Director of Manufacturing Operations

Job Description

Manufacturing Operations Leader – Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Summary

Our client, a pharmaceutical organization, is seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee a complex, 24/7 operation spanning aseptic production and packaging. This individual will lead manufacturing teams, ensure reliable product supply and GMP compliance, drive operational improvements, and support site growth and capacity expansion.

Duties / Expectations of Role

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• Lead manufacturing operations across aseptic bulking, filling, and packaging, overseeing managers, supervisors, and large production teams.
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• Improve operational performance, including overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, and schedule attainment.
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• Lead complex investigations, root cause analysis, and deviation reduction efforts.
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• Maintain FDA inspection readiness and support regulatory and customer audits.
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• Partner with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, Maintenance, and Technical Operations to resolve issues and meet production goals.
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• Support manufacturing scale-up, capacity expansion, and continuous improvement initiatives.
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• Develop management teams through coaching, clear expectations, and accountability.
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• Balance daily operational needs with long-term planning while promoting safety, quality, compliance, and employee engagement.
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Mandatory Requirements

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• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline.
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• 10+ years of pharmaceutical manufacturing experience, including extensive GMP and aseptic manufacturing experience.
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• Demonstrated experience leading managers, supervisors, and large manufacturing teams.
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• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment and complex production processes.
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• Experience managing investigations, deviations, corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and compliance activities.
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• Experience supporting FDA inspections and regulatory audits.
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• Proven ability to lead in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
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• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
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• Ability to work fully onsite and support a 24/7 manufacturing operation.
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Preferred Qualifications

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• Director- or Senior Director-level manufacturing leadership experience.
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• Sterile injectable, aseptic filling, and packaging operations experience.
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• Engineering background with equipment troubleshooting expertise.
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• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence.
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• Manufacturing scale-up, facility expansion, or automation implementation experience.
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• Experience leading highly manual, technically complex manufacturing operations.
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Term & Start

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• Immediate need; fully onsite.
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• Contract, contract-to-hire, or direct hire arrangements considered.
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• Potential long-term leadership opportunity based on organizational needs and candidate fit.
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