Operations Planning & Control Lead

About Us

Portal Biotech has built the world’s only platform capable of sequencing full-length proteins at the single-molecule level. Using our nanopore technology, we read intact proteins of any size, capturing both sequence and post-translational modifications in a way no other system can. This opens up entirely new ways to understand protein biology, with applications across drug discovery, diagnostics, and biosecurity.
Our technology works and customers are engaging. We’re now focused on scaling, turning breakthrough science into products that deliver real biological insight as we move beyond Series A towards global product launch

About the role

We are seeking an Operations Planning & Control Lead to establish and manage pilot manufacturing operations within our organisation. Based at our London site and working closely with cross-functional teams, this is a primarily on-site role combining hands-on operational delivery with the development of robust manufacturing systems.

You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing manufacturing activities, ensuring production runs effectively while building the operational framework required to support future scale. This is a key role in shaping how manufacturing is run, with the opportunity to embed best practices from the outset.

In the early phase, this role will include active participation in manufacturing activities on the production line, ensuring systems and processes are developed based on real operational experience.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Establish and manage production planning processes, including Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP)

• Develop and maintain production schedules aligned with demand and operational capability

• Lead production readiness checks, ensuring materials, equipment, personnel, and documentation are in place

• Coordinate manufacturing activities across all stages of production

• Monitor production performance and manage escalation of operational issues

• Ensure effective communication and alignment with Supply Chain on material availability

• Drive structured, repeatable, and controlled manufacturing operations

• Support the development of scalable operational processes and planning frameworks

• Participate in manufacturing activities during early pilot phases to ensure effective execution and process understanding

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related discipline, or equivalent industrial experience

• Proven experience in manufacturing operations, production planning, or operations management

• Strong organisational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage complex workflows

• Experience working in structured or regulated environments

• Strong problem-solving ability and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work across multiple teams

Desirable

• Experience implementing SIOP or production planning systems

• Experience in pilot or early-stage manufacturing environments

• Experience in regulated industries (e.g. medical devices, biotech, pharmaceuticals)

• Familiarity with manufacturing performance metrics and continuous improvement approaches

• Experience working with manufacturing or ERP systems

This is a hands-on role within an early-stage manufacturing team, where you will help build and refine processes based on real operational experience. You will play a key part in establishing robust, scalable systems that will underpin future manufacturing capability.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. If you are passionate about building robust manufacturing systems and contributing to the delivery of innovative scientific technologies, we encourage you to apply!