Director Production Operations

Key Responsibilities

• Support facility delivery and operational readiness for new greenfield facilities.
• Lead collaboratively and energetically across all aspects of operational readiness and startup.
• Build an organization with the capability, capacity, and culture to achieve high standards in safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement site systems and processes, drawing on internal expertise and external best practices.
• Act as the end-user representative during project delivery—providing input on design, commissioning, and startup decisions to ensure alignment with project goals and long-term strategy.
• Lead the Production operations strategy, capacity plan, and budget (OpEx/CapEx); align with portfolio, S&OP, and launch timelines.
• Direct manufacturing operations (manufacturing and packing) to meet safety, quality, and volume goals.
• Drive OEE, yield, and cycle-time improvements; reduce scrap and unplanned downtime through Lean/Six Sigma and robust maintenance strategies.
• Build and develop high-performing production team with clear goals and metrics. Hire, train, and mentor production teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and safety.

Required Qualifications

• BS/MS in Chemical/Biochemical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 12–15+ years in drug-product manufacturing with 7+ years leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated excellence in leadership, stakeholder influence, and communication across Quality, EHS, Supply Chain, and Regulatory.
• Strong hands-on leadership style
• Proficient in oral & written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak English
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) 20% travel is required: both domestic and international
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements (FDA, EMA, ISO)
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills
• Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., JDE, SAP)