Site Director – Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

About the role

The Site Director will lead a strategically important manufacturing site in Northern Germany for a global pharmaceutical company. This senior position is responsible for all aspects of site performance, ensuring safe, reliable and GMP‑compliant production while driving growth and innovation.

Key responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for all site operations, guaranteeing safety, reliability and GMP compliance.
• Drive operational excellence across manufacturing, supply chain, engineering and technical services to improve productivity, quality, service and cost.
• Coach and develop a high‑performing cross‑functional leadership team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Deliver strategic objectives such as capacity expansion, technology transfer, new product introductions and capital investment programmes.
• Partner with the COO and global leadership to define and execute the long‑term manufacturing strategy.
• Maintain the highest standards of GMP, quality culture, EHS and regulatory readiness, acting as senior site representative during inspections.
• Own site financial performance, including budgeting, KPI tracking, forecasting and resource planning.
• Build strong relationships with global functions, commercial teams, customers and external stakeholders.

Required profile

• Significant senior leadership experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, especially small‑molecule drug products.
• Proven success leading complex GMP‑regulated facilities within international pharma organisations.
• Deep understanding of oral solid dose, liquids, semi‑solids or related small‑molecule manufacturing technologies.
• Track record of delivering operational transformation, capacity expansion or major capital investment programmes.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, quality systems, pharmaceutical supply chain, engineering and operational excellence.

Required skills

• GMP compliance
• Small‑molecule drug product manufacturing
• Oral solid dose technology
• Pharmaceutical supply chain management