Thermo Fisher Scientific

Senior Manager, Make/Buy Strategy & Execution

Thermo Fisher Scientific • $120K — $150K *
US-AnywhereRemote in North Carolina, US
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred)
  • At least 8 years of relevant experience in operations strategy, manufacturing finance, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management
  • Hands-on experience with P&L ownership, cost accounting, and financial modeling
  • Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional projects in large, matrixed, global organizations
  • Expert understanding of site-level P&L structures, cost drivers, and allocation methodologies

Responsibilities

  • Develop and deploy a standardized Make/Buy decision-making framework
  • Manage governance processes for consistency and transparency in strategy
  • Reconstruct and validate financial statements across manufacturing sites
  • Identify and prioritize Make/Buy opportunities through advanced financial models
  • Lead cross-functional project teams for strategy execution
  • Oversee implementation of Make/Buy initiatives and define performance KPIs
  • Build relationships with senior leaders and influence decision-making across functions

Benefits

  • Standard Monday to Friday work schedule
  • Office-based environment
  • Opportunity for significant impact on strategic decision-making
  • Collaborative work with senior leadership and cross-functional teams
  • Professional growth in a dynamic, global context
Full Job Description
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions
Office

Job Description

Position Summary

The Senior Manager, Make/Buy Strategy & Execution is a key leadership role within Thermo Fisher Scientific's Contract Manufacturing & Value Assurance (CMVA) team. This position is responsible for developing, operationalizing, and managing the company's global Make/Buy strategy - ensuring strategic decisions around internal manufacturing and external sourcing are backed by rigorous financial, operational, and strategic analysis.

This role blends strategic finance with hands-on operational expertise. The Senior Manager will design and implement robust analytical frameworks, reconstruct and validate site P&Ls, and translate complex financial data into actionable insights that drive value, cost efficiency, and network optimization. Working closely with Sr. Manager, Operations (who leads the strategic and workshop components), this individual serves as a peer and counterpart, ensuring operational and financial rigor behind the strategy.

Key Responsibilities

1. Make/Buy Framework Development & Governance
  • Design, document, and deploy a standardized Make/Buy decision-making framework across divisions and product lines.
  • Establish and manage governance processes to ensure consistency, transparency, and alignment with corporate operations, supply chain, and technology strategies.
  • Continuously refine methodologies and tools based on lessons learned and evolving business needs.

2. Financial Reconstruction & Operational Analysis
  • Deeply understand plant and site-level P&Ls; deconstruct and rebuild financial statements that may have evolved through inconsistent reporting practices.
  • Reclassify and rationalize cost elements (e.g., shifting overheads to direct costs) to produce clear, accurate, and comparable financial views across sites.
  • Defend financial restatements and cost reallocations with site finance teams, ensuring alignment and credibility.
  • Connect operational decisions-capacity, headcount, sourcing, productivity-to financial outcomes and site profitability.

3. Opportunity Identification & Strategic Evaluation
  • Develop and apply advanced financial models to identify and prioritize Make/Buy opportunities across sites, technologies, and product portfolios.
  • Assess total cost of ownership (TCO), capacity, capability, capital investment, risk, quality, and IP implications.
  • Build robust, defendable business cases-including NPV, ROI, and payback analyses-to support strategic recommendations.

4. Cross-Functional Leadership & Execution
  • Lead cross-functional project teams involving Divisional Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, R&D, Procurement, and Quality.
  • Partner closely with the Sr. Manager, Operations on strategy development, workshops, and executive presentations.
  • Translate analytical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leadership decision-making.
  • Ensure consistent communication, documentation, and alignment across central and divisional stakeholders.

5. Implementation & Performance Tracking
  • Oversee and support the implementation of approved Make/Buy initiatives across divisions and sites.
  • Align divisional execution with central governance and strategic objectives.
  • Define and track KPIs to measure the impact and value realization of Make/Buy decisions.
  • Conduct post-implementation reviews to capture lessons learned and refine the overall Make/Buy process.

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
  • Build trusted relationships with senior leaders in Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, R&D, and Procurement.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert and central point of contact for Make/Buy financial and operational insights.
  • Communicate strategy, progress, and outcomes in clear, concise, and compelling formats to diverse audiences.
  • Influence decision-making in a matrixed, global environment without direct authority.


Qualifications

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred).
  • At least 8 years of relevant experience in operations strategy, manufacturing finance, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, with proven experience leading Make/Buy or network optimization initiatives.
  • Hands-on experience with P&L ownership, cost accounting, and financial modeling within a manufacturing or operations context.
  • Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional projects in large, matrixed, global organizations.

Skills & Competencies
  • Expert understanding of site-level P&L structures, cost drivers, and allocation methodologies.
  • Strong analytical and financial modeling skills; able to distill messy data into clear, actionable insight.
  • Excellent communicator-able to defend analysis with confidence and influence at multiple organizational levels.
  • Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, sourcing strategies, and supply chain cost structures.
  • Proven ability to connect operational decisions to financial implications and strategic outcomes.
  • Strong project management skills and proficiency with standard tools.
  • Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies preferred.
  • Adaptable, self-directed, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a dynamic environment.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Careers

Join the vibrant team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global leader in serving science and making the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. With a workforce of over 75,000 professionals, Thermo Fisher Scientific offers unparalleled job opportunities and a culture of innovation that propels your career to new heights. Work You’ll Do At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you will be part of a team that is dedicated to enabling our customers to make the world healthier. Whether you are involved in the development of life-saving drugs or innovative environmental solutions, your work will have a profound impact on society. Our commitment to leadership in the industry is unwavering. With Thermo Fisher Scientific, you will lead projects that set standards in scientific inquiry and market leadership. You will work at the intersection of science, technology, and industry expertise, driving digital innovation in every aspect of our business. Join our diverse team of professionals and engage in roles that span across various functions and disciplines. From research and development to marketing and sales, the breadth of job opportunities available means that you can find the perfect match for your skills and passions. Innovative Work As part of our team, you will have access to cutting-edge tools and technologies that foster creativity and innovation. Thermo Fisher Scientific is home to a dynamic range of career paths, all designed to challenge you and help you grow as a professional. Our employment philosophy emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that all team members have the opportunity to thrive. We believe in nurturing talent through robust training programs, leadership development, and opportunities for career advancement. Be Part of a Great Team Working at Thermo Fisher Scientific means being part of a global network of enthusiastic, talented, and ambitious individuals. Our culture is built on collaboration, where each member’s unique skills and perspectives are valued. You will enjoy benefits that support both your professional growth and personal well-being. Future-Proof Your Career Embark on a journey of growth and continuous learning with Thermo Fisher Scientific. We offer a variety of training and development programs that cater to your interests and career goals. From internships for budding scientists to leadership training for aspiring executives, our programs are designed to equip you with the skills needed for a successful and fulfilling career. Explore Discover how our commitment to innovation leads to advancements in health and science: [Read More] Learn about our leadership in environmental sustainability and how you can contribute: [Read More] The Thermo Fisher Scientific Difference Our global presence and commitment to innovation mean that your work extends beyond borders and makes a tangible impact worldwide. The collaboration between our teams drives our leadership in the scientific community and contributes to a culture that embraces diversity and fosters professional growth. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interest. We are always on the lookout for passionate, curious, and driven team players. Explore our job opportunities and find out how you can contribute to our meaningful work. SEARCH THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Learn more about Thermo Fisher Scientific
Size
130,000 employees
Market Cap
$213.3 billion
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$6.3 billion
Founded
1956
5 Year Trend
+16.5%
Revenue
$32.2 billion
NASDAQ
TMO
* Ladders Estimates

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