Plant Director

Overview

Site Head – Small Molecule API CDMO

Are you a seasoned leader ready to take ownership of site operations? Do you thrive in fast-paced, growth-driven CDMO environments? Are you passionate about driving performance, compliance, and operational excellence? Fraser Dove International is partnering exclusively with a leading pharmaceutical manufacturingorganisation. Operating across Italy, they are committed to delivering high-quality, compliant small-molecule APIs at scale. Our client is seeking a strategic leader to oversee end-to-end site operations at a key API manufacturing facility. Discover more about our Site Head – Small Molecule API CDMO opportunity; its objectives, duties / responsibilities and the skills, experience and competencies needed to succeed.

Note: All content below describes the role’s objectives, duties and qualifications.

Objectives

As the Site Head – Small Molecule API CDMO, you will be measured against the following objectives: ensure safe, compliant, and efficient API manufacturing in accordance with global cGMP standards; drive site performance through effective leadership, budget control, and operational excellence initiatives; foster cross-functional alignment with global teams, ensuring strategic objectives are met.

Responsibilities

As the Site Head – Small Molecule API CDMO, your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Lead all site functions including manufacturing, QA/QC, maintenance, and EHS.
• Ensure compliance with EMA, AIFA, FDA, and other relevant regulatory standards.
• Oversee technology transfers, scale-ups, and process development projects.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies.
• Manage site budgets, capital projects, and performance KPIs.
• Develop and support high-performing cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate with global business development, R&D, and supply chain teams.

Qualifications

These are the skills and experience you will need to succeed as the Site Head – Small Molecule API CDMO:

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in API manufacturing operations, including senior leadership roles.
• Proven experience in CDMO environments, especially small-molecule APIs.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, process scale-up, and regulatory submissions (DMFs, CEPs).
• Excellent leadership within matrixed, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Bilingual communication skills in English and Italian.
• Degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering or related field.
• Advanced degree or certification in lean manufacturing or Six Sigma desirable.

Got what it takes? To apply for the Site Head – Small Molecule API CDMO, click the ‘Apply’ button below or contact the Executive Search Consultant – (Reece Wiggins) – on +44 (0) .

Notes

• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorised to give instructions or assignments.
• If you have not heard from an Executive Search Consultant within ten working days from the date of your application, please consider yourself unsuccessful on this occasion.
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About the recruiting firm: Dove International is a specialist executive search firm operating exclusively in the life science industry. Passionate about people, we take pride in helping exceptional life science organisations source the talent they need to design, manufacture and distribute life-changing drugs, treatments and devices which transform and save patient lives.