Director, Operations - Pharm Ops (Pharmaceutical Manufacturing)

Location: Elkton, Virginia, United States; onsite. Relocation is listed as domestic/international. Travel requirements: 10%.

Salary: $173,200–$272,600 per year, plus annual bonus and long-term incentive if applicable.

Company

hirify.global is a research-intensive biopharmaceutical company developing medicines and health solutions, with this role supporting a new small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing site in the United States.

What you will do

• Lead the Integrated Process Team supporting the Pharmaceutical Operations manufacturing value stream and participate in the Site Leadership Team.
• Develop the future-state operating model, organizational structure, operating rhythms, governance, Ways of Working, and performance standards for the Elkton site.
• Lead site build-out, start-up, ramp-up, readiness planning, risk assessments, implementation plans, and cross-functional project coordination.
• Ensure safe, compliant, reliable, and right-first-time operations through performance reviews, daily management, production planning, resource deployment, and issue resolution.
• Drive Lean thinking, structured problem solving, continuous improvement, productivity, throughput, operational stability, and financial stewardship.
• Lead, coach, and develop leaders and contributors while supporting talent development, succession planning, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or a related scientific or technical discipline is preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Leadership experience in Manufacturing, Technical Operations, Quality Operations, Engineering, and/or Production Planning.
• Experience leading teams with direct and indirect reports.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, quality systems, regulatory readiness, and safety and environmental practices.
• Experience with operational planning, project leadership, or site ramp-up/start-up activities.
• Ability to lead in complex environments and manage multiple priorities across functions, with strong communication, coaching, and change leadership skills.
• Strong business acumen with experience in financial stewardship and resource planning.
• Experience applying Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving tools.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
• Experience in small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing or oral solid dose operations.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing site start-up, transformation, or ramp-up.
• Experience developing future-state operating models, organizational structures, or operational governance systems.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or deep practical application of Lean tools.
• Experience in a highly matrixed global manufacturing environment.
• Success in talent development, employee engagement, and succession planning.
• Experience with capacity planning, capital planning, supply planning, and S&OP.
• Familiarity with inspection readiness, deviation management, and broader quality systems in a regulated environment.

Culture & Benefits

• Safe, environmentally responsible, compliant, and inclusive workplace focused on quality and operational excellence.
• Medical, dental, vision, and other insurance benefits for employees and families.
• Retirement benefits including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate leave, and sick days.
• Opportunity to help establish a growing small molecule manufacturing site and build its operating culture and organization.