Sr. Director, Operations / Site Leader

About the Company

West is an established healthcare organization with a long-standing mission to improve patient outcomes. Its history traces back more than 100 years, beginning with a solution developed by Herman O. West to support large-scale penicillin supply for the U.S. Government during World War II. Today, the company helps deliver injectable medicines used by millions of patients every day, and continues to expand its impact across the healthcare sector.

The organization promotes an inclusive environment with opportunities for ongoing learning, professional growth, and development. It also supports employees and their families through benefit programs that address physical, mental, emotional, and financial well-being. West is committed to community support and sustainability initiatives that contribute to healthier communities and a healthier planet.

Role Summary

The Director of Operations is accountable for planning and executing facility operations successfully. This role oversees daily operations to maintain a safe, dependable, and efficient site, and works as part of the management team to address organizational needs proactively.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the site leadership group and influence all site employees to deliver strong results in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and service while producing at the lowest feasible cost.
• Ensure output aligns with approved production plans and remains within quality limits while meeting FDA, cGMP, ISO, and OSHA expectations.
• Find and implement ways to improve customer service, product quality, safety performance, waste reduction, and overall manufacturing cost through effective management, cost control, and Lean Manufacturing methods.
• Prepare monthly performance updates and track progress on site initiatives, including issues, corrective actions, and the status of planned work streams.
• Oversee systems and reporting that allow the right people to control costs, product quality, production output, and the efficient use of capital and workforce resources.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with the community, government bodies, and customers.
• Motivate and direct employees toward high performance and continuous improvement.
• Consistently uphold site policies, procedures, practices, and guidelines.
• Administer safety, hygiene, and fire protection measures to protect employees and preserve the facility.
• Perform additional tasks as needed based on business priorities.
• Follow all laws, regulations, policies, work instructions, procedures, and safety rules.
• Maintain dependable attendance, including being punctual and reliable.
• Act in line with the company’s Guiding Principles and Corporate Code of Conduct.
• Comply with local site environmental, health, and safety requirements.
• Comply with local and corporate policies, procedures, and standards.

Education and Experience

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, supply chain management, or another relevant technical field. The role requires at least 10 years of related work experience, along with prior manufacturing experience in an industrial environment. A master’s degree is preferred.

Leadership and Functional Requirements

The position requires the ability to directly manage up to 10 managers, supervisors, or professional employees in manufacturing/production, and to indirectly lead 100+ team members to deliver results on time and within budget. The role also requires willingness to be on call and to occasionally work alternative shifts.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Strong background in general leadership and production management
• Practical knowledge of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing approaches
• Good negotiation and conflict resolution capability
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build effective relationships across all organizational levels
• Competence with Microsoft Office and standard computer tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Travel and Work Arrangement

This role involves travel up to 20%, which may amount to as many as 52 business days per year. It is an onsite position and requires presence at the site five days per week. Relocation assistance is available.

Benefits and What the Company Offers

Employees can participate in volunteer-focused community initiatives, access professional development opportunities such as training, tuition assistance, leadership development, and certification programs, and benefit from paid time off that supports rest and work-life balance. The company also offers opportunities for global exposure across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, along with a culture that values diversity, equity, inclusion, collaboration, and respectful participation from all team members.

Equal Opportunity and Employment Conditions

West is committed to equal opportunity and a workplace where individuals are treated fairly, valued, and respected regardless of legally protected characteristics. Where allowed by law, employment is subject to satisfactory post-offer background screening.