Dechra
Associate Director of External Manufacturing
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Associate Director - External Manufacturing
UK based (UK remote)
Drive global manufacturing partnerships. Shape supply excellence. Help improve animal health worldwide.
At Dechra, we're proud to be a global leader in veterinary pharmaceuticals and animal nutrition, dedicated to developing, manufacturing and delivering high-quality products exclusively for veterinarians. With nearly 2,000 colleagues worldwide, our values of Dedication, Enjoyment, Courage, Honesty, Relationships and Ambition are at the heart of everything we do.
We're looking for a Virtual Plant Manager to join our External Manufacturing Network team. This is a unique opportunity to act as the operational lead for key Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs), driving performance, strengthening partnerships and ensuring the compliant, reliable supply of products across our global network.
What you'll do
As the primary interface between Dechra and assigned animal nutrition or Pharma CMO manufacturing partners, you'll:
- Lead cross-functional site-focused teams across Quality, Supply Chain, Technical Operations and Procurement
- Drive operational performance, supply reliability and continuous improvement
- Oversee accuracy of forecasting, demand planning, purchase orders and capacity planning activities
- Lead business reviews and KPI performance discussions with manufacturing partners
- Identify and mitigate supply, quality and operational risks
- Oversee budget planning, forecasting and financial reviews for assigned partners
- Support strategic initiatives including new product launches, supplier selection, technology transfers and capital projects
- Ensure contractual commitments are met while building strong, collaborative relationships
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What we're looking for
You'll bring:
- A degree in Engineering, Science or Business
- Experience within In-licencing, Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals, Animal Health or the wider Nutrition sector
- Strong knowledge of GMP manufacturing environments
- Expertise across Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Procurement and Technical functions
- Experience managing external manufacturing CMOs or supplier relationships
- Commercial and financial acumen, including budgeting and forecasting
- Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills
Why Dechra?
This is more than supplier management. It's an opportunity to operate as a "Plant Manager without walls", leading critical manufacturing partnerships that directly support the delivery of veterinary medicines around the world.
Additional Information:
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- Occasional global travel may be required with this role.
- This role is based in the UK / remote.
What we can offer you:
- 33 days annual (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Healthcare
- Employee Assistance Program
- Life Assurance
- 8% Employer Pension Contribution
- Enhanced Family Leave
- Car / Car Allowance (discretionary)
- Bonus (discretionary)
- Discounted Pet Food
About the Company
If a career at Dechra has piqued your interest, find out more at Dechra Careers.
Dechra is a growing, global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.
All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we're looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don't be too disappointed - we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies which could be suitable, and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site. We value diversity within our global workforce and encourage an inclusive culture. Any questions or queries, please contact us.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location