Director of Operations - Kennedy Fox Associates : Job Details

Kennedy Fox Associates is excited to be partnering with a leading organisation in a search for a high-impact Operations Director to lead our client's manufacturing site in Indiana. This facility is a key producer in the CDMO space, and the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving operational performance and managing growth.

Kennedy Fox is managing this search on a retained basis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Development: Lead and develop a high-performing operational team across all levels, from the management team to shop floor operations. Ensure strong collaboration, alignment, and engagement to achieve operational excellence.
• End-to-End Site Management: Take full operational responsibility for the entire site, ensuring the facility runs efficiently, meets production targets, and adheres to quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Strategic Growth & Site Expansion: Spearhead the next phase of site growth, following significant CAPEX investment, ensuring capacity increases and future-proofing of operations. Implement and optimize processes that will scale with the growth trajectory of the site.
• Performance Optimisation: Drive key performance metrics, ensuring continuous improvement initiatives are in place to maximise operational output, reduce waste, and streamline processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments such as supply chain, finance, R&D, and sales to ensure smooth operations and alignment with business objectives.
• Matrix Environment Leadership: Operate comfortably in a matrix management structure, coordinating with global and regional leadership teams to align site operations with broader corporate goals.
• Compliance & Safety Management: Ensure all operations adhere to industry best practices, maintaining compliance with all relevant safety, health, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Significant operational leadership experience within the CDMO or adjacent sectors.
• A proven track record of turning around underperforming sites or teams, with a strong focus on performance improvement.
• Experience leading large-scale manufacturing operations, ideally with a $100m+ budget and multiple teams.
• Skilled in managing high-growth environments, including experience with CAPEX projects and site expansions.
• Strong leadership presence, with the ability to influence and drive results both at the strategic level and through hands-on operational management.