Jobgether
Head of External Sterile Operations
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Head of External Sterile Operations
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Head of External Sterile Operations based in United Kingdom.
This leadership role is responsible for shaping the strategy, governance, and performance of an external sterile manufacturing network within a highly regulated healthcare environment.
You will oversee critical supplier partnerships, ensuring reliable supply, operational excellence, and long-term value creation across external manufacturing operations.
The role combines strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on relationship management with key external partners. You will guide teams, drive performance improvements, manage complex negotiations, and support business continuity across a global network.
Working closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Technical Services, Procurement, and business leaders, you will influence how external operations are managed and optimized.
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on healthcare delivery by ensuring patients have continued access to high-quality medicines.
Accountabilities:
- The Head of External Sterile Operations will lead the strategy and execution of external manufacturing operations, ensuring supplier performance, supply continuity, and operational excellence across assigned partners. This role requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, and the ability to navigate complex manufacturing and supply environments.
- Lead and develop a team of External Operations Managers responsible for managing key third-party manufacturing relationships.
- Define and execute the strategy, governance model, and performance expectations for external sterile manufacturing partners.
- Own senior-level supplier relationship management across supply, quality, service, cost, compliance, and operational performance.
- Lead executive business reviews, governance meetings, and strategic discussions with external manufacturing partners.
- Drive major commercial, contractual, and capacity negotiations with external suppliers.
- Partner with Supply Chain and business leaders to align capacity planning, supply strategies, and network priorities.
- Manage major escalations related to supply disruptions, operational challenges, quality concerns, and performance risks.
- Build strong cross-functional alignment across Quality, Technical Services, Procurement, Legal, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams.
- Establish standards, processes, and best practices for external operations governance and supplier management.
- Support product transfers, launches, lifecycle changes, and network optimization initiatives involving external manufacturers.
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Requirements:
- 15+ years of experience in sterile operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotech operations, or related regulated industries.
- Proven experience managing complex third-party manufacturing or CDMO relationships.
- Strong background in external manufacturing, supplier relationship management, supply chain, technical operations, procurement, or quality functions.
- Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams within a matrix organization.
- Experience negotiating commercial agreements, contracts, capacity commitments, and strategic partnerships.
- Strong problem-solving skills with experience managing supply disruptions, escalations, and operational risks.
- Experience developing supplier governance frameworks, performance scorecards, and risk management strategies.
- Previous people leadership experience, including managing managers or senior operational professionals.
- Knowledge of sterile manufacturing networks, sterile supply chains, and external production environments is highly preferred.
- Experience supporting product transfers, launches, lifecycle management, or manufacturing network changes is advantageous.
- Strong communication, influencing, and executive presentation skills.
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Benefits:
- Competitive salary package aligned with experience and market expectations.
- Comprehensive benefits designed to support health, wellbeing, and financial security.
- Inclusive and collaborative working environment focused on innovation and meaningful impact.
- Opportunities for career growth, professional development, and leadership progression.
- Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options.
- Opportunity to contribute to global healthcare operations and improve access to essential medicines.
How Jobgether Works:
We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.
Why Apply Through Jobgether?
Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.
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