Sr. Manager, Operational Technology Programs & Operations Excellence

Danaher•Newark, NJ

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Operational Technology Programs & Operations Excellence is responsible for leading strategic programs that improve the reliability, security, compliance, and effectiveness of manufacturing technology environments across Cepheid’s global operations. This role serves as a bridge between Operations, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology, ensuring that operational requirements are translated into scalable technology solutions that deliver measurable business value. The role leads cross-functional programs involving operational technology infrastructure, manufacturing cybersecurity, network architecture, computerized system modernization, and operational excellence. Depending on business needs, this individual may serve as a Program Manager, Project Manager, Business Lead, or Operations Subject Matter Expert. This position reports to the Senior Director, Systems Engineering and is part of the Systems Engineering organization located in Sunnyvale, California , and will be an on-site role.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
Eight or more years of experience in manufacturing technology, operational technology, engineering, information technology, manufacturing operations, or related functions within complex manufacturing environments.
Three or more years of experience leading cross-functional programs, projects, or workstreams across multiple functions or sites, including demonstrated experience influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
Demonstrated ability to independently develop and execute program charters, project plans, governance structures, risk mitigation plans, implementation strategies, performance metrics, and executive communications for complex technology initiatives.
Working knowledge of manufacturing operations and Operational Technology environments, including industrial infrastructure, computerized manufacturing systems, industrial networks, asset lifecycle management, and production support processes.
Experience partnering with IT, Cybersecurity, Quality, and Validation teams on initiatives involving IT/OT network segmentation, endpoint security, vulnerability remediation, technology controls, computerized system validation, or regulated manufacturing requirements.
Demonstrated ability to translate operational needs into technical requirements, facilitate decisions across technical and nontechnical stakeholders, manage organizational change, and communicate program risks, priorities, and outcomes to senior leadership.

Nice To Haves

Life sciences, medical device, diagnostics, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or another regulated manufacturing industry.
Manufacturing systems such as MES, SCADA, industrial automation platforms, data historians, or connected factory technologies.
OT cybersecurity frameworks, GxP-regulated environments, computerized system validation, or enterprise-scale manufacturing technology transformation.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic Operational Technology and manufacturing technology programs across Cepheid’s global manufacturing sites, driving improvements in reliability, security, compliance, scalability, and operational effectiveness.
Manage complex, cross-functional programs involving OT infrastructure, industrial networks, computerized manufacturing systems, cybersecurity, system modernization, and operational improvements.
Establish program governance, project plans, resource requirements, risk mitigation strategies, performance metrics, and executive-level communications.
Serve as the primary Operations liaison with Information Technology and Cybersecurity teams, translating manufacturing and business requirements into actionable technical solutions.
Lead manufacturing technology modernization initiatives, including infrastructure refreshes, operating system upgrades, asset lifecycle management, technology standardization, and operational readiness.
Represent Operations during solution design, business impact assessments, testing, validation, deployment, change management, and sustainment activities, ensuring manufacturing continuity and stakeholder readiness.
Apply the Danaher Business System, Lean principles, and continuous improvement methodologies to establish scalable governance, improve program execution, and standardize technology practices across sites.