Site Director

About the Role

Allerton Bishop are seeking to appoint a Site Director for a prestigious global pharmaceutical manufacturer focused on the development and commercial production of small molecule drug products. This pivotal leadership position oversees a key manufacturing facility located in Northern Germany that supports commercial production and the introduction of new products across worldwide markets. The site is integral to the company's European manufacturing network, with ongoing growth fueled by investment, operational excellence, and innovation in manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overall site operations with strategic oversight, ensuring manufacturing processes are conducted safely, reliably, and in full compliance with GMP standards.
• Enhance operational excellence across manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, and technical functions by improving productivity, quality, service, and cost efficiency.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing, multi-disciplinary leadership team, promoting a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Achieve strategic site goals, including capacity growth, technology transfers, new product launches, and execution of capital investment projects.
• Collaborate closely with the COO and global leadership to establish and implement long-term manufacturing strategies for the site.
• Maintain top-tier standards in GMP compliance, quality culture, environmental health and safety, and regulatory readiness.
• Serve as the senior on-site representative during inspections by international regulatory bodies such as EMA, FDA, and other global agencies.
• Oversee the site's financial management including budgeting, KPI monitoring, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Develop and sustain strong partnerships with global functions, commercial teams, customers, and external stakeholders to ensure business objectives are met.

Candidate Profile

• Extensive senior leadership experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, especially in small molecule drug product operations.
• Proven track record managing complex GMP-regulated manufacturing facilities within international pharmaceutical companies.
• In-depth knowledge of oral solid dose, liquids, semi-solids, or similar small molecule drug manufacturing technologies.
• Experience driving operational transformations, manufacturing excellence, capacity expansions, or major capital investment initiatives.
• Strong expertise in GMP, quality systems, pharmaceutical supply chain, engineering, and operational excellence methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams in complex matrix organizational structures.
• Commercially savvy with excellent skills in strategic planning, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience working within a European manufacturing network and interacting with global regulatory authorities is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English is mandatory; proficiency in German is beneficial but not required.

Additional Information

This hiring process is confidential due to the strategic significance of this role. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates after an initial discussion and signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).