Head Of Operations

Careerone Partner Network; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Careerone Partner Network is seeking a Head of Operations to lead planning, execution, and continuous improvement of production strategies for successful product launches in the pharmaceutical sector.

The role requires 15+ years in pharma, strong leadership of cross-functional teams, and expertise in GMP, regulatory compliance, and scale-up manufacturing. A strategic partner to Engineering, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams is essential.

Qualifications

• BSc or equivalent degree majoring chemistry or a related discipline.
• Minimum 15 years’ experience in pharmaceutical industry (human or veterinary).
• Proven leadership of cross-functional teams (New Product, engineering, supply chain, quality).
• Track record of successfully launching products at scale.
• Industry-specific expertise in animal pharmaceuticals, including veterinary drug development, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance (GMP, FDA, APVMA).

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of production strategies to support successful new product introductions (NPI).
• Plan and optimise production activities to meet NPI objectives, balancing quality, volume, cost, timelines, and workforce.
• Oversee manufacturing readiness, including production line setup, maintenance planning, and availability of tooling and materials.
• Monitor production performance, cost efficiency, and scalability during ramp-up; adjust processes and resources to meet targets.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Product, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to align on NPI milestones and risks.
• Lead acquisition, validation, and commissioning of new equipment and production technologies for launches and scale-up.
• Drive manufacturing process innovation; support design-for-manufacture (DFM) initiatives and continuous improvement programs.
• Ensure accurate production reporting, including NPI progress tracking and KPIs.
• Champion compliance with occupational health, safety, and regulatory requirements across NPI and production activities.
• Build, lead, and develop high-performing operations teams with clear performance expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional

New Product

Manufacturing

Product launches

Education

BSc in Chemistry or related discipline

Job description

THE POSITION

The Head of Operations leads the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of production strategies to ensure successful product launches, balancing quality, cost, volume, and timelines. They oversee manufacturing readiness, equipment commissioning, and process innovation while collaborating cross-functionally to meet NPI milestones and commercial targets. Additionally, they drive operational excellence by monitoring performance, ensuring compliance, and building high-performing teams focused on accountability and continuous improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

1. Lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of production strategies, policies, and operational plans to support successful new product introductions
2. Plan and optimise production activities to meet NPI objectives, balancing quality, volume, cost, timelines, and workforce requirements
3. Oversee manufacturing readiness, including production line setup, maintenance planning, operating schedules, and availability of tooling, components, and materials
4. Monitor production performance, cost efficiency, and scalability during product ramp-up, implementing adjustments to processes and resources to meet commercial targets
5. Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Product, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to align on NPI milestones, risks, and production readiness
6. Lead the acquisition, validation, and commissioning of new equipment and production technologies to support product launches and scale-up
7. Drive innovation in manufacturing processes, supporting design-for-manufacture (DFM) initiatives and continuous improvement programs
8. Ensure accurate and timely production reporting, including NPI progress tracking, KPIs, and operational readiness metrics
9. Champion compliance with occupational health, safety, and regulatory requirements across all NPI and production activities
10. Build, lead, and develop high-performing operations teams, setting clear performance expectations and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement

WORK EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

1. BSc or equivalent degree majoring chemistry or a related discipline
2. Minimum 15 years’ experience in within a similar field in the pharmaceutical industry (human or veterinary)
3. Proven leadership of cross-functional teams (New Product, engineering, supply chain, quality)
4. Track record of successfully launching products at scale
5. Industry-specific expertise (e.g., in animal pharmaceuticals, including veterinary drug development, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance (GMP, FDA, APVMA).