Senior Manager Operations COE

Johnson Johnson; Leiden; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson & Johnson in Leiden, the Netherlands, seeks a Senior Manager to lead the Center of Expertise (COE) in Upstream Processing at our biopharmaceutical facility.

Reporting to the Director of Upstream Processing, you will guide a team of experts to drive strategic improvements, optimize production, ensure safety and compliance, and advance manufacturing capabilities.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• 8–10 years of industrial operations experience, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead change and solve complex problems.
• Strong leadership that boosts morale and productivity.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Deep knowledge of GMP, EHS and cGMP standards.
• Experience with LEAN methodologies and project management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a high-performing upstream processing team.
• Set objectives aligned with business goals; provide coaching.
• Collaborate with Downstream COE, MAM, QA, MSAT, and R&D.
• Monitor KPIs for safety, quality, reliability, and cost.
• Drive data-driven efficiency and yield improvements.
• Lead the introduction of new biopharma products.
• Maintain validated processes and equipment per cGMP.
• Champion LEAN culture through problem solving and Gemba walks.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Continuous improvement

Lean principles

Safety & quality

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

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?

If so, we invite you to explore an exciting opportunity to shape the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing!

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.

Join us in our mission to improve health and well-being for all.

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.