Director, Operations

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?  

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.  

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.  

Job Summary

The Director of Operations has primary responsibility for setting the strategy and for the operational planning of the facility and accountability for its successful execution. The position manages, directs and coordinates day-to-day operations to provide a safe, reliable and efficient facility. The position serves as part of a management team proactively addressing the needs of the organization.

West is expanding in Indiana with a cutting-edge manufacturing facility designed to drive innovation, quality, and operational excellence. We’re seeking forward-thinking professionals who excel in fast-paced settings, lead with integrity, and value teamwork and continuous improvement. If you’re energized by building something new, fostering collaboration, and driving impact in a purpose-driven industry, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of West and accelerate our mission to improve patient lives globally.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Sets the strategy for the site and directs and leads the site team, and indirectly all site employees, to meet and exceed customer requirements in terms of safety, quality, cost, delivery and service while making products at the lowest cost possible.
• Ensures products meet the requirements of approved customer agreements, at minimum costs, within quality limits and consistent with FDA, cGMP, ISO and OSHA requirements.
• Responsible for identifying opportunities to improve customer service, quality, safety performance, scrap minimization or otherwise reduce costs by using effective management, cost control techniques and Lean Manufacturing.
• Provides monthly reports and ongoing measurement of site results and various work initiatives including but not limited to identifying progress, issues, corrective action status, etc. for any work streams or planned activities.
• Directs the maintenance of systems and reports to permit appropriate individuals to exercise control over costs, product quality production and efficient utilization of capital resources and personnel.
• Develops and maintains solid working relationships with the community, government agencies, and customers.
• Inspires and guides employees toward excellence and continuous improvement.
• Consistently enforces all site policies, practices, procedures and guidelines.
• Administers a program for safety, hygiene and fire protection to safeguard the health and welfare of the personnel as well as to preserve the facilities.
• Responsible for the daily, weekly, and long-term order processing activities. Manages personnel, maintaining schedules, ensuring that resources are available, and personnel are adequately trained on processing and safety to execute their activities per established procedures.
• Addresses human resource development opportunities and challenges. Determines staffing needs and organizational structures required to efficiently meet demand plans. Develops subordinates to prepare them for future promotion (building bench strength). Actively participates in hiring the best and works to develop an exceptional workforce.
• Maximize capital resources. Responsible for cGMPs. Ensure site and equipment are maintained to best possible working condition.
• Support customer relations efforts by meeting customer standards and delivery dates. Participate in resolving customer problems and reinforce marketing departments customer relations program.
• Establish methods and means for handling, storage, packaging and delivery of products to prevent damage and deterioration.
• Identify the training needs and schedule required training of all the employees under direct supervision.
• Maximize capital resources and assist in maintaining equipment and facilities in proper working condition.
• Consistently promote the site safety program, lean initiatives, training program and HR policies while holding employees accountable to follow all site policies, practices and procedures while also delivering results.
• Participate in customer audits, customer complaint investigations, plant tours, etc. as requested or required.

Additional Responsibilities

As an early member of our newest West site, you will thrive if you can: 

•    Bring a positive, can-do attitude every day as we build and grow together.

•    Contribute to ramping up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility from the ground up.

•    Embrace change and innovation as we launch new operations at record speed.

•    Work hard, stay flexible, and support your teammates to achieve shared goals.

•    Take pride in producing high-quality products that improve patient lives worldwide.

•    Live West’s core values of integrity, teamwork, and accountability in everything you do.

•    Be part of a culture that celebrates learning, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

•    Show initiative and ownership while helping shape a safe, efficient, and high-performing workplace.

•    Grow your career and skillset in a dynamic, innovative environment where your contributions truly matter.

•    Work independently and take initiative in areas that may not be formally assigned to you.

•    Thrive in ambiguity and see change as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

•    Work in an evolving fast-paced environment where priorities shift, and new opportunities emerge regularly.

Education

• Bachelors Degree Project Management, Engineering, Science or Business required
• Masters Degree preferred

Work Experience

• Minimum 10 years required
• Experience leading highly regulated, GMP manufacturing operations in a similar role

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• General knowledge of OSHA/EPA/safety regulations, manufacturing, and process automation.
• Working knowledge of business, warehousing, and distribution systems to effectively manage operations; prefer SAP and MS Office applications.
• Experience working with ISO9000, FDA and cGMP required.
• Understanding and experience in use of Lean manufacturing principles.
• Ability to read and interpret documents and drawings, specifications, safety rules, operating instructions, procedure manuals and regulatory documentation.
• Ability to write routine reports, correspondence, capital requests, and process documents.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups and employees in the organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with all levels in the organization.

License and Certifications

• Manufacturing\Lean Six Sigma Certification-IASSC preferred

Travel Requirements

• 5%: Up to 13 business days per year

Physical Requirements

Sedentary-Exerting up to 10lbs/4kgs of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.