IO Plant Director Pharma

Kerry Group • Rothschild, WI

2d

About The Position

The Plant Leader holds full accountability for the strategic leadership and operational excellence of the Rothschild, Wisconsin facility, a key site specializing in pharmaceutical-grade lactose production through advanced spray drying technologies. This role drives the long-term success of the plant by ensuring strict compliance with global pharmaceutical standards while optimizing efficiency, safety, and quality. Leveraging Kerry’s 1KPS methodologies, the Plant Director champions continuous improvement and fosters a culture of innovation and performance. Acting as the global representative for Integrated Operations within the Excipient/Pharma pillar, collaborating closely with Commercial teams and TPMs to align operational capabilities with business growth objectives.

Requirements

• Demonstrated business acumen and transformational leadership to drive operational excellence and growth.
• Expertise in pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing standards and regulatory compliance.
• Proven capability in spray drying technologies for high-quality production.
• Comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical lactose excipients (e.g., crystalline monohydrate, anhydrous, spray-dried) for granulation and direct tableting.
• Strong command of HACCP principles, food safety systems, and global regulatory frameworks to ensure uncompromising quality.
• Proficiency in continuous improvement, change management, and operational excellence methodologies to deliver sustainable performance.
• BS/MS in Engineering, Business, Food Science, or related field.
• Proven track record in plant management (7+ years) within regulated industry

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of all plant operations, ensuring alignment with business objectives, regulatory compliance, and long-term growth plans.
• Strengthen stakeholder relationships, collaborating across internal global teams and with external customers to support business objectives.
• Foster a culture of Safety and Quality compliance, meeting or exceeding OSHA and global pharmaceutical standards.
• Drive production excellence for pharmaceutical-grade lactose by leveraging advanced spray drying technologies and best-in-class practices.
• Optimize financial and operational performance through cost control, resource allocation, and efficiency improvements.
• Lead capital investment and infrastructure projects to enable future capacity, innovation, and technological advancement.
• Champion continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives using Kerry’s 1KPS methodologies to enhance quality and operational agility.
• Ensure robust inventory management and quality control systems to maintain product integrity and customer trust.
• Shape talent strategy, including workforce development, leadership capability building, and succession planning.
• Adapt and contribute to evolving priorities to support plant and organizational goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support plant and organizational goals.

Benefits

• Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees