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At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!
Your Role: Operations Director, External Manufacturing
As Operations Director, External Manufacturing, you will hold a pivotal leadership position, responsible for the strategic and tactical oversight of Elanco's external manufacturing (EEM). This position holds significant responsibility for all aspects of product supply and quality, providing both strategic and tactical oversight. The core of the role is to ensure supply continuity, champion operations excellence, compliance, and drive continuous improvement agenda. This includes executing appropriate governance to guarantee CM performance, service levels, and adherence to Elanco's standards and expectations. The Operations Director reports to the EEM International Hub Leader and is a member of the EEM - International lead team.
Your Responsibilities:
Provide comprehensive oversight and accountability for the entire CM portfolio performance, establishing and leading robust governance structures and ensuring disciplined execution in line with Elanco Standards.
Strategically partner with Procurement and other functions to support the negotiation, renewal, and ongoing compliance of critical CM agreements, including defining contract terms and resolving disputes.
Own and manage the balanced scorecard, ensuring adherence to SOX requirements and maintaining stringent financial oversight for the external manufacturing operations.
Monitor and influence all functional activities related to product supply, driving cross-functional collaboration across Supply, Technical Services, Quality, and HSE to ensure reliable, cost-effective supply and consistent product quality.
Lead the productivity agenda, driving continuous improvement in work practices, quality, and cost efficiency, while also conducting regular risk assessments and managing critical projects and change initiatives.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science
A minimum of 5-7 years' experience in a cGMP manufacturing environment, demonstrating deep understanding of pharmaceutical production and quality systems.
Proven and successful supervisory or people-management experience, with a demonstrated ability to exercise indirect leadership and influence across diverse functional teams and external stakeholders to achieve critical business outcomes.
Strong learning agility across multiple functional areas including Production, Quality, Technical Services, Procurement, Finance, Regulatory, and R&D, coupled with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in SAP, Veeva, and standard Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to prioritize multiple complex activities effectively.
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
Master’s degree (e.g., MA, MSc, MBA, MEng)
Solid understanding of supply chain methodology and concepts, combined with in-depth knowledge of the external manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated experience in project and change management, including participation in CM selection, due diligence activities, and successful technical transfers.
Strong mentoring and coaching capabilities, fostering development within your team and across partner functions.
Additional Information:
Travel: 10-30% on an annual percentage basis. Position requires domestic and international travel.
Location: Speke
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
