Associate Director of External Manufacturing

Job Introduction

Thanks for checking out our vacancy, we’re delighted you want to learn more about Dechra!

Dechra is a growing, global specialist within the world of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.
Here at Dechra, our values are embedded within our culture and thrive within our family of almost 2000 colleagues globally. From manufacturing to marketing, (D)edication, (E)njoyment, (C)ourage, (H)onesty, (R)elationships and (A)mbition are at the heart of our everyday operations and the way we do business


The Opportunity 
The role is a “Virtual Plant Manager” involving oversight and relationship management across a range of assigned Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs). The position serves as the Operations lead involving all information / interactions and boundary setting across both internal cross-functional organizations and our External Manufacturing partners. This role serves as the primary interface with CMOs and is accountable for both the relationship management and operational oversight. This is achieved through the leadership of Site Focused Teams involving Quality, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, and Procurement with responsibility for driving compliant and reliable supply across the External Manufacturing network. This role is an integrated part of the Dechra Manufacturing and Supply, External Manufacturing Network Team and will report into a Director, Regional Lead of External Manufacturing.


So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied scope and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:
•    Accountable for all operational related activities for assigned site(s) through the leadership of a cross functional site focused team.

•    Compliant Supply (Quality Risk Management, Audits / Inspections, Deviation Management, Product Release, Change Control)

•    Technology (Projects, Investigations, CAPAs, Change Control)

•    Forecasting / Demand Management

•    Purchase Order Management

•    OpEx and Continuous Improvement through the application of Lean Six Sigma tools

•    Relationship Management, Contractual Administration, and Dispute Resolution across assigned External Manufacturing Partners.

•    Leads Tier issue escalation / prioritization at site level and core participant at Regional Level internal Tier forum.

•    Coordinates and Leads Business Review Meetings with assigned External Manufacturing Partners

•    Builds strong interdependent relationships across External Manufacturing Partners with the ability to assess performance gaps, needs, and develop / implement action plans to meet objectives.

•    Maintains KPIs and proactively addresses areas of performance concerns 

•    Serves as a core member of internal teams where External Manufacturing interfaces are required (New Product Commercialization, IBP Process, Source Changes, Capital Projects, Business Development, etc…)

•    Partners with Quality, Technology Operations, Procurement, and Supply Chain on commercial aspects throughout the lifecycle of the relationship (identification / selection of new CMOs, contractual negotiations, ongoing relationship management, termination / exit)

•    Develops a thorough understanding of capacity and highlight potential gaps / needs throughout the planning horizon across the assigned External Manufacturing partners.

•    Accountable for maintaining the integrity of the contractual agreements (MSA, Supply, Quality, etc…) and ensuring business relations are executed both in alignment with contractual terms and through  cross-functional group interactions

•    Participates in objective setting both internally and externally, operationalizing rules of engagement aligned with contractual obligations, strengthening the internal / external partnerships, issue escalation, prioritization, and execution of supply plans and projects of any scale.

•    Responsible for Financial Planning (annual Budget, Long-Range Capital Plan, monthly reviews and Estimated / Actual projections) with assigned CMO partners

•    Builds a strong interdependent relationship across the CMO partners, and engages with site and business leadership with high degrees of collaboration.

•    Proactively anticipates areas of risk and opportunity while identifying and executing action plans to mitigate risk and optimize supply reliability.

•    Partners with Procurement, Quality, Technology, and Supply Chain on commercial aspects of the CMO relationships, including recommendations associated with any part of the relationship lifecycle and strategic considerations associated with the company’s Manufacturing and Supply Network (Identify, Select, Negotiate, Develop, Terminate), as required.

•    Maintains KPIs and proactively addresses performance gaps.

•    Core member of project teams involving capital investments, New Product Commercialization, Make vs. Buy evaluations, CMO evaluation / selection, and business development due diligence.


Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and we embrace candidates from all walks of life. We’re particularly excited to hear from those who have/are:
•   Fluent in English with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Science, or Business
• In-depth expertise in commercial, business and manufacturing (Operations, Quality, Technology, Supply Chain, Procurement) within the Pharmaceuticals / Nutraceuticals or the wider Nutrition industries.
•    World Class Supplier Mindset with focus on compliant, reliable, and cost effective supply
•    Business and Financial Acumen with a demonstrated ability to manage a budget (planning and forecasting) and influence across business decisions that drive value
•    Manufacturing Knowledge – Proven knowledge and skills across a range of GMP manufacturing technologies
• Horizontal and vertical leadership skills that maximize both individual contributor and cross-functional team accomplishments.
•    Proactive mindset and the ability to look outside of the assigned role with an eagerness to identify and engage in opportunities to improve value chain performance and related processes within the organization.

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.