Senior Director, Manufacturing Operations

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred

• Required Experience: Significant leadership experience in biopharmaceutical, biologics, or vaccine manufacturing with accountability for site-level performance

• Top Skills: Proven ability to lead large, complex organizations; deep knowledge of GMP manufacturing and regulatory environments; strong business and operational acumen

• Experience in monoclonal antibody (mAb) or biologics manufacturing

• Demonstrated success leading multi-functional manufacturing organizations

• Strong experience with regulatory inspections and compliance (FDA, USDA, global agencies)

• Track record of driving Lean, Six Sigma, and digital transformation initiatives

• Experience leading capital projects, facility expansions, and automation programs

As Senior Director, Manufacturing Operations, you will lead end-to-end manufacturing operations for monoclonal antibody (mAb) vaccine production, including upstream, downstream, fill/finish, and site support functions. In this role, you will be accountable for delivering a safe, compliant, and reliable supply while building organizational capability, driving operational excellence, and shaping long-term manufacturing strategy. You will serve as a key member of the site leadership team and a critical link to enterprise manufacturing priorities.

• →

  Provide strategic and operational leadership for all manufacturing functions, ensuring alignment with business goals and portfolio needs

• →

  Own site manufacturing performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity, with full accountability for results

• →

  Ensure consistent, compliant, and reliable supply through strong production planning, capacity management, and disciplined execution

• →

  Embed a culture of quality, compliance, and inspection readiness in alignment with global regulatory requirements and internal standards

• →

  Lead and develop a high-performing organization by building leadership capability, strengthening technical depth, and driving engagement and succession planning

• →

  Drive continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, and digital manufacturing to improve right-first-time performance, cycle time, yield, and cost efficiency

• →

  Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to enable successful product launches, tech transfers, and lifecycle management

• →

  Oversee capital strategy and execution, including facility expansions, automation, and equipment upgrades to support long-term growth

• →

  Proactively manage operational risk and resilience, including deviations, capacity constraints, and business continuity planning

• →

  Represent manufacturing at the enterprise level, contributing to global strategy, network decisions, and senior leadership forums

• Travel: Occasional travel required

• Schedule: Monday–Friday with flexibility based on business needs

• Location: Elwood, Kansas

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification. You may be the right candidate for this role or others.