Sr Manager, Production

Fresenius Kabi; Melrose Park (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresenius Kabi is seeking a Sr Manager, Production to lead day-to-day operations in aseptic/isoloator filling, guide formulation and lyophilization teams, and drive cross-functional collaboration for compliant manufacturing. The role requires directing production personnel, aligning with strategic objectives, and ensuring cGMP adherence.

The position offers a competitive salary ($150,000–$170,000) with a target bonus of 14% and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent in Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.
• Eight+ years manufacturing ops with 3+ years in leadership; FDA-regulated pharma experience preferred.
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment with cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong project and change leadership capabilities.
• Experience in aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and executive communication skills.
• Experience implementing new production equipment or processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and oversight for production scheduling and manufacturing operations.
• Partner with Validation, Technology Center, Engineering, QA to qualify new equipment and processes.
• Set short- and mid-term goals and develop effective processes.
• Ensure manufacturing methods comply with FDA, cGMP, and SOPs.
• Lead complex initiatives to strengthen manufacturing infrastructure and compliance.
• Engage with senior site leadership and external partners.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and decision-making authority.
• Drive change management with clear processes and communication.
• Collaborate to identify product and process improvements.
• Coach and strengthen the manufacturing organization.
• Maintain understanding of operations and troubleshoot issues.
• Develop, monitor KPIs to improve quality, yield, throughput, and resource use.
• Lead quality/CI initiatives through documentation and reviews.
• Ensure Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality management compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality mindset

Change management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Life Sciences or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The Sr Manager, Production is responsible for the overall management direction and coordination of the day-to-day operations of Aseptic and/or Isolator filling operations as well as the overall management, direction and coordination of production personnel and processes. This includes providing direction, cadence, and urgency to support function including commodity preparation, Formulation and Lyophilization teams. Areas of responsibility include but are not limited to; formulation, component preparation, aseptic filling, capping and lyophilization. It reports to the Sr Director, Manufacturing Operations.

Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000 based on experience

• Position is eligible to participate in a bonus plan with a target of 14% of the base salary (include only if applicable to the grade level)
• Final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Our benefits and programs are comprehensive and thoughtfully crafted to ensure our colleagues live healthy lives and have support when it matters most. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with company contributions, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, employee assistance program, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States. Fresenius Kabi is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa either now or in the future.

Responsibilities

1. Provide overall leadership and oversight for production scheduling, incoming quality control, manufacturing operations, quality assurance, engineering, maintenance, equipment validation, training, non-conformance investigations, laboratory testing coordination, and product release activities.

2. Partner closely with Validation, the Technology Center, Engineering, Quality, and other cross-functional support teams to ensure the successful implementation and qualification of new equipment, technologies, and manufacturing processes.

3. Establish short- and mid-term operational goals and work collaboratively with supervisors and cross-functional partners to develop and implement effective processes and strategies to achieve business objectives.

4. Ensure manufacturing methods, processes, and operating practices support production objectives while maintaining compliance with FDA requirements, applicable current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and site standard operating procedures.

5. Lead, manage, and participate in complex operational initiatives designed to strengthen manufacturing infrastructure, systems, processes, and regulatory compliance. Provide leadership and guidance in the development of risk assessments, remediation plans, and sustainable corrective actions.

6. Operate with a high degree of independence and regularly engage with senior site leadership, corporate operations leaders, and external business partners.

7. Provide leadership for day-to-day functional activities and exercise appropriate decision-making authority on behalf of the department in internal and external meetings.

8. Lead and support effective change management by leveraging consistent processes, clear communication, leadership alignment, and employee engagement to drive successful and sustainable implementation.

9. Collaborate across functions to identify and implement product and process improvements that enhance manufacturing performance, quality, reliability, and supportability.

10. Coach, develop, and strengthen the manufacturing organization to enhance technical capabilities, teamwork, accountability, and the consistent production of high-quality injectable pharmaceutical products.

11. Maintain a strong understanding of manufacturing operations and provide technical leadership in troubleshooting equipment, process flow, manufacturing, and product-related issues.

12. Develop, monitor, and utilize key performance indicators to evaluate manufacturing performance and identify opportunities to improve product quality, deviation rates, scrap, labor utilization, regulatory compliance, throughput, and product yield, while reducing bottlenecks and work-in-process and optimizing resource allocation.

13. Provide active leadership in quality and continuous improvement initiatives through effective documentation and review of manufacturing results, investigation outcomes, process changes, and improvement activities.

14. Ensure compliance with all company requirements, programs, and procedures related to Health, Safety, Environment, Energy, and Quality Management Systems, consistent with the responsibilities and expectations of the position.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. Degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Minimum of eight years of manufacturing operations experience, including at least three years of progressively responsible leadership experience. Experience within an FDA-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a complex, fast-paced manufacturing environment requiring strong leadership, technical aptitude, sound judgment, influence, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong project and change leadership capabilities, including experience leading complex operational or technical initiatives.
• Experience in aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing strongly preferred.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and executive communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience implementing new production equipment, manufacturing processes, technologies, or production capabilities.

Additional Information

We offer an excellent salary and benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance, disability,401K with company contribution, andwellness program.

Please note that joining our team does not create a guaranteed or permanent employment arrangement. All employment is at-will, meaning both the employee and Fresenius Kabi have the right to end the employment relationship at any time, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Fresenius Kabi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.