Dr. Brian A. Sweetman
Malahide,Co. Dublin
Summary
Technical Operations | MSAT | Multi-Modality Manufacturing
Director-level pharmaceutical technical leader with 15+ years’ experience across API, topical and oral solid dose (OSD) manufacturing in multinational environments including AbbVie, LEO Pharma & Bristol-Myers Squibb. Experienced Site Senior Leadership Team member leading 10–18 FTE technical organisations supporting portfolios valued up to $5B annually. Proven record accelerating technology transfer, optimising validation lifecycle execution and strengthening inspection readiness across EU and US regulated markets.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Technical Operations
AbbVie
North Dublin
10.2025 - Current
- Member of the Site Senior Leadership Team, developing, leading, and implementing the site strategy for AbbVie North Dublin.
- Leading a 10-person Technical Operations organisation supporting the OSD portfolio valued at approximately $3–5 billion annually.
- Delivering 2-5 major technology transfers annually, with 100% on-time PPQ execution.
- Developing, engaging, and managing a diverse, highly skilled technical team, building and maintaining top-tier technical and regulatory expertise, championing new technology assessment and implementation.
Director -Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT)
LEO Pharma
Dublin
12.2023 - 10.2025
- Site MSAT lead and a member of the site Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
- Led a team of 10-18 FTE in the MSAT organisation, supporting over 12 topical formulations.
- Direct accountabilities included technology transfer, process validation lifecycle (PQ/PV/OPV) and cleaning validation, technical life-cycle management activities, technical ownership of M3 documentation for all products manufactured on site, packaging technology, process support and investigation handling, inspection readiness and support, continuous improvement initiatives, project management, clinical trial (IMP) supply, pilot plant management, and technical CMO support.
- Strategic input to organisational design, change management, planning, and management of departmental budgets, people development, and mentoring.
Senior Manager -Global Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT)
LEO Pharma A/S
Dublin
12.2018 - 12.2023
- Led the Global MSAT team and was a member of the site Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in Dublin, and the Global MSAT Leadership Team, driving the science agenda within Global Product Supply.
- Overall accountable for the Technical Management Teams (TMTs) across 3-5 global sites, with responsibility for the governance of technical elements of product life-cycle activities for marketed products at LEO Pharma.
- As Global MSAT FGMIE Senior Manager, other direct accountabilities included technology transfer, process validation lifecycle (PQ/PV/OPV) and cleaning validation, technical life-cycle management activities, packaging technology, process support and investigation handling, inspection readiness and support, continuous improvement initiatives, project management, clinical trial (IMP) supply, pilot plant management, and technical CMO support.
Manager -Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT)
LEO Pharma
Dublin
05.2016 - 12.2018
- Managed the evaluation of proposed changes to FGMIE manufacturing processes, manufacturing equipment, and raw materials in relation to the impact on product quality, safety, efficacy, and stability, and the review of documentation relating to FGMIE production processes, including the manufacturing section of registration documentation and new/updated batch records.
- Managed the coordination and execution of process PQ activities in the FGMIE and OPV programmes.
Manufacturing Development Executive -Finished Goods Technology Centre
LEO Pharma
Dublin
07.2014 - 05.2016
- Provided support to, and optimisation of, existing products and processes, including new product introductions, new supplier evaluations, major investigations, product lifecycle management activities and clinical trial supply.
Manufacturing Technology PhD Chemist
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Swords
12.2013 - 07.2014
- API technology transfer, process optimisation, and led manufacturing investigations. Evaluation of the impact of process/product changes on product quality, yield, and process robustness.
Education
MEngSc - Biopharmaceutical Engineering
University College Dublin
Dublin01-2022
MPharm - Pharmacy
Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
Glasgow01-2011
Ph.D. - Organic Chemistry
University College Dublin
Dublin01-2005
BSc. - Pure and Applied Chemistry
Dublin City University
Dublin01-2001
Skills
- Project management and strategic planning
- Technical leadership, mentoring, and change management
- Technology transfer, process validation, and continuous improvement
References
- Available upon request
Timeline
Head of Technical Operations
AbbVie
10.2025 - Current
Director -Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT)
LEO Pharma
12.2023 - 10.2025
Senior Manager -Global Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT)
LEO Pharma A/S
12.2018 - 12.2023
Manager -Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT)
LEO Pharma
05.2016 - 12.2018
Manufacturing Development Executive -Finished Goods Technology Centre
LEO Pharma
07.2014 - 05.2016
Manufacturing Technology PhD Chemist
Bristol-Myers Squibb
12.2013 - 07.2014
MEngSc - Biopharmaceutical Engineering
University College Dublin
MPharm - Pharmacy
Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
Ph.D. - Organic Chemistry
University College Dublin
BSc. - Pure and Applied Chemistry
Dublin City University