Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external manufacturing operations and ensure product quality and supply continuity.
- Company: Join Elanco, a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovation.
- Benefits: Diverse work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on animal health while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science with 5-7 years of relevant experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
As Operations Director, External Manufacturing, you will hold a pivotal leadership position, responsible for the strategic and tactical oversight of Elanco's external manufacturing (EEM). This position holds significant responsibility for all aspects of product supply and quality, providing both strategic and tactical oversight. The core of the role is to ensure supply continuity, champion operations excellence, compliance, and drive continuous improvement agenda. This includes executing appropriate governance to guarantee CM performance, service levels, and adherence to Elanco's standards and expectations. The Operations Director reports to the EEM International Hub Leader and is a member of the EEM - International lead team.
Your Responsibilities:
- Provide comprehensive oversight and accountability for the entire CM portfolio performance, establishing and leading robust governance structures and ensuring disciplined execution in line with Elanco Standards.
- Strategically partner with Procurement and other functions to support the negotiation, renewal, and ongoing compliance of critical CM agreements, including defining contract terms and resolving disputes.
- Own and manage the balanced scorecard, ensuring adherence to SOX requirements and maintaining stringent financial oversight for the external manufacturing operations.
- Monitor and influence all functional activities related to product supply, driving cross-functional collaboration across Supply, Technical Services, Quality, and HSE to ensure reliable, cost-effective supply and consistent product quality.
- Lead the productivity agenda, driving continuous improvement in work practices, quality, and cost efficiency, while also conducting regular risk assessments and managing critical projects and change initiatives.
What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science
- A minimum of 5-7 years' experience in a cGMP manufacturing environment, demonstrating deep understanding of pharmaceutical production and quality systems.
- Proven and successful supervisory or people-management experience, with a demonstrated ability to exercise indirect leadership and influence across diverse functional teams and external stakeholders to achieve critical business outcomes.
- Strong learning agility across multiple functional areas including Production, Quality, Technical Services, Procurement, Finance, Regulatory, and R&D, coupled with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in SAP, Veeva, and standard Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to prioritize multiple complex activities effectively.
What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):
- Master’s degree (e.g., MA, MSc, MBA, MEng)
- Solid understanding of supply chain methodology and concepts, combined with in-depth knowledge of the external manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience in project and change management, including participation in CM selection, due diligence activities, and successful technical transfers.
- Strong mentoring and coaching capabilities, fostering development within your team and across partner functions.
Additional Information:
- Travel: 10-30% on an annual percentage basis. Position requires domestic and international travel.
- Location: Speke
Operations Director, External Manufacturing in Liverpool employer: Elanco Tiergesundheit AG
Contact Detail:
Elanco Tiergesundheit AG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director, External Manufacturing in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Elanco’s values and recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of improving animal health. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your leadership experience and how it relates to the Operations Director role – confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Elanco team and contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director, External Manufacturing in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in cGMP manufacturing and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about animal health and how your background makes you a perfect fit for Elanco. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement and manage complex projects. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Elanco!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elanco Tiergesundheit AG
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Elanco's mission and values, especially their focus on animal health. Brush up on your knowledge of cGMP manufacturing and quality systems, as these will be crucial in your role as Operations Director.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your supervisory experience and ability to lead cross-functional teams. Think about times when you've influenced stakeholders or driven change, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to supply chain methodology and external manufacturing environments. Familiarise yourself with SAP and Veeva, and be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools in past roles to improve operations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about Elanco's continuous improvement initiatives or how they foster collaboration across departments. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
