Operations Readiness Lead

6014-Janssen Biotech, Inc. Legal Entity

Wilson (NC)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 190,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

Johnson & Johnson in Wilson, North Carolina, seeks a seasoned leader to head the design, construction, and startup of a new parenteral manufacturing facility. This Green Field Project role requires driving operations, ensuring cGMP/ISO compliance, and delivering on production schedules while leading cross-functional teams.

The position emphasizes strategic leadership, talent development, and a strong commitment to safety and environmental practices in a matrixed organization.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science, or equivalent technical field is required; MS or equivalent experience preferred.
12+ years in pharmaceutical or GMP regulated operations with parenteral drug product manufacturing.
Strong leadership and change-management experience with ability to influence at all levels.
Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing partnerships.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to develop talent within a matrixed organization.
Preferred: leadership experience in greenfield projects.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and setup of manufacturing operations for parenteral products in cGMP/ISO environments.
Support design of processes and areas for the new Wilson facility.
Plan and execute operations to meet business needs and production schedules.
Promote continuous improvement and open communication across teams.
Lead, coach, and develop diverse teams within operations.
Shape site outcomes and organizational design as part of the Project Leadership team.
Sponsor multi-functional teams and provide strategic/operational leadership to capital projects.
Model Credo compliance and environmental/safety practices.

Skills

Transformational leadership

Cross-functional influence

People development

Problem solving

Matrix organization

Stakeholder management

Communication

GMP compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science

MS or equivalent experience preferred

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 Engineering

Job Sub Function: Facilities Engineering

Job Category: People Leader

All Job Posting Locations: Wilson, North Carolina, United States of America

Job Description

Our expertise in Innovative Medicine is informed and inspired by patients, whose insights fuel our science‑based advancements. Visionaries like you work on teams that save lives by developing the medicines of tomorrow. Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while championing patients every step of the way. Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/innovative-medicine. Learn more and apply to this exciting new role for a Green Field Project!

Key Responsibilities

Leading the design and set‑up of manufacturing operations for parenteral drug products to ensure products are produced in compliance with cGMP, ISO, and other Regulatory requirements.
Supporting the design of the manufacturing processes and areas in the construction of the new facility.
Ensuring that operations activities are planned and performed to meet business needs, customer needs and production schedule.
Promoting a culture of continuous improvement and open communication.
Using performance management, people development, talent planning and other processes to lead, empower and develop individuals within operations.
Shaping the site outcomes and new organization design as part of the Project Leadership team.
Lead and sponsor multi‑functional teams to support site objectives.
Providing strategic/operational leadership to the capital project.
Lead by example and always strive to perform in compliance with Credo and Global Leadership Profile.
Responsible for ensuring the safety of our operations employees and for following good environmental practices and procedures.
Demonstrate safe behavior in every activity.
Provide support to Project Commissioning, Qualification and Validation activities and actively support the Technology Transfer process for each new product.

Qualifications Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Science, or equivalent technical field is required; MS or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience and Skills

Required: Minimum of 12 years of experience within pharmaceutical or GMP regulated operations environment with specific knowledge of parenteral drug product manufacturing.
Proven capability of leading and implementing transformational change, as well as being able to effectively communicate and influence at all levels of the organization.
Proven experience in managing partnerships and cross‑functional teams.
Good problem‑solving skills.
Experience managing diverse, multi‑disciplinary teams with varying degrees of educational background.
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to lead a team and operate as a part of team.
Track record of building strong teams, attracting, and developing outstanding talent, motivating them through challenging circumstances and provide guidance & coaching as needed.
Experience working in a matrixed organization.
Preferred: Leadership experience in a greenfield project(s).

Other

This position will be located in Wilson, North Carolina, and will require full time on‑site support. However, the design of the facility will occur at an Engineering firm with frequent travel (> 75%) required until the project shifts to the plant site of Wilson, NC.

For more information on how we support the whole health of our employees throughout their wellness, career and life journey, please visit www.careers.jnj.com.

If you are under 18 years of age, you (the candidate) may need to obtain the necessary working papers or other documentation required by state law to start the assignment, as well as get a parent’s consent for the background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Johnson & Johnson is an 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, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law.

We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Johnson & Johnson is committed to providing an interview process that is inclusive of our applicants’ needs.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation, external applicants please contact us via https://www.jnj.com/contact-us/careers, internal employees contact AskGS to be directed to your accommodation resource.

Required Skills