Operations Planning & Control Lead
Build and run our manufacturing planning system from the ground up. Own scheduling, coordination, and delivery in a hands-on role where your decisions directly drive performance.
We usually respond within a week
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!
- Team
- Operations - Cartridges
- Locations
- London
About Portal Biotech
Founded by DNA-sequencing veterans, Portal Biotech is developing the first bench-top single-molecule protein sequencer, leveraging machine-learning algorithms and building on decades of in-house expertise in nanopore technology. By analysing full-length protein molecules at the single-molecule level, our platform delivers rapid, real-time information on protein identity, abundance, and structure. Those insights open frontiers in drug discovery, diagnostics, and fundamental research, helping scientists and clinicians to better understand human health and disease.