Senior Manager Operations COE

Johnson & Johnson Innovation; Leiden; On-site; EUR 83,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Vacation days

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

Caregiver leave

Volunteer leave

Well-being reimbursement

Insurance plans

Service anniversary

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson Innovation seeks a Senior Manager to lead the Upstream Processing Center of Expertise at our Leiden site in the Netherlands. You will guide a team of experts to drive strategic improvements, optimize production processes, and ensure safety, quality, and compliance.

You will influence cross‑functional projects with MSAT, Quality Assurance, and R&D, delivering impactful changes while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• 8–10 years of industrial experience in operations management, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead change and solve complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high‑performing team of engineers and supervisors focused on upstream process, equipment, and quality initiatives.
• Set clear objectives aligned with business goals, and provide coaching and support to ensure team success.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with departments such as Downstream Processing COE, Make Asset Management, Quality Assurance, MSAT, and R&D to deliver impactful projects on time and within budget.
• Monitor KPIs to ensure excellence in safety, quality, reliability, and financial performance.
• Drive operational efficiency in upstream processing through data‑driven improvements in yield and performance.
• Lead the introduction of new biopharmaceutical products, ensuring upstream process and equipment readiness.
• Maintain validated states of processes and equipment in GMP compliance.
• Champion LEAN culture through Root Cause Problem Solving, Gemba walks, and process observation.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Safety & quality awareness

Communication & stakeholder mgmt

Change leadership

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at jnj.com.

As guided by Our Credo, Johnson & Johnson is responsible to our employees who work with us throughout the world. We provide an inclusive work environment where each person is considered as an individual. At Johnson & Johnson, we respect the diversity and dignity of our employees and recognize their merit.

Job Function:

Supply Chain Manufacturing

Job Sub Function:

Manufacturing Pharmaceutical Process Operations

Job Category:

People Leader

All Job Posting Locations:

Leiden, South Holland, Netherlands

Job Description:

Senior Manager, Center of Expertise – Upstream Processing

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for innovation and operational excellence? Do you thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy empowering teams to deliver impactful results?

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Manager to lead our Center of Expertise (COE) in Upstream Processing at our cutting‑edge biopharmaceutical facility in Leiden, the Netherlands. Reporting to the Director of Upstream Processing, you will guide a team of experts dedicated to driving strategic improvements, optimizing production processes, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance. Your leadership will be instrumental in advancing our manufacturing capabilities, introducing new products, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high‑performing team of engineers and supervisors focused on upstream process, equipment, and quality initiatives.
• Set clear objectives aligned with business goals, and provide coaching and support to ensure team success.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with departments such as Downstream Processing COE, Make Asset Management (MAM), Quality Assurance, Manufacturing Science & Technology (MSAT), and R&D to deliver impactful projects on time and within budget.
• Monitor key performance indicators to ensure excellence in safety, quality, reliability, and financial performance.
• Drive operational efficiency in upstream processing through data‑driven improvements in yield and performance, leveraging deep process and technical expertise.
• Lead the introduction of new biopharmaceutical products, ensuring upstream process and equipment readiness.
• Maintain validated states of processes and equipment in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Champion a LEAN culture through Root Cause Problem Solving, Gemba walks, and process observation.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a team culture that reflects and respects the communities we serve.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• 8–10 years of industrial experience in operations management, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead change and solve complex problems.
• Positive, motivating leadership style that enhances team morale and productivity.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• High safety and quality awareness, with experience in EHS and cGMP standards.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Deep understanding of operational best practices and industry trends.
• Demonstrated success in leading change within complex operational environments.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in pharmaceutical or upstream processing environments.
• Project management expertise.
• Familiarity with LEAN methodologies.
• Established relationships with external stakeholders.

Additional Information

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact at our Leiden site, while enjoying a collaborative and innovative work culture. Preferred certifications such as Six Sigma Green Belt will further enhance your ability to lead projects and implement process improvements.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and make a difference at Johnson & Johnson?

Johnson & Johnson is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Learn more about how we support the whole health of our employees at www.careers.jnj.com.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is:

€82,900.00 - €144,210.00

Benefits:

• an annual bonus with set target (% of pay) depending on pay grade / location, where the actual amount is based on the employees’ and companies’ performance of the previous calendar year, or sales commissions.
• vacation days
• parental leave for a minimum of 12 weeks
• bereavement leave
• caregiver leave
• volunteer leave
• well‑being reimbursement
• programs for financial, physical and mental health
• service anniversary and recognition awards
• and subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees - and in some location’s eligible dependents - can participate in several insurance plans.
• *This is for informative purposes only. Amounts and actual benefits may vary by location and are subject to change.