Senior Operations Manager

Description

The Senior Operations Manager will be responsible for leading and overseeing day-to-day operations at the API manufacturing facility. This role ensures the efficient, safe, and compliant production of high-quality pharmaceutical ingredients, while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence. The ideal candidate has a strong background in API or pharmaceutical manufacturing, leadership experience, and a commitment to quality and safety standards.

Requirements

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Lead, manage, and develop the operations team including production, scheduling, and support staff to meet production targets, quality standards, and safety goals.
• Ensure operations are compliant with cGMP, FDA, DEA, EPA, OSHA, and other regulatory standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, Supply Chain, and R&D to drive site performance and resolve operational issues.
• Oversee and optimize production schedules and resource allocation to meet customer demands and site KPIs.
• Monitor process performance and identify opportunities for efficiency gains, cost reductions, and waste elimination through Lean or Six Sigma principles.
• Support capital projects, tech transfers, new product introductions, and validation efforts.
• Execute projects critical to the Petersburg site in a PM role.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for deviations or production issues.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all shifts and departments.
• Prepare and present operations reports, KPIs, and performance updates to senior leadership.
• Develop, track, and manage departmental budgets and resource planning.
• Recruit, coach, and retain top talent; manage employee development and performance.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 7+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role; strong preference for API facility experience.
• Deep understanding of cGMP, ICH Q7, and other regulatory and compliance frameworks.
• Proven track record of leading teams, managing complex operations, and delivering results.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence methodologies.
• Work with Site Lead to develop plant communications at all levels such as huddles/Tier meetings.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Physical Requirements

• Majority of time spent in a manufacturing environment with potential exposure to chemicals and controlled substances.
• Must be able to wear appropriate PPE and occasionally lift up to 30 pounds.
• May be required to be on call or work off-hours to support 24/7 operations.