CLUSTER HEAD OPERATIONS – CDMO

Open Executive Search & Selection - Milan & London; Milano; On-site; EUR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Open Executive Search & Selection - Milan & London seeks a high-impact leader to head the Italy CDMO Cluster, overseeing three API/CDMO manufacturing sites. The role requires defining and delivering an ambitious operational strategy, driving growth, and aligning with strategic priorities and customer expectations.

The position reports to SVP Global Operations and demands a strong track record in leading multi-site pharma operations, with a focus on performance, quality, and organizational

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, Pharmacy, or equivalent.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in pharma/API manufacturing.
• Significant CDMO/CMO experience serving international pharma customers.
• Proven experience leading multi-site manufacturing organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Italy CDMO Cluster across three manufacturing sites.
• Define and execute operational strategy for sustainable growth.
• Drive performance through Plant Managers and central functions.
• Interface with strategic customers and internal stakeholders to promote execution excellence.
• Ensure GMP, EHS and compliance are maintained.

Skills

Leadership

Operational leadership

Multi-site management

CDMO/CMO experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry (CTF) or equivalent

Job description

CLUSTER HEAD OPERATIONS – ITALY CDMO CLUSTER | Interesting Package

Reporting to the Senior Vice President Global Operations you will be responsible for the leadership of the Italy CDMO Cluster, consisting of three manufacturing sites operating in the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and Contract Development & Manufacturing (CDMO/CMO) services.

In your role you will be accountable for the overall business and operational performance of the Cluster, and will be responsible for defining and executing the operational strategy of the Italy CDMO Cluster, ensuring sustainable business growth, operational excellence and organizational development.

The position provides leadership across the Cluster, driving performance through the Plant Managers and the central functional organizations, while ensuring full alignment with the company's strategic priorities and customer expectations.

You will act as the primary Operations interface for strategic customers and internal stakeholders, promoting execution excellence, continuous improvement and long-term organizational capability.

Role Responsibilities

• Business Leadership
• Performance Management
• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• Quality, Compliance & EHS

Role's KPIs

• Revenue growth and operational profitability
• OTIF
• Manufacturing productivity and asset utilization
• Capacity utilization
• Customer Satisfaction
• Right First Time
• GMP & EHS Performance
• Operational Excellence savings
• Leadership development and succession planning
• Employee engagement and organizational effectiveness

What We Are Looking For

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry (CTF) or equivalent.
• MBA or equivalent business education is considered an advantage.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience within pharmaceutical or API manufacturing.
• Significant experience in CDMO/CMO organizations serving international pharmaceutical customers.
• Proven experience leading multi-site manufacturing organizations.
• Strong track record in business leadership, operational performance improvement and organizational development.