Director of Operations

About the role

The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the pharmaceutical packaging facility, ensuring efficient production, compliance with regulatory standards, and delivering high-quality products to clients. This leadership role will drive continuous improvement initiatives, optimize operational performance, and ensure the facility meets safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Key Accountabilities

• Operational Leadership: Oversee all aspects of manufacturing, packaging, and distribution operations to ensure optimal productivity, product quality, and on-time delivery. Implement and monitor best practices to optimize workflows, enhance process efficiencies, and effectively utilize resources across all operational functions. Lead the development and execution of operational strategies that align with company goals, foster growth, and drive overall operational excellence.
• Compliance and Regulatory Oversight: Ensure strict adherence to industry regulations, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA regulations, and other relevant pharmaceutical standards. Lead and maintain up-to-date processes to comply with regulatory changes and quality management systems. Coordinate internal audits and inspections, and ensure the facility is consistently prepared for external audits, maintaining compliance at all times.
• Safety Oversight: Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of employees by maintaining a safe working environment. Implement and monitor safety programs, ensuring compliance with OSHA standards and other relevant safety regulations. Lead the safety team in identifying hazards, conducting safety training, and enforcing safety protocols throughout the facility.
• Maintenance and Equipment Oversight: Oversee the Maintenance department to ensure the timely maintenance, repair, and calibration of machinery, equipment, and systems. Develop and implement preventative maintenance strategies to maximize equipment uptime and minimize costly repairs. Manage the scheduling of routine maintenance and emergency repairs to reduce production downtime.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and manage the operations team, including department heads in manufacturing, quality, safety, maintenance, and planning, to ensure peak performance. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across all teams. Drive the recruitment, training, and development of team members to build a skilled, motivated workforce.
• Budget and Cost Management: Develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and efficiency. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across all operational areas-production, cost control, quality, maintenance, and safety-and take corrective actions as needed. Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or compliance.
• Client Relations and Customer Satisfaction: Maintain strong relationships with key clients to ensure high customer satisfaction, meeting client specifications and expectations. Resolve operational or quality issues promptly, ensuring client concerns are addressed to maintain long-term partnerships.
• Reporting and Communication: Provide comprehensive reports on operational performance, KPIs, and project statuses to the executive team. Participate in monthly global business unit review calls, providing updates on facility performance and improvement initiatives. Communicate effectively with both internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of objectives, expectations, and priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. A master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the pharmaceutical or packaging industry.
• Strong background in pharmaceutical packaging operations, manufacturing processes, and regulatory compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP, FDA regulations, and other relevant industry standards.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and drive results.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical abilities.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Results-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing industry demands.