Operations Director, External Manufacturing

About the role

Elanco, a global animal health company, is looking for an Operations Director, External Manufacturing based in Basel, Switzerland. The role leads the operational performance of the contract manufacturing partner portfolio, providing strategic and tactical oversight of product supply, quality, compliance and operational excellence, while working across functions and leading directly and indirectly.

Key responsibilities

• Lead governance and performance management of the contract manufacturing portfolio, setting up operating forums, account plans, performance metrics and improvement priorities.
• Ensure partners meet financial, quality, supply chain, health and safety, regulatory and internationally recognised standards, including Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX).
• Partner with Procurement on contract negotiations and renewals, contract strategy, dispute resolution and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Drive reliable, cost-effective product supply by coordinating Supply, Technical Services, Quality, Health, Safety and Environment to resolve issues and maintain product quality.
• Lead risk reviews, productivity and continuous improvement initiatives, contract manufacturer selection and due diligence, technical transfers and product change implementation.

Required profile

• Degree in Engineering or Science.
• 5-7 years of experience in a cGMP manufacturing environment.
• Proven supervisory or people-management experience, including mentoring, coaching and performance development.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across Production, Quality, Technical Services, Procurement, Finance, Regulatory and R&D.
• Fluency in English and strong written and verbal communication.

Required skills

• SAP, Veeva and standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Preferred: knowledge of external or contract manufacturing, supply chain methodologies, and experience with governance, technical transfers, product changes, contract management and due diligence.

The position is full time, with 10-30% travel including domestic and international trips.