Program Manager, Technical Operations

DSJ Global; New Jersey; On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

DSJ Global is seeking a Technical Operations Program Manager for a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in New Jersey. You will drive strategic operational excellence, lead cross-functional CI initiatives, and partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and R&D to enhance production performance using Lean Six Sigma and data-driven decision making.

You will manage programs, analyze data, conduct risk assessments, and promote best practices across site operations, with direct exposure to site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field related to pharmaceuticals or life sciences.
• Experience leading cross-functional continuous improvement programs.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Six Sigma and data-driven decision making.
• Experience in GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environments is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead site-wide continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, efficiency, quality, and performance improvement.
• Implement and support global technical operations programs and process improvement strategies.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret manufacturing data to identify opportunities for process optimization and operational improvements.
• Facilitate root cause investigations and problem-solving activities using Lean principles and structured methodologies.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Materials Management, and R&D teams to establish goals and key performance indicators.
• Drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives that improve process robustness, productivity, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Conduct value stream mapping, risk assessments, and FMEA activities to identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute strategic projects from planning through completion.
• Manage project timelines, milestones, budgets, and resource requirements using project management best practices.
• Serve as a liaison across manufacturing sites to promote the sharing of best practices and continuous improvement tools.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, or related technical discipline

Job description

A leading pharmaceutical manufacturer is seeking a Technical Operations Program Manager to join its Manufacturing Science & Technology team. This is a high-impact role responsible for leading strategic operational excellence initiatives, driving continuous improvement programs, and partnering with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing performance across a complex pharmaceutical production environment. This opportunity offers direct exposure to site leadership, global initiatives, and the ability to influence manufacturing operations through data-driven decision making and Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead site-wide continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, efficiency, quality, and performance improvement.
• Implement and support global technical operations programs and process improvement strategies.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret manufacturing data to identify opportunities for process optimization and operational improvements.
• Facilitate root cause investigations and problem-solving activities using Lean principles and structured methodologies.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Materials Management, and R&D teams to establish goals and key performance indicators.
• Drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives that improve process robustness, productivity, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Conduct value stream mapping, risk assessments, and FMEA activities to identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Lead cross-functional teams to execute strategic projects from planning through completion.
• Manage project timelines, milestones, budgets, and resource requirements using project management best practices.
• Serve as a liaison across manufacturing sites to promote the sharing of best practices and continuous improvement tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, technical operations, process engineering, or operational excellence.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, packaging operations, and testing equipment.
• Experience leading cross-functional process improvement, operational excellence, or strategic initiatives.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis, root cause analysis, risk management, and process optimization techniques.
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies; PMP certification is a plus.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Opportunity to lead high-visibility strategic initiatives that directly impact manufacturing performance.
• Significant exposure to senior leadership and cross-functional decision makers.
• Influence operational excellence efforts across a complex pharmaceutical manufacturing site.
• Drive meaningful process improvements using Lean Six Sigma and data-driven methodologies.
• Join a growing organization committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Competitive compensation package, benefits, and long-term career advancement opportunities.