Sr. Director, Operations

Thermo Fisher Scientific•Morrisville, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Director of Operations at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you will manage complex manufacturing operations while driving strategic growth and operational excellence. The role directs the production of high-quality products in regulated environments while ensuring customer service and compliance. It optimizes end-to-end operations, implements continuous improvement initiatives, and develops high-performing teams. Working with cross-functional partners, you will establish and execute strategic plans, improve productivity and efficiency, and support a culture focused on quality, safety, and customer success. The role includes P&L responsibilities and scaling operations to meet demand. You will support the PPI (Practical Process Improvement) business system and the 4i values—Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, and Involvement—while developing talent and building engaged, collaborative teams. The position is currently tied to Morrisville, North Carolina, though other locations may be considered. Relocation assistance is not provided. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship and pass a comprehensive background check, including drug screening. Travel of 50–75% may be required.

Requirements

Advanced degree plus 6 years of experience, or a bachelor's degree plus 8 years of experience, in operations leadership in regulated manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated P&L management and operational excellence experience at scale.
Strong working knowledge of cGMP, FDA, and other relevant quality and regulatory requirements.
Experience leading and developing large, multifunctional teams.
Experience implementing continuous improvement and lean manufacturing methodologies.
Strong business acumen and analytical capabilities.
Effective communication and influence skills across organizational levels.
Ability to implement change and deliver results in matrix environments.
Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing technologies.
Strong project management capabilities.
Strategic mindset and ability to balance short- and long-term priorities.
Experience in customer/client relationship management.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Ability to travel 50–75% as required.
Change management and transformation experience.
Cross-functional collaboration and influence skills.
Financial planning and budget management expertise.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, including drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Preferred fields of study include Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Business, or a related technical or scientific field.
Advanced training in continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma or Lean.

Responsibilities

Manage complex manufacturing operations and direct production of high-quality products in regulated environments.
Drive strategic growth, operational excellence, and customer service while ensuring compliance.
Optimize end-to-end operations and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Establish and execute strategic plans with cross-functional partners.
Improve productivity and efficiency and support a culture focused on quality, safety, and customer success.
Manage P&L responsibilities and scale operations to meet growing demand.
Support the PPI (Practical Process Improvement) business system and the 4i values.
Develop talent and build high-performing, engaged, and collaborative teams.