Senior Director, Operations

Job Description: Senior Director, Operations

• Date
• March 2, 2026
• Department: Operations
• Reports To: CEO
• Location: Cranbury, NJ
• Classification: Full time
• FLSA Status: Exempt

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
The Senior Director, Operations is responsible for leading day-to-day operational execution across manufacturing, packaging, project management, facilities, and warehouse functions within a cGMP, CDMO, or CMO environment. This role translates company strategy into operational plans, drives performance against key metrics, and ensures safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of client programs. The Senior Director partners closely with Quality, Research & Development, Operations, Logistics, Finance and Business Development to support growth, client satisfaction, and inspection readiness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide operational leadership and oversight for both U.S. and Ireland-based operations teams, ensuring alignment of processes, priorities, and performance expectations across sites.
• Lead daily operations across manufacturing and packaging services, ensuring schedule adherence, quality, and throughput.
• Own operational performance metrics (e.g., OTIF, right-first-time, labor utilization, cost control, and equipment performance).
• Translate strategic objectives from executive leadership into executable operational plans and priorities.
• Provide leadership and development for operations managers and cross-functional teams.
• Partner with Project Management to align production schedules with client timelines and contractual commitments.
• Ensure compliance with cGMP, FDA, DEA (as applicable), and company quality systems; support internal and external audits.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives, including lean practices and waste reduction.
• Collaborate with Quality on deviation investigations, CAPAs, and risk mitigation actions.
• Support client onboarding, tech transfer, and scale-up activities to ensure successful execution.
• Work with Facilities and Engineering to optimize equipment utilization, maintenance planning, and capacity expansion.
• Collaborate with Warehouse teams to ensure material availability and inventory accuracy.
• Provide operational input during new business assessments and client proposals.
• Maintain effective communication with senior leadership on performance, risks, and resource needs.
• Comply with all company and site policies and procedures and perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field preferred).
• 8–12+ years of experience in cGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing and/or packaging environments, including at least 5 years supporting clinical and commercial manufacturing and packaging operations.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience managing operations teams.
• Experience in a CDMO/CMO or multi-client manufacturing environment required.
• Demonstrated success leading regulatory inspections and client audits.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical packaging, production planning, and operational controls.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS:

• Strong operational leadership and execution mindset.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to interpret data and drive performance improvements.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and operational costs.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced CDMO environment.
• High integrity, professionalism, and accountability

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Yes. Typically includes Production/Packaging Managers, Warehouse leadership, Facilities leadership, Project Management and other operations personnel as assigned.

SCHEDULE:

SALARY:

$190,000–$240,000

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Hybrid office and manufacturing environment; routine presence on the production floor required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Combination of office-based work and time in warehouse/manufacturing areas. Ability to stand, walk, and move through production areas as needed.

TRAVEL:

Up to 20–30% travel may be required based on client and business needs.

If you’re interested in this position, please email with your resume and any relevant documentation, including proof of certifications if specified in the job description.

Be sure to include the position title in the subject line of your email.

The job demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to reflect those principal job elements essential for recruitment and selection, for making fair job evaluations and for establishing performance standards. The percentage of time spent performing the various job duties is not absolute. The incumbent shall perform all other functions and/or be cross trained as shall be determined by the sole discretion of management, who has the right to amend, modify, or terminate this job in part or in whole. This document is not a contract for employment.

EXPERIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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