Director, Operations - API

Location: Elkton, Virginia, United States; onsite work with flexible work arrangements not applicable

Salary: $173,200–$272,600 annual base salary, plus potential annual bonus and long-term incentive.

Company

hirify.global is a research-intensive biopharmaceutical company developing health solutions for people and animals, with a purpose-built small molecule manufacturing site focused on quality, safety, and operational excellence.

What you will do

• Lead the Integrated Process Team supporting the API manufacturing value stream and serve on the site leadership team.
• Define the future-state API operating model, organizational structure, governance, operating rhythms, culture, and performance standards.
• Lead site build-out, startup, ramp-up, readiness planning, risk assessments, cross-functional coordination, and project management.
• Ensure safe, compliant, reliable, and right-first-time API operations through performance reviews, daily management, production planning, 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, and capability building.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, or a related scientific or technical discipline preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant experience in pharmaceutical 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 and startup activities.
• Ability to lead in complex environments and manage multiple priorities across functions.
• Strong business acumen, financial stewardship, resource planning, communication, coaching, and change leadership skills.
• 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 API manufacturing, commercial pharmaceutical operations, site startup, 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.
• Experience with talent development, employee engagement, succession planning, 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 collaboration, accountability, empowerment, and continuous learning.
• Medical, dental, vision, insurance, retirement benefits including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, compassionate leave, and sick days.
• Domestic and international relocation support is indicated.
• Visa sponsorship is available.
• Travel requirements are 10%; no valid driving license is required.