Head of External Sterile Operations (Anywhere in Europe)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of External Operations Managers responsible for assigned CDMO relationships
• Own the strategy, governance, and overall performance of external manufacturing partners within assigned scope
• Lead senior-level supplier relationship management across supply, quality, service, cost, and contract adherence
• Lead executive governance meetings, business reviews, and performance discussions with external partners
• Lead major commercial, contractual, and capacity negotiations with CDMOs
• Partner with Global Supply Planning and business leadership on supply strategy, capacity alignment, and network priorities
• Own major escalations and recovery direction for significant supply, operational, or performance issues
• Drive cross-functional alignment across Supply Chain, Quality, Technical Services, Procurement, and other functions
• Set priorities and expectations for the External Operations team and drive accountability across internal and external stakeholders
• Support the development of external operations standards, governance, and operating practices across the network

Shared Responsibilities

• Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, Legal, and Technical Services on supplier strategy, risk management, and execution
• Partner with senior business leadership on external network performance, supply continuity, and long-term partner management

Skills & Experience

• 15+ years of sterile operations experience
• Significant experience leading complex third-party manufacturing or CDMO relationships in pharmaceuticals, biotech, or other highly regulated industries
• Strong background in external manufacturing, supplier relationship management, or network operations
• Experience leading commercial, capacity, or contract negotiations with external partners
• Experience in supply chain, manufacturing, technical operations, procurement, or quality roles that required direct engagement with third-party suppliers
• Experience managing major escalations, supply disruptions, or performance issues across internal and external stakeholders
• Experience setting strategy and governance for supplier performance, including business reviews, scorecards, and risk management
• Prior people leadership experience, including leading managers or directors across a complex operational scope
• Experience working with sterile manufacturing, sterile supply chain, or sterile external networks preferred
• Exposure to financial, commercial, or business planning activities related to supplier management
• Non-traditional backgrounds will be considered where candidates have demonstrated success leading cross-functional execution and managing complex third-party relationships