Director of Operations

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Operations to oversee the day-to-day manufacturing activities for a high-growth life sciences production site in the U.S. This role is responsible for leading a team of 40–50 in production, with a strong focus on quality, throughput, automation, and continuous improvement.

Lead daily operations for manufacturing at a high-volume production facility.
Oversee a team of 40–50 employees, ensuring proper staffing, training, development, and performance management.
Drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and streamline workflows.
Implement and upgrade automation systems to increase throughput and reduce manual processes.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, R&D, Maintenance, and IT to align operational capabilities with new product introduction and growth goals.
Establish and monitor KPIs and process controls to ensure regulatory compliance and product quality.
Analyze operational and equipment data to identify performance issues and corrective actions.
Ensure full compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including GMP.
Serve as a hands-on, strategic leader with a focus on execution, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering field required; MS or PhD in Organic Chemistry strongly preferred.
8–10 years of manufacturing leadership experience; prior plant floor oversight preferred.
Organic chemistry knowledge required - oligonucleotide synthesis is a plus.
Proven track record in automation, operational scaling, and cross-functional leadership.
Experience with Lean/Six Sigma and GMP-regulated environments preferred.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with a collaborative leadership style.