Head of Production

For our customer CytaCoat – a Swedish MedTech company that has developed and is commercializing advanced surface coating technologies for medical devices – we are looking for a Head of Production to lead the company into its next phase of manufacturing scale-up. As Head of Production, you will play a pivotal role in making this transformation a reality. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the company's future, taking production from pilot-scale operations to robust, efficient and scalable manufacturing. You will combine hands-on operational leadership with strategic development, building the processes, systems and capabilities required to support rapid commercial growth. WHAT CYTACOAT CAN OFFER You will not simply manage production – you will help build the manufacturing organisation that enables CytaCoat's next chapter of growth. At CytaCoat, you will be part of a high-energy, high-performance environment characterized by an open and transparent culture, flexibility and a strong drive to continuously move forward. You will work alongside colleagues from different parts of the world, bringing diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise to a collaborative and internationally minded team. Scientific excellence and an entrepreneurial R&D mindset are deeply embedded in the organization, where innovation is in focus. THE COMPANY CytaCoat AB is a privately held Swedish MedTech company located at the Karolinska University Hospital site in Solna, Stockholm. Founded by researchers from Karolinska Institutet and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the company was established to develop innovative coating technology for medical devices. The technology is based on a proprietary polymer surface that has demonstrated effects against several problematic pathogenic bacteria associated with healthcare acquired infections. Through collaboration with established marketing partners, CytaCoat has developed a Business-to-Business route to market supplying coated materials to medical device manufacturers. THE ROLE The Head of Production will play a key role in taking CytaCoat’s manufacturing operations to the next level. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining operational delivery with the development of scalable manufacturing capabilities. A key priority will be to lead Production’s contribution to the planned 2027 facility relocation and installation of new production equipment, while ensuring reliable customer deliveries. Future capacity expansion will be aligned with demand, strategy and funding. RESPONSIBILITIES Production leadership and delivery

• Own and constantly improve the order-to-delivery process.
• Lead daily manufacturing operations and set clear priorities for the production team.
• Translate forecasts, orders and inventory needs into practical production schedules and allocate personnel, equipment and materials accordingly.
• Ensure production is completed safely, on time, to specification and with complete and accurate manufacturing records.
• Monitor output, capacity, yield, downtime, scrap and operational risks, and resolve or escalate constraints promptly.
• Manage, train and develop Production Operators and Production Technicians and recommend staffing changes when justified by workload.

Capacity and facility development

• Maintain manufacturing capacity, equipment and workforce scenarios based on approved commercial forecasts.
• Define Production requirements for equipment, utilities, space, maintenance and support systems, and provide operational input to investment decisions.
• Lead the Production workstream within the cross-functional 2027 relocation project, including production layouts, workflows, equipment transfer and continuity of supply.
• Lead Production’s role in equipment selection, installation, commissioning and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ) of the new production equipment under approved project and validation plans.

Materials ERP and logistics

• Act as operational owner of ERP processes for production, material planning, purchasing, inventory, warehousing and traceability, including accurate bills of materials and master data.
• Ensure approved raw materials, components and consumables are available when required, with appropriate stock levels, status control, segregation, rotation and reconciliation.
• Control COGS according to agreed plan and drive a cost-reduction roadmap as volumes scale.
• Manage inbound and outbound logistics and ensure finished products are correctly documented, packed, stored and dispatched.

Quality process control and equipment

• Ensure production follows the Quality Management System, approved instructions, validated parameters and applicable medical-device requirements.
• Own and build out the manufacturing process controls (work instructions, batch records, in-process controls); significant changes to formulations, parameters, equipment configuration or validated processes require applicable technical and quality approval.
• Work with R&D and Quality on process improvements, validation, change control, risk management and investigations.
• Ensure production equipment is available, maintained and calibrated where applicable, and coordinate preventive maintenance and technical support.
• Support audits and ensure assigned deviation, CAPA and audit actions are completed on time. Batch release and independent quality decisions remain with Quality.

Safety, people and performance

• Maintain a safe, orderly production and warehouse environment, including appropriate controls for chemicals, waste and equipment.
• Drive team development through continuous training, cross-training and collaboration, ensuring employees have the skills and qualifications to succeed in their roles.
• Lead continuous improvement of production and supply-chain performance and implement practical improvements in efficiency, yield and working capital.
• Prepare relevant operating budgets and provide reliable data and recommendations for management decisions.

COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE Essential

• Relevant university degree, technical qualification or equivalent practical experience in engineering, chemistry, manufacturing, operations, supply-chain management or a related discipline.
• Substantial production or manufacturing-management experience, including direct leadership of production personnel.
• Practical experience in production planning, inventory control, warehousing, logistics and ERP or manufacturing-planning systems.
• Experience in a controlled or quality-regulated manufacturing environment, with working knowledge of ISO 13485 or equivalent GMP requirements.
• Proven experience of industrializing or scaling manufacturing, e.g. transferring from pilot to commercial production and installation and qualification of new production equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to improve operations and manage cross-functional projects with internal and external stakeholders.
• Professional fluency in English.

LEADERSHIP & PERSONAL ABILITIES

• Hands-on production leadership and sound judgement in a changing environment.
• Ability to build and lead technical teams, driving operational performance through pragmatic processes and clear commercial focus.

Desirable

• Experience in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, wound care or another regulated life-science industry.
• Experience in a chemistry-based coating or thin film manufacturing environment, including chemical handling, process controls and associated safety requirements.
• Working proficiency in Swedish.
• Experience in a start-up or medium-sized manufacturing company, ideally with exposure to building or professionalising production operations.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

For more information, pleases contact us at Brice Group; Adina Lekberg Salamon, +46 73 974 43 34, adina.lekbergsalamon@brice.se Morgan Eilenberg, +46 733 590 550, morgan.eilenberg@brice.se