Director, Production Operations — Pharma CDMO Leader

Curia Aalborg ApS; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefit options (eligible on

Paid training, vacation and holidays (

Career advancement opportunities

Education reimbursement

401K program with matching

Learning platform

And more!

Job summary

Curia is seeking a Director of Production Operations in Springfield, MO to lead manufacturing across large-scale, pilot plant, and technical services. The role ensures safety, compliance, cost-effectiveness, and growth readiness, while building the next generation of site leaders.

The position requires strategic vision, operational discipline, and cross‑functional collaboration with Quality and Regulatory teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 5–10 years of mid to senior management experience in manufacturing or process environment.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP compliance, technical operations, and quality systems.
• Proven ability to identify, develop, and inspire leaders at multiple levels.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present strategy and performance to leadership.
• Experience with API development and manufacturing processes.
• Certification in Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement short and long-range goals aligned with growth targets.
• Set strategic leadership goals for key section heads across large-scale, pilot plant, and technical services.
• Review operations plans to assess capacity and improve utilization.
• Maintain KPIs and monitoring systems to drive performance.
• Oversee manufacturing operations for safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Drive cGMP compliance and quality management with Quality/Regulatory.
• Plan and execute production activities to maximize output and schedule adherence.
• Lead efforts to prepare for productive customer visits.
• Analyze costs and forecast data to meet business and financial objectives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

cGMP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering

Tools

Lean/Six Sigma certification

Job description

Curia is seeking a Director of Production Operations in Springfield, MO to lead manufacturing across large-scale, pilot plant, and technical services. The role ensures safety, compliance, cost-effectiveness, and growth readiness, while building the next generation of site leaders.

The position requires strategic vision, operational discipline, and cross‑functional collaboration with Quality and Regulatory teams.