisions and timely delivery.

Budget and Resources: Support development of program budgets and resource plans; prioritize investments to achieve milestones and long-term value.

Risk Management: Identify, assess and mitigate technical, schedule and operational risks; implement contingency plans to protect program timelines and supply commitments.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Proven expertise in pharmaceutical  manufacturing, with good understanding of the specific requirements of ADC conjugation.
• Demonstrated experience defining user requirements and operationalizing new GMP facilities from design through start-up and new product introduction would be advantageous.
• Track record overseeing manufacturing execution, including production planning, scheduling and delivery to quality standards.
• Strong knowledge of safety, environmental and regulatory requirements in a GMP setting; proven ability to promote a strong safety culture.
• Experience driving continuous improvement using lean manufacturing principles and advanced bioprocessing techniques.
• Effective collaboration with site functions such as Engineering, MSAT, Supply Chain, HR, Finance and Quality, and with global functions including Capital Engineering, Global Tech Ops, PT&D, Quality, Finance, IT and Global Supply Chain.
• Experience implementing robust quality control measures and working in close partnership with Quality Assurance and Quality Control.
• Skilled stakeholder management, including engagement with senior leadership, project teams and external partners.
• Experience supporting budget and resource planning for complex programs.
• Proven risk identification and mitigation, with development of contingency plans for facility start-up.
• Ability to work within a matrix reporting structure and align across multiple global programs, including coordination with the Singapore ADC program and campus-wide initiatives.
• US-based role with willingness to travel to Europe during facility design.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Leadership experience in pharmaceutical operations from tech transfer through commercial supply.
• Hands-on leadership of greenfield or brownfield pharma facility start-ups.
• Familiarity with automation, digital manufacturing systems and data-driven performance management in GMP environments.
• Experience preparing for regulatory inspections and filings related to oncology products.
• History of recruiting, coaching and developing high-performing teams and future leaders.
• Collaboration with capital engineering programs and development organizations to accelerate start-up and scale-up.
• Demonstrated ability to transition from program leadership into site leadership roles.

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $193,304 – $289,957.20 USD. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program. Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca:

Here you can transform molecules into medicines at scale while growing your career across a global network. You will work with people who combine clear purpose with practical delivery—lean ways of working, pioneering science and digital tools that make complex operations faster and more reliable. We put unexpected teams together to spark bold ideas, and we back them with significant investment and hands-on leadership. We value kindness alongside ambition, and we act for the long term—advancing sustainable practices and reducing our footprint as we speed therapies to patients who need them. This is a place to build capabilities, take ownership and see your decisions move from concept to commercial reality.

Call to Action:

If you are ready to lead a new ADC conjugation facility from first design decisions to dependable supply—and shape your next decade of impact—let’s build it together!

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.