Director – External Manufacturing

Johnson & Johnson

. Lead pharmaceutical manufacturing operations across the regional North America external manufacturing network .

Posted 11/2/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $154,000 - $265,650 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and cross-functional leadership, with a strong focus on quality compliance and operational excellence. Proven ability to drive strategic initiatives, manage external partnerships, and develop high-performing teams in a complex environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing OperationsCross-Functional Team LeadershipSupply Chain ManagementQuality ComplianceStrategic Initiative Implementation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Supply Chain ConsiderationsOperational Risk ManagementCost Performance AnalysisTechnology TransferNew Product LaunchContinuous Improvement MethodsNegotiated AgreementsChange ManagementPerformance Metrics DevelopmentDrug Product Manufacturing

Soft Skills

Influencing SkillsTeam DevelopmentCross-Cultural LeadershipProblem SolvingFlexibility

Certifications & Qualifications

Master's DegreeAdvanced Degree Preferred

Industry Keywords

Pharmaceutical IndustryExternal ManufacturingOperational LeadershipSmall Molecule/SyntheticsInnovative Medicine Supply Chain

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead pharmaceutical manufacturing operations across the regional North America external manufacturing network
Lead virtual plant managers and cross-functional teams to deliver supply commitments and build long-term operational capabilities
Anticipate and resolve supply, process, quality/compliance, and financial risks
Set operational targets and performance metrics for supply reliability, process effectiveness, inspection readiness, compliance, and cost competitiveness
Coordinate Procurement, Planning/Network, External Quality, and MSAT to address manufacturing challenges
Lead technology transfers, new product launches, line extensions, and product changes at external manufacturers
Build external partnerships to mitigate risks, accelerate innovation, and strengthen network resilience
Partner with Procurement on cost performance and cost-reduction opportunities
Define and prioritize requirements and partner needs across supply-chain functions and external partners
Shape the external manufacturing network and support Innovative Medicine Supply Chain strategy
Benchmark J&J sites, partner companies, and adjacent industries for innovation and best practices
Drive preventive actions for operational, supply, quality, and compliance risks
Connect and implement strategic initiatives including digital strategy, capacity expansions, OPEX, and asset management
Lead and develop a high-performing team through performance management, coaching, and development planning
Manage external manufacturing spend exceeding $50 million

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of a master’s degree required; other advanced degree preferred
10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing operations and business management
Preference for drug product manufacturing experience
3+ years of people management experience
Cross-cultural people and team leadership experience
Strong knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and manufacturing
Knowledge of Quality, Technical Operations, Finance, Planning, and Procurement
Understanding of end-to-end supply chain considerations and continuous improvement methods
Experience delivering negotiated agreements
Experience in strategy development
General Manager supply chain and/or site-based operational leadership experience required
Small molecule/synthetics drug product and packaging experience preferred
External Manufacturing experience and leadership preferred
Ability to translate operational insights into enterprise priorities and influence decisions in a complex matrixed organization
Strong influencing skills and ability to see issues from multiple viewpoints
Track record of attracting and developing talent
Success in a major change role as architect and/or implementation leader
Experience leading cross-functional teams and building strong team culture
Flexibility to respond to changes in external and internal environments

Benefits

Comp & perks

Consolidated retirement plan (pension)
Savings plan (401(k))
Vacation – 120 hours per calendar year
Sick time – 40 hours per calendar year
Holiday pay, including Floating Holidays – 13 days per calendar year
Work, Personal and Family Time – up to 40 hours per calendar year
Parental Leave – 480 hours within one year of the birth/adoption/foster care of a child
Bereavement Leave – 240 hours for an immediate family member; 40 hours for an extended family member per calendar year
Caregiver Leave – 80 hours in a 52-week rolling period
Volunteer Leave – 32 hours per calendar year
Military Spouse Time-Off – 80 hours per calendar year
Inclusive interview process and accommodations for applicants with disabilities