Director, External Manufacturing Operations

MSD

Director of Operations overseeing CMO relationships in External Manufacturing for a pharmaceutical company. Leading operational excellence in drug products and substance management.

Posted 4/16/2026full-timeRahway • New Jersey, Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $173,200 - $272,600 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

lead an organization with direct oversight of the relationship with the CMO
serve as the air traffic controller of all information / interactions between the Company and the CMO
represent External Manufacturing operations on the cross-functional teams
accountable for all operational related activities: Compliance, Meeting Demand, Dispute Resolution, Production Planning & Materials Management, Technology Issues, Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement activities
responsible for Financial planning through active participation in the annual budget development process
build a strong interdependent relationship with the EP, facilitating and engaging directly with site leadership teams
contribute to the development of the External Manufacturing Network Strategy and drive strategic initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree minimum in the Engineering or Science preferred
Minimum ten (10) years' experience in small molecule drug substance and/or drug product manufacturing (operations, quality, or technology)
experience with GMP and EHS compliance goals
proven Lean Six Sigma skills
proven skills and expertise at management level drug substance and drug product platforms
proven record, skills and expertise in planning and executing complex, multi-site technical transfers
demonstrated experience in management/leadership positions
demonstrated experience in managing a complex portfolio of projects

Benefits

Comp & perks

medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family)
retirement benefits, including 401(k)
paid holidays
vacation
compassionate and sick days

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Lean Six SigmaGMP complianceEHS compliancedrug substance manufacturingdrug product manufacturingproduction planningmaterials managementdispute resolutionoperational excellencecontinuous improvement

Soft Skills

leadershiprelationship managementstrategic thinkingcommunicationcollaborationproblem-solvingproject managementinterpersonal skillsengagementfacilitation