Sr. Manager, External Supply Operations Lead (Pharmaceutical Manufacturing)

Location: Japan - Japan Field; 20–25% travel required, primarily across Japan.

Company

hirify.global is a global pharmaceutical company developing and manufacturing medicines through internal and external supply networks.

What you will do

• Oversee business relationships, operations, performance, quality, supply, and cost across a portfolio of contract manufacturers and partners in Japan.
• Lead Virtual Site Operations Teams and coordinate global stakeholders across quality, supply chain, procurement, engineering, commercial, and manufacturing functions.
• Develop and execute manufacturing, supply, product transfer, localization, new product introduction, and product change plans.
• Manage P&L responsibility, contract negotiations, external relationships, cost reduction programs, and long-range and operational planning.
• Drive continuous improvement in product quality, EH&S, compliance, customer service, cost, and shop-floor performance.
• Lead initiatives covering serialization, business continuity, supplier network collaboration, and environmental sustainability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, pharmacy, economics, or business; an MBA is preferred.
• At least 9 years of experience, including pharmaceutical operations, supply chain, quality operations, GTEL, external supply, procurement, R&D, or project management.
• Written and spoken Japanese and English are required.
• Knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, regulatory requirements, cGMPs, and hirify.global quality standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, negotiation, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex contractor and partner portfolios.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree combined with significant pharmaceutical experience.
• Experience with API, vaccine, sterile injectable, or solid oral dose operations.
• Strong supply chain knowledge and experience managing contracts and agreements.
• Experience using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, including responsible AI and risk management practices.

Culture & Benefits

• Full-time role within hirify.global’s Global Biopharmaceuticals Group and External Supply organization.
• Cross-functional and global collaboration across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, engineering, procurement, and commercial teams.
• Regular travel across Japan, with approximately 20–25% travel expected.