Senior Director, External Manufacturing

Ladders; New York (NY); On-site; USD 270,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity offering as part of the package

Annual target bonuses

Comprehensive benefits program

Job summary

Ladders represents a client in Pharmaceuticals & Biotech seeking a Senior Director, External Manufacturing to own the external manufacturing strategy and governance for a portfolio of clinical and commercial programs. The role focuses on CDMO governance, readiness, and reliable supply across a global network, partnering with Quality, Technical Operations, Regulatory, and cross-functional teams.

Location: New York, NY—US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related field; advanced degree or MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of pharmaceutical/biotechnology manufacturing experience, including outsourcing and global partnerships.
• Deep experience in small molecule API and oral solid dose manufacturing.
• Experience with biologics and sterile drug products preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage international CDMOs across multiple regions and time zones.

Responsibilities

• Own relationships with CDMOs, including governance, performance management, and regular business reviews.
• Oversee external drug manufacturing operations for clinical and commercial programs.
• Lead selection and integration of manufacturing partners in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure effective technology transfer and validation processes with technical leads.
• Drive CDMO performance and manufacturing readiness across the network.
• Collaborate with Quality teams to maintain compliance with cGMP standards.
• Monitor and resolve operational risks related to production plans and schedules.
• Support regulatory filings and ensure manufacturing partner readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Global partnerships

CDMO governance

Manufacturing strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/chemical engineering/biochemistry/pharmaceutical sciences

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Job description

For our client, we are seeking a Senior Director, External Manufacturing to join the team of a leader in the Pharmaceuticals & Biotech space.

This leader will own the external manufacturing strategy and day-to-day partnership management for a portfolio of clinical and commercial programs. The role is focused on building strong CDMO governance, ensuring manufacturing readiness, and driving reliable supply across a global network. It will partner closely with Quality, Technical Operations, Regulatory, and cross-functional teams to support technology transfer, validation, and compliance outcomes.

Location: New York, NY - US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available

Compensation: $270,000 - $290,000 annually

Responsibilities

• Own relationships with CDMOs, including governance, performance management, and regular business reviews
• Oversee external drug manufacturing operations for clinical and commercial programs
• Lead selection and integration of manufacturing partners in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Ensure effective technology transfer and validation processes with technical leads
• Drive CDMO performance and manufacturing readiness across the network
• Collaborate with Quality teams to maintain compliance with cGMP standards
• Monitor and resolve operational risks related to production plans and schedules
• Support regulatory filings and ensure manufacturing partner readiness

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field; advanced degree or MBA preferred
• 15+ years of pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing experience, including leadership in outsourcing and global partnerships
• Deep experience in small molecule API and oral solid dose manufacturing required
• Experience with biologics and sterile drug products preferred
• Demonstrated ability to manage international CDMOs across multiple regions and time zones

Benefits

• Equity offering as part of the compensation package
• Annual target bonuses based on performance
• Comprehensive benefits program including health, wellness, and retirement options

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification-your background could be exactly what this team needs.