Symbiotec - Assistant General Manager/Deputy General Manager - Upstream Production

Key Responsibilities:

Technical & Operational Responsibilities:

- Lead end-to-end upstream fermentation operations including media preparation, seed culture development, fermentation scale-up, and harvest.

- Optimize classical microbial fermentation processes for high cell density and metabolite production using bacteria, yeast, or fungi (e.g., E. coli, Bacillus, Saccharomyces, Streptomyces).

- Ensure production targets (volume, yield, quality, and timelines) are consistently achieved.

- Troubleshoot upstream process deviations, contamination, or yield drops.

- Collaborate with R&D and Tech Transfer teams for scale-up and commercial execution of new strains or processes.

- Evaluate and implement process improvements, automation, and cost-saving initiatives.

- Review and ensure accurate documentation (batch records, SOPs, deviation reports, change controls).

Compliance & Quality:

- Ensure operations are in full compliance with cGMP, regulatory, and EHS requirements.

- Support regulatory audits (USFDA, EMA, WHO, etc.) and customer inspections.

- Participate in investigations (OOS/OOT, deviations) and implement CAPAs related to upstream activities.

Team Leadership & Coordination:

- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of production officers, operators, and shift engineers.

- Ensure adequate training of team members on fermentation operations and GMP.

- Coordinate closely with downstream, QA, maintenance, and warehouse functions for smooth operations.