Associate Director, Operations

About the position

Our Manufacturing Operations teams are the people that make our products. We work in the manufacturing plants with a “Safety First, Quality Always” mindset striving for continuous improvement. We work in the local plant connected to our global manufacturing network to ensure the highest quality of raw materials, intermediates and finished products. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Operations Team Lead to oversee a dynamic team of 43 operations employees within our Vaccine Manufacturing Facility (VMF). This leadership role will involve direct supervision of four managers and three individual contributors, ensuring the efficient and compliant execution of critical operations including Weigh & Dispense, Equipment Preparation, Sterile Supply, Kanban, Facilities, Stabilizer Preparation, and Media Manufacturing. The team operates 24/7, and the ideal candidate will be committed to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the smooth operation of Weigh & Dispense, Equipment Preparation, Sterile supply, Stabilizer Preparation, and Media Manufacturing processes, adhering to all regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to achieve annual objectives, including: Zero (0) Recordable Injury Incident Rate (RIIR) and Zero (0) Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIR), Zero (0) Repeat and Critical Audit Observations for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and Quality Compliance, Internal On-Time In-Full delivery ≥ 95%, Total Payroll and Benefits + Corporate Services ≤ Budget, Travel and Meetings ≤ Budget, Total Supplies / Total Transfers to Inventory ≤ Budget, Total Transfers to Inventory ≥ Budget, Manufacturing Variances / Total Transfers to Inventory ≤ Budget, Total Scrap, Obsolete & Excess Inventory ≤ Budget.
• Collaborate with finance and management to ensure operational costs are managed within budgetary constraints, identifying opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Uphold the highest standards of safety and compliance, ensuring all team members are trained and adhere to EHS and quality protocols.
• Drive initiatives aimed at process optimization, waste reduction, and operational efficiency, utilizing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies where applicable.
• Work closely with other departments, including Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, and Engineering, to ensure alignment and support for operational goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Life Sciences, Operations Management) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management within a manufacturing environment, preferably in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams, with a track record of achieving operational excellence and compliance.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and regulatory requirements in a GMP environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in budget management and financial analysis.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
• Retirement benefits, including 401(k)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days