Operations Director, External Manufacturing

Operations Director, External Manufacturing page is loaded Operations Director, External Manufacturinglocations: UK - Speketime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals! As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People. At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights. Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today! Your Role: Operations Director, External Manufacturing As Operations Director, External Manufacturing, you will hold a pivotal leadership position, responsible for the strategic and tactical oversight of Elanco's external manufacturing (EEM). This position holds significant responsibility for all aspects of product supply and quality, providing both strategic and tactical oversight. The core of the role is to ensure supply continuity, champion operations excellence, compliance, and drive continuous improvement agenda. This includes executing appropriate governance to guarantee CM performance, service levels, and adherence to Elanco's standards and expectations. The Operations Director reports to the EEM International Hub Leader and is a member of the EEM - International lead team. Your Responsibilities: Provide comprehensive oversight and accountability for the entire CM portfolio performance, establishing and leading robust governance structures and ensuring disciplined execution in line with Elanco Standards. Strategically partner with Procurement and other functions to support the negotiation, renewal, and ongoing compliance of critical CM agreements, including defining contract terms and resolving disputes. Own and manage the balanced scorecard, ensuring adherence to SOX requirements and maintaining stringent financial oversight for the external manufacturing operations. Monitor and influence all functional activities related to product supply, driving cross-functional collaboration across Supply, Technical Services, Quality, and HSE to ensure reliable, cost-effective supply and consistent product quality. Lead the productivity agenda, driving continuous improvement in work practices, quality, and cost efficiency, while also conducting regular risk assessments and managing critical projects and change initiatives. What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications): Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science A minimum of 5-7 years' experience in a cGMP manufacturing environment, demonstrating deep understanding of pharmaceutical production and quality systems. Proven and successful supervisory or people-management experience, with a demonstrated ability to exercise indirect leadership and influence across diverse functional teams and external stakeholders to achieve critical business outcomes. Strong learning agility across multiple functional areas including Production, Quality, Technical Services, Procurement, Finance, Regulatory, and R&D, coupled with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in SAP, Veeva, and standard Microsoft Office applications, with the ability to prioritize multiple complex activities effectively. What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications): Master's degree (e.g., MA, MSc, MBA, MEng) Solid understanding of supply chain methodology and concepts, combined with in-depth knowledge of the external manufacturing environment. Demonstrated experience in project and change management, including participation in CM selection, due diligence activities, and successful technical transfers. Strong mentoring and coaching capabilities, fostering development within your team and across partner functions. Additional Information: Travel: 10-30% on an annual percentage basis. Position requires domestic and international travel.Location: SpekeElanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected statusElanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose CSR framework - all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at .