Senior Consultant - Commercial Lyophilization & Sterile Fill-Finish Operations

Reference: 629706Posted: 2026-08-20Location: San Diego, CaliforniaCompany: Planet Pharma GroupContact: ApplicationsEmail: View email address on click.appcast.io Consultant – Commercial Lyophilization & Sterile Fill-Finish OperationsLocation: San Diego, CA preferred (or surrounding Southern California area) | HybridLength of Assignment: 6 MonthsEmployment Type: Contract, with potential for contract to hire based on performance and business needsPosition OverviewWe are seeking a highly experienced consultant with deep expertise in commercial lyophilization (freeze drying) and sterile fill-finish manufacturing operations to support a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing organization. This individual will provide hands-on technical and operational leadership, helping optimize commercial production activities, troubleshoot manufacturing challenges, and support strategic operational initiatives.The ideal candidate is a seasoned manufacturing professional who began their career in engineering or technical operations and advanced into leadership roles through extensive hands-on experience in commercial manufacturing environments.Key ResponsibilitiesServe as a subject matter expert for commercial lyophilization and sterile fill-finish operations. Provide technical guidance and operational support for manufacturing processes and production activities. Identify and resolve production challenges, process bottlenecks, and operational inefficiencies. Support manufacturing readiness, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives. Advise leadership on best practices for commercial-scale aseptic manufacturing operations. Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Validation, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure compliant and efficient production. Mentor manufacturing personnel and provide hands-on troubleshooting support as needed. Support operational growth initiatives within a fast-paced and evolving business environment. Required QualificationsExtensive commercial experience with lyophilization (freeze drying) operations. Strong background in sterile fill finish manufacturing and aseptic processing. Demonstrated hands-on expertise supporting all aspects of commercial production operations. Engineering, Manufacturing, or related technical background. Progressive career growth from technical or engineering roles into manufacturing leadership positions. Proven ability to work independently and provide strategic as well as tactical operational guidance. Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Available to start immediately or in the near term. Preferred QualificationsExperience with SP Scientific (SP) Lyophilizer systems strongly preferred. Native or fluent Mandarin Chinese speaker. Experience working in both China and the United States highly preferred. Located in San Diego, CA or surrounding areas. Experience supporting operations within a biotech, pharmaceutical, or CDMO environment. Prior experience working with small, growing organizations as a consultant or operational leader. Ideal Consultant ProfileThe successful consultant will combine deep technical knowledge with practical operational leadership experience. This individual is hands-on, results-oriented, and thrives in entrepreneurial environments where speed, flexibility, and execution are critical. They possess a start-up mindset, a strong sense of urgency, and a proven track record of driving manufacturing success in commercial sterile manufacturing operations.