Director, Operational Excellence

Position Summary:

The Director of Operational Excellence plays a pivotal role in shaping how the Technical Operations organization executes its work—through structured project delivery, standardized methodologies, and consistent operating mechanisms. This individual will be responsible for driving operational effectiveness across global Tech Ops teams by implementing best-in-class frameworks, governance models, and tools that ensure efficient execution of initiatives. This role requires a strong leader with experience in project portfolio management, cross-functional coordination, and operational frameworks. The Director will serve as the central point for aligning key initiatives with business objectives, enforcing consistent processes, and fostering accountability across teams.

Preferred job location: Waltham, MA. Remote candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis or relocation may be provided.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Technical Operations project portfolio, ensuring initiatives are effectively scoped, resourced, and executed in alignment with organizational priorities and long-term objectives.
• Establish and maintain operational governance frameworks that bring clarity to roles, responsibilities (e.g. RACI), and decision-making processes.
• Drive adoption of standardized methodologies and tools (e.g. operational master plan aligned with corporate goals and functional strategy, risk registers, dashboards) to ensure consistent execution across global teams.
• Serve as the central point of coordination for Technical Operations initiatives, driving progress, proactively removing roadblocks, escalating critical issues, and ensuring on-time delivery of key commitments.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and other Tech Ops functions to ensure seamless execution and alignment.
• Monitor and report on key operational metrics, proactively identifying risk areas and leading structured problem solving and ensuring accountability for performance outcomes.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts by analyzing performance data, identifying bottlenecks, and recommending process enhancements.
• Support the development of operating rhythms (e.g. weekly reviews, monthly operational reviews) that drive accountability and visibility into project progress and resource utilization.
• Prepare TO Leadership Meeting agenda suggesting appropriate topics, governance over resources, KPI's and decision making.
• Collaborate closely with the PMO, Finance, and functional leaders to align on project planning, execution, and resource allocation.

Education, Registration & Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS) preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in life sciences, biotech, or pharmaceutical operations, preferably in manufacturing, supply chain, or quality environments.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Proven experience in project or portfolio management, operational governance, and driving process consistency across large, matrixed organizations.
• Deep understanding of execution methodologies, such as project lifecycle management, performance tracking, and risk mitigation.
• Experience implementing governance structures (e.g., RACI, stage gates) and standardized delivery models.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence across levels and functions.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with an ability to structure work, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results under tight timelines.
• High attention to detail, operational discipline, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 20% travel expected. 

Benefits and Perks:

Base salary for this role will consider multiple factors, including but not limited to, candidate qualifications, relevant expertise, specialized skills, and industry experience in complement-targeted therapies.

The targeted base salary range for this position is $181,000- $272,000 per year. This range represents the base salary only and reflects Apellis' commitment to competitive compensation within the biopharmaceutical industry. The final salary offered may vary based on individual qualifications, business needs, and current market conditions.

Apellis offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with company match, inclusive family building benefits, flexible time off, summer and winter shutdowns, paid family leave, disability and life insurance, and more! Visit https://apellis.com/careers/benefits/ to learn more.

Company Background:

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that combines courageous science and compassion to develop life-changing therapies for some of the most challenging diseases patients face. We ushered in the first new class of complement medicine in 15 years and now have two approved medicines targeting C3. These include the first and only therapy for geographic atrophy, a leading cause of blindness around the world. With nearly a dozen clinical and pre-clinical programs underway, we believe we have only begun to unlock the potential of targeting C3 across many serious diseases.

For more information, please visit http://apellis.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn

 EEO Statement:

Apellis is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practices laws. Apellis strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy), gender (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender or transsexual individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, marital status, AIDS/HIV status, smoker/nonsmoker, and occupational pneumoconiosis or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

For San Francisco postings: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.  

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.