Contract Manufacturing Director in Swindon

We are the makers of possible. BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.

BD is proud to be certified as a Top Employer 2026 in the United Kingdom, reflecting our commitment to creating an exceptional working environment. A career at BD means learning and working alongside inspirational leaders and colleagues who are equally passionate and committed to fostering an inclusive, growth-centered, and rewarding culture. You will have the opportunity to help shape the trajectory of BD while leaving a legacy at the same time.

To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of health. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive. And find satisfaction in doing your part to make the world a better place.

Our vision for Integrated Supply Chain at BD: The Supply Chain team is responsible for bringing billions of life‑saving medical devices and diagnostics tests, high‑tech instruments and equipment to customers and patients all over the world. Our aim is to deliver these products at an affordable cost and of the highest quality.

About The Role: As Contract Manufacturing Director, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of all outsourced pharmaceutical systems manufacturing activities. The role ensures that Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) deliver products safely, compliantly, on time, and at the right cost and quality. You will act as the primary interface between the company and CMOs, driving performance excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing the external supply network.

Main Responsibilities Will Include:

• CMO Governance & Performance Management: Lead the relationship with assigned CMOs, ensuring strong operational performance and continuous improvement. Establish and oversee governance structures. Monitor key metrics. Lead issue escalation, resolution pathways, and structured problem-solving with CMO partners.
• External Manufacturing Strategy: Develop and execute the external manufacturing strategy for assigned product portfolio. Assess capabilities, risks, and opportunities across the CMO landscape. Contribute to make/buy decisions, outsourcing strategies, and network optimization initiatives. Support business case development for transferring products to new CMOs or scaling capacity.
• Operational Excellence & Cost Management: Drive productivity programs and cost‑reduction initiatives across the external network. Ensure robust demand planning, capacity planning, and inventory strategies with CMOs. Review and challenge CMO proposals for cost adjustments, change controls, and capital needs. Negotiate commercial and operational terms in partnership with Procurement.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure CMOs operate in full compliance with cGMP, ICH, FDA, EMA, and global regulatory standards. Partner with Quality Assurance on audits, inspection readiness, and remediation plans. Oversee change controls, deviation investigations, CAPAs, and risk assessments related to outsourced manufacturing. Support regulatory submissions (CMC sections, responses to HA queries, product variations).
• Technology Transfer & Lifecycle Management: Lead or support technology transfer activities to and from CMOs. Coordinate technical teams for process validation, scale‑up, and launch readiness. Drive lifecycle management activities, including formulation changes, process improvements, and cost optimization projects. Ensure robust knowledge transfer and documentation standards during transfers.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership: Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, R&D, Finance, and Technical Operations to ensure end‑to‑end performance. Provide leadership to multidisciplinary project teams involving internal and external stakeholders. Act as the internal subject‑matter expert for external manufacturing strategy and performance.

About You: We are looking for an accomplished supply chain leader with a strong track record in managing Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) across diverse regions and pharmaceutical technologies. The ideal candidate will bring the following:

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical, medical devices, automotive or consumer goods industry.
• At least 5 years of direct experience in external/contract manufacturing.
• Proven leadership in managing CMOs across multiple geographies and technologies, including (but not limited to) sterile manufacturing, oral solid dose, biologics, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), and packaging.

To be successful in this role, you should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Strategic Vision: Ability to shape external manufacturing networks and anticipate risks.
• Technical Depth: Solid grasp of manufacturing technologies, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Influence & Negotiation: Skilled in leading without authority and managing external partners.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem‑solving and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Operational Rigor: Proven track record in planning, execution, and performance management.
• Collaborative Leadership: Effective in matrixed, cross‑functional environments.
• Business Insight: Understanding of cost drivers, contracts, and financial levers.

Click on apply if this sounds like you! At BD, we prioritise on‑site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem‑solving, which are essential in the fast‑paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in‑office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognising the importance of flexibility and work‑life balance. Remote or field‑based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting.

Becton, Dickinson and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally‑protected characteristics.

Salary or hourly rate offered to a successful candidate is determined by experience, education, and skills, and by labour laws and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) requirements applicable to the work location. Salary Range: £101,700.00 - £155,100.00 GBP Annual.