Are you ready to lead the future of cell therapy manufacturing in Europe? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment where your leadership directly impacts patients’ lives?

What can you expect?

We’re looking for an Operation Plant Associate Director who’s passionate about building high-performing teams, driving operational excellence, and ensuring the successful delivery of life-changing therapies. If you’re a strategic thinker with deep GMP manufacturing experience and a collaborative mindset, this role is for you.

• Lead the implementation, execution, and oversight of cGMP clinical and commercial manufacturing operations at our Ghent site.
• Build and scale the operations organization to support clinical and commercial production.
• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing aligned with cGMP standards and Legend Biotech’s mission.
• Oversee hiring, development, and performance management of the operations team.
• Drive operational readiness and support regulatory inspections and audits.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with MS&T, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and other key stakeholders.
• Own and manage departmental budgets, staffing plans, and performance metrics.
• Champion continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Represent Operations in strategic planning and decision-making forums.

Who are we looking for?

Education: Master’s or Ph.D. in (Industrial) Pharmacy, Bio-engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field—or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• 8+ years in cGMP manufacturing, operations management, tech transfer, validation, and quality—preferably in Cell/Gene Therapy.
• 5+ years in a leadership role within Biologics or Cell Therapy operations.
• Proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
• in fast-paced, growth environments with strong change management skills.
• with regulatory inspections and audit readiness.
• Familiarity with planning tools and digital manufacturing systems.
• Background in budget management and financial planning.

Languages: Fluent in Dutch and English, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Strengths:

• Strategic and hands-on leadership style.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Deep understanding of cGMP aseptic manufacturing.
• Skilled in project management, operational excellence, and lean methodologies.
• Transparent, passionate, fearless, and accountable.

What do we offer you? 

A meaningful leadership role in a cutting-edge biotech environment where your work directly impacts patients. You’ll join a passionate, collaborative team and help shape the future of cell therapy manufacturing in Europe.

• A permanent contract with a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment that values learning, growth, and innovation.
• A chance to be part of something bigger—bringing transformative therapies to patients across Europe.

About Legend Biotech

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to developing, manufacturing, and commercializing innovative and life-saving cell therapies for the treatment of chronic and life-threatening diseases, such as cancer.

The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey. Legend Biotech now employs over 2,400 people across six global manufacturing sites. Two of these sites are in Ghent: Obelisc (Technology Park Zwijnaarde) and Tech Lane (Eilandje Zwijnaarde).

In Ghent, Legend Biotech focuses on the production of advanced CAR-T cell therapies for the treatment of multiple myeloma, in close collaboration with Johnson & Johnson.

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