Director, External Manufacturing – Supply Operations

Jobtailor; Toronto; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a senior leader to oversee external manufacturing partnerships in Canada. You will manage CMOs and CPOs, drive governance, and align operations with strategic growth goals.

The role emphasizes contract management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional leadership across supply chain, procurement, and quality. You will lead executive-level communications, performance reviews, and long-term partnerships while ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent in Business and/or Science related field (BSc, BASc Engineering or similar preferred).
• MBA considered an asset.
• Integrated Project Management, Technical Acumen, PMP, Supply Chain Certification considered an asset.
• Strong decision-making, communication, facilitation skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate well to internal and external partners.
• Excellent leadership skills and proven experience holding cross-functional members accountable.
• Experience with the creation and management of contracts and terms of Supply agreements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of pharmaceutical products and related development, manufacturing, packaging and operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize partnerships with external manufacturing and supply partners (CMOs, CPOs, in-licensing, co-development).
• Own operational relationships for all partners within the assigned portfolio.
• Lead operations for the portfolio and ensure supply continuity and alignment with business goals.
• Establish governance frameworks for partner relationships and contract management.
• Manage contract execution, updates, and renewals with Legal and Procurement.
• Lead risk mitigation and escalation resolution for high-priority issues.
• Track KPIs across supply, service, P&L, and quality; conduct TCO analyses.
• Collaborate on due diligence for in-licensing deals and integrate commercial/manufacturing perspectives.
• Shape global external manufacturing strategy and report to the VP of External Manufacturing.

Skills

Decision making

Communication

Facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Accountability

Education

University degree in Business/Science

MBA (asset)

PMP / Supply Chain Certification (asset)

Tools

SAP

MSP

EPM

Project Management Software

Job description

• Oversee and optimize partnerships with external manufacturing and supply partners, including CMOs, CPOs, in-licensing, and co-development partners
• Own operational relationships for all partners within the assigned portfolio
• Manage strategic relationships with CMOs and CPOs and support Strategic Alliance Management for in-licensing and co-development partnerships
• Establish high-performing, cross-functional, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective relationships with external manufacturers and suppliers
• Establish and maintain governance frameworks for partner relationships
• Lead operations for the assigned portfolio, resolving issues promptly to maintain supply continuity and alignment with business goals
• Hold partners accountable for contractual obligations and agreed performance standards
• Oversee contract execution, updates, and renewals with Legal and Procurement
• Participate in new contract development with Business Development and other departments
• Lead resolution of high-priority contract escalations and mitigate systemic risks
• Manage operational performance across supply, service, external operations P&L, and quality
• Develop performance-management frameworks and lead partner business and performance reviews
• Track delivery, cost, quality, service-level, and financial KPIs
• Conduct financial reviews, including Total Cost of Ownership analysis
• Collaborate with Business Development on due diligence for in-licensing deals
• Partner with Alliance Management to integrate commercial and manufacturing perspectives
• Lead cross-functional teams from Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, and Technical/MS&T to address disruptions and implement risk mitigation
• Provide strategic leadership within the Global External Manufacturing Site Leadership Team
• Shape global external manufacturing strategy, organizational design, and performance management
• Report to the VP of External Manufacturing and support the company’s external growth strategy
• Follow safety, ethics, quality, environment, HR, and other compliance policies

Requirements

• University degree or equivalent in Business and/or Science related field (BSc, BASc Engineering or similar preferred)
• MBA considered an asset
• Integrated Project Management, Technical Acumen, PMP, Supply Chain Certification considered an asset
• Strong decision-making, communication, facilitation skills and attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to relate well to internal and external partners
• Excellent leadership skills and proven experience holding cross-functional members accountable and facilitating the decision-making process
• Experience with the creation and management of contracts and associated terms and conditions of Supply agreements
• Demonstrated knowledge of pharmaceutical products, including technical/scientific and commercial knowledge
• Familiarity with product development, manufacturing, packaging, testing, and relevant equipment and facility operations
• Ability to function in a fast-paced and continuously changing environment
• Strong understanding of enterprise systems such as SAP, MSP, and EPM
• Computer skills and knowledge of spreadsheet, word processing, and project management software
• Excellent oral and written English communication skills
• 10+ years’ experience in external manufacturing and supply in the pharmaceutical industry
• Experience managing partner relationships
• Proven executive-level communication and relationship skills
• Proven ability to lead, ideally in a matrix-managed environment, and motivate people with varied skills
• Business and finance acumen to understand cross-functional processes, requirements, and information flows and translate gaps into solutions

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in managing external manufacturing partnerships, including contract execution and performance management, while ensuring compliance and alignment with business goals. Possesses strong leadership and decision-making skills to drive cross-functional collaboration and optimize operational performance.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• External Manufacturing Management
• Contract Management
• Performance Management Frameworks
• Pharmaceutical Industry Knowledge
• Cross-Functional Leadership

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Integrated Project Management
• Supply Chain Certification
• Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
• Contract Creation and Management
• Technical Acumen

Soft Skills

• Strong Decision-Making
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Facilitation Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

• PMP
• MBA

Industry Keywords

• Pharmaceutical Products
• Supply Agreements
• Governance Frameworks
• Risk Mitigation
• Quality Compliance

Tools & Technologies

• SAP
• MSP
• EPM
• Project Management Software