Associate Director, Packaging Operations

About the role

The Associate Director of Packaging Operations supports the development of Summit's Packaging Operations for commercial product(s). Key responsibilities include managing post-launch activities, collaborating with internal launch teams, overseeing packaging operations with vendors, tracking vendor performance, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage post launch related activities for US and global markets including delivery of Summit’s packaging production plan.
• Act as the main point of contact for managing manufacturing operational interactions with all commercial packaging vendors.
• Collaborate with internal launch teams to ensure all post launch related operational goals are met.
• Oversee ongoing packaging operations with the commercial packaging vendors to ensure on time delivery of finished goods at commercial distribution facility.
• Ensure cycle time from delivery of DP to the Packaging Vendor through to release of the packaged finished product are measured and meet required timelines.
• Track vendor performance against established KPIs, identify performance trends, and collaborate with vendors on corrective actions and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Support the implementation of the Technical Operations strategy to further manufacturing goals, including product availability, cost optimization, and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with CMC, Commercial, Finance, QA and operational teams, ensuring high levels of compliance, performance, and alignment with business objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the commercial packaging domain.
• Ensure the forecasted demand as presented by the Commercial SC team is aligned, managed and delivered, optimizing inventory levels and minimizing excess or shortages.
• Monitor packaging vendor execution against production schedules and communicate potential risks or delays to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Participate in business review meetings with commercial packaging vendors to review operational performance, key metrics, and improvement initiatives.
• Support supplier selection, onboarding, operational oversight, and performance management activities as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve packaging operations, reduce cycle times, and enhance operational efficiency while maintaining product quality and compliance.
• Proactively identify and resolve issues within the packaging operations chain that could affect the delivery of commercial products.
• Lead efforts to streamline processes, reduce lead times, and improve cost-efficiency without compromising product quality.
• Ensure that all packaging operations activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements, including cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices), GDP (Good Distribution Practices), and country-specific regulations.
• Stay current with industry trends and evolving regulatory standards to ensure compliance and alignment with best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply chain management, Engineering, Operations, or a life sciences industry related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of experience in global supply chain management and manufacturing operations in the pharmaceutical/ biotech area.
• Extensive experience in managing packaging operations, including expedited launches, demand forecasting, inventory management, manufacturing operations and distribution logistics.
• Proven experience working with third-party manufacturers (CMOs) and logistics providers, ensuring quality standards and on-time delivery.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance standards in the biotech industry (e.g., cGMP, GDP, and other global regulations).
• Experience in managing global teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Expertise in supply chain management software (ERP, SAP, etc.) and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

Pay

$175,000 - $200,000 USD