Role Summary:The Director, External Manufacturing Operations External Manufacturing will serve as a key member of the External Manufacturing Leadership Team and will lead a team of Supplier Relationship Managers (SRMs) responsible for overseeing activities such as drug substance and product manufacturing, labeling and packaging, QC testing, quality assurance, and supply chain coordination across global CMOs. This leader will serve as a strategic partner across internal and external stakeholders and will drive operational excellence, performance, and connectivity within Servier's External Manufacturing network.
The ideal candidate brings deep operational experience in commercial pharmaceutical or biologics manufacturing, a collaborative leadership style, and a strategic mindset focused on future-ready organizational design.
Key Leadership Capabilities:- Vision to Action: Translate the evolving mission of External Manufacturing into clear team objectives, delivering outcomes that support supply reliability, operational excellence, and long-term CMO strategy.
- Empowerment & Accountability: Foster a culture where team members take ownership of strategic execution while maintaining strong decision-making discipline and risk escalation practices.
- Change Navigation: Lead with empathy and focus through ambiguity and transformation; anticipate resistance and proactively align stakeholders.
- Enterprise Thinking: Operate beyond functional silos-balancing supplier needs, internal business priorities, and global interdependencies.
- Strategic Talent Development: Build succession pipelines and enable SRMs to grow beyond administrative work into operational leadership.
- Collaboration at Scale: Break down barriers across Procurement, Quality, Supply Chain, and CMOs to promote aligned ways of working.
- Operational Rigor with Agility: Champion lean principles, standard work, and continuous improvement while staying responsive to dynamic business needs.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of SRMs.
- Build strong, strategic supplier partnerships to support Servier's manufacturing strategy.
- Oversee implementation and consistency of the Virtual Plant Team (VPT) operating model.
- Serve as a trusted advisor in strategic decisions on outsourcing, CMOs, and resource allocation.
- Drive accountability across performance, budget, and relationship management.
- Represent External Manufacturing in cross-functional initiatives and strategic discussions.
CMO Relationship Management:- Partner with Procurement on contract negotiations and performance oversight.
- Manage operational and strategic engagements with CMOs.
- Lead Operational and Business Review Meetings, tracking KPIs and continuous improvement plans.
Continuity of Supply:- Ensure close alignment with Supply Chain to meet patient needs and maintain production continuity.
- Monitor schedules, release timelines, inventory levels, and materials planning.
Financial Accountability:- Develop and manage budgets related to CMO engagements.
- Ensure alignment of financial planning with strategic goals and project timelines.
Education & Required Skills:- Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline; advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biopharma industry, with biologics manufacturing experience required
- Proven leadership experience managing people and developing high-performing teams.
- Strong background in external manufacturing operations and CMO oversight.
- Demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment.
- Familiarity with global cGMP standards, compliance, and regulatory expectations.
- Experience in contract negotiation, outsourcing, and supplier relationship strategy.
- Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.
Travel & Location:- 25-50% travel required
- The position is open for candidates hybrid in Boston, MA, or remote within the United States; East Coast is highly preferred.
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