Head of Operations & Business Management

West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. How will yours help write our future?

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. The Director of Operations has primary responsibility for the operational planning and strategy of their customer account and accountability for its successful execution. The position manages, directs and coordinates day-to-day operations and is the main point of contact and escalation. The position serves as part of a Customer/West executive governance team proactively addressing the needs of both organizations. As part of the Grand Rapids Senior Management Team, plays a key role in strategy development for the business and operations.

Interacts with the site leadership teams, and indirectly all site employees, to meet and exceed customer requirements in terms of safety, quality, cost, delivery and service while making products at the lowest cost possible.

Works with all relevant stakeholders across multi sites to design, develop, set and ensure implementation of short, medium-and long-term strategy.

Ensures products meet the requirements of approved production plans at minimum costs within quality limits & consistent with FDA, cGMP, ISO & OSHA requirements.

Responsible for identifying opportunities to improve customer service, quality, safety performance, scrap minimization or otherwise reduce manufacturing costs by using effective management, cost control techniques and Lean Manufacturing.

Directs the maintenance of systems & reports to permit appropriate individuals to exercise control over costs, product quality production & efficient utilization of capital resources & personnel.

Develops and maintains solid working relationships with the customers.

Inputs to asset capitalization strategy, optimization and technology advancements

A leader who drives global asset optimization and associated metrics

Member of the Customer/West Executive Governance team

Challenges and inputs to the Customer– West supply chain strategy

Ensures optimal communication and alignment across the Customer– West network and associated functions

Bachelor’s degree in business or technical field in engineering or supply chain management.

Work Experience

Minimum of ten years of operations management in process-based manufacturing for the medical device and/or pharmaceutical industry. Proven general leadership and production management experience which includes operational planning and analysis.

Ability to directly supervise up to 10 employees who are managers/supervisors/professional staff in the manufacturing/production area and indirectly manage 100+ employees to achieve on-time, on-budget results.

Experience in regulatory agency governed industry, FDA or EMA preferred.

Prior manufacturing experience in an industrial setting.

Proven general leadership and production management experience.

Proficient in computer use including Microsoft Office.

Travel Requirements

5%: Up to 13 business days per year

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see and use hands and finger to operate office equipment (ie phones, computers, copies, etc.).

Sitting and/or standing for extended periods may occur as well as getting to and from offices and building sites.

The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and or equipment.

The noise level in the office work environment is usually quiet. Shift

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.

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