Associate Director, Business Operations

Cambrex•Charles City, IA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services. With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs. At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve, learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment, and strengthen connections with coworkers and the community. We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more! Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world. Start a career where You Matter by applying today!

Requirements

Strong leadership capability in regulated manufacturing environments
High-level operational and business acumen
Strong planning, scheduling, and resource optimization skills
Ability to influence cross-functionally without direct authority
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Data-driven decision-making capability
Ability to develop frontline leaders
Strong organizational and prioritization skills
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Business, Operations Management, or related field required
10+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or regulated production environments
Demonstrated leadership experience over supervisors or managers
Ability to wear required PPE (steel-toe shoes, safety glasses, fire-retardant clothing)
Physical ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
Regularly sit, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout the facility
Comfortable working in a production environment with exposure to noise, dust, fumes, odors, and varying temperatures

Nice To Haves

Experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, or life sciences manufacturing strongly preferred
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred
Strong financial knowledge related to manufacturing operations
Occasional travel may be required for business or training purposes

Responsibilities

Provide daily leadership oversight to Superintendents, Planning, and Administration to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operations
Ensure production schedules meet customer expectations for quality, cost, and delivery
Lead site planning and scheduling activities, balancing demand, capacity, and labor utilization
Drive consistency in execution across shifts, units, and operational teams
Partner with Technical Operations Leader, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and Finance to ensure seamless site operations
Monitor and control operational spending, including labor, overtime, and discretionary costs
Review and analyze site KPIs related to productivity, throughput, utilization, and overtime
Ensure adherence to FDA, OSHA, EPA, DEA, cGMP, and company standards
Support investigations, corrective actions, and audit readiness related to operational activities
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield, productivity, waste reduction, and cost optimization
Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies
Develop and coach Superintendents, planners, and admin personnel
Promote a culture of accountability, psychological safety, and continuous development
Ensure effective performance management and succession planning for operational leadership roles
Represent Operations in site business reviews, customer meetings, and audits as needed
Communicate operational performance clearly to site leadership and corporate stakeholders
Support digital and systems improvements in planning, reporting, and execution
Ensure alignment between workforce deployment, production priorities, and business objectives