Director, Technical Services

Viatris is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale, currently supplying high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world annually and touching all of life's moments, from birth to the end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases.

We have been included on number of award lists that demonstrate the impact we are making.
 

Every day, we rise to the challenge to make a difference and here’s how the role will make an impact:

The Director, Global Technical Services - Respiratory is responsible for leading technical aspects of externally manufactured products for the for the Respiratory portfolio and selected global key brands.  This includes developing and executing tech transfer projects in alignment with projected commercial launch targets; improving robustness and efficiency of manufacturing processes resulting in optimal right first time (“RFT”) and cost competitiveness; providing and developing technical expertise to support the overall performance of vendors; meeting or exceeding safety, quality, customer service and cost targets.  All of the above will be performed in close partnership with Viatris Manufacturing, Quality, Sourcing and other departments as required to manage third party manufacturing in a wholistic approach.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• For assigned products, partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sourcing, R&D and other departments to support wholistic management of contract manufacturing capability and reliability.  This includes being a technical leader for the team as well as being a project manager for approved projects for the assigned product(s).  Be the technical point of contact for the Contract Manufacturing Organisation (CMO).  Evaluate capacity versus commercial demand and propose capacity plans to Senior Management.  Evaluate CMO technical performance and propose changes when needed for timely supply of cost-efficient, cGMP product.  Seek creative, compliant ways to overcome disagreements internally or with CMOs.  Educate CMOs on how best to work with Viatris regarding communications, quality requirements, and scheduling.

• Independently manage Vendors to meet timelines for required projects to support timely supply to markets around the world.  Driving the project timeline with the vendor also requires driving the internal team to complete protocols, change controls, and document reviews to support the same timeline.  Report on progress to management with risk evaluation and proposed mitigation plans if warranted.

• Participate in negotiations representing Viatris’ best interests with CMO’s on topics where you have subject matter expertise.

• Develop and execute tech transfer project plans in collaboration with R&D and regional functional teams as well as CMO’s. Provide the interface support between Process Development and Manufacturing Operations in order to ensure proper implementation of new processes/technologies into GMP manufacturing operation.  Provide to R&D the preferred technology platforms, methods, and modes of operation.

• Lead support for GMP manufacturing Operations external to Viatris by leading investigations and determination of Root Cause.  Drive CAPA closure where appropriate.  Support topics include, but are not limited to, production process, QC testing, stability results, and raw materials.

• Identify opportunities to improve quality, safety, productivity and reliability of manufacturing processes.  Utilise sound science and optimal technical solutions to improve plant performance.  Create a business case with the help of direct manager and propose the improvements for management approval of spending.  Develop technical proficiency of Viatris colleagues through sharing product/process knowledge.

• Provide leadership with necessary information for planning, organising, developing, and integrating the technical efforts, including establishment, execution and reporting of external manufacturing systems, goals, project schedules, and project budgets.

• Drive the continuous improvement of the company’s existing technologies while also supporting the development of new technological and/or product innovations and introduction in conjunction with Quality, External Supply Operations, and R&D.

• Manage all assigned products technical issues and lead experimental design related to process improvement, scale-up, introduction of new technology with a focus on improving quality and cost.

• Gather and maintain product technical and performance information in order to establish a corporate data base that will be used to set up process improvement programs, provide troubleshooting information, and continually improve Viatris customer care.

• Manage specific technical projects to meet scope, time, and budget.  Leverage the various departments to execute projects and partner with R&D to ensure new initiatives are aligned and fit into the existing operational platform. 

• Perform other duties as assigned.

The minimum qualifications for this role are:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) with a specialisation in Engineering or a related science field is required, as well as demonstrable relevant experience. A Master’s Degree is a plus.  Related experience and/or education may be considered.

• Must be knowledgeable in many aspects of pharmaceutical development and GMP manufacturing.  Must possess a unique combination of technical skills, administrative management skills, teamwork orientation and the inter-personal skills to effectively service and communicate with all stakeholders interacting with the technical department.

• Experience required in at least one of the following product categories: OINDP, parenteral, blow-fill-seal, vaccine, or drug/device combinations.

• Must possess the ability to plan, coordinate, and execute experimental plans, especially in commercial plants.

• Statistical analysis and reporting of results in a professional and technically responsible manner are key components of a successful incumbent.   

• Personal skills and the confidence to lead assigned project teams, while also exhibiting the steady reliability and teamwork attitude needed to effectively interface with the other functional areas of the company on a matrix basis.  

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both oral and written are required.

• This role has flexibility to be based in the United States or Europe. 

• Proficiency in speaking, comprehending, reading and writing English is required.

At Viatris, we are dedicated to building a truly diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t fully align with every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles.  

Benefits at Viatris  

At Viatris, we offer competitive salaries, benefits and an inclusive environment where you can use your experiences, perspectives and skills to help make an impact on the lives of others. Some of our benefits include the following on top of a competitive salary:  

• Emphasis on Health & Wellness programmes 

• 100% paid medical insurance and Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life cover 

• Excellent employer-matched pension scheme with Viatris contributing up to 11% 

• 2 paid volunteer days per year  

Diversity & Inclusion at Viatris  

At Viatris, diversity and inclusion are essential to our mission. The diversity we foster in all aspects of our business can be one of our greatest strengths in redefining healthcare not as it is, but as it should be. If you would like to know more about what diversity, equity and inclusion means to us, please visit https://www.viatris.com/en/Careers/Diversity-and-Inclusion   

Sustainability at Viatris  

Corporate social responsibility is fundamental to the Viatris mission. We work to advance responsible and sustainable operations and leverage our collective expertise to empower people to live healthier at every stage of life, recognizing that our actions affect the stakeholders and communities we serve. To learn more about our efforts, please visit https://www.viatris.com/en/about-us/corporate-responsibility   

At Viatris, we offer competitive salaries, benefits and an inclusive environment where you can use your experiences, perspectives and skills to help make an impact on the lives of others. 

Viatris is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

At Viatris, we offer competitive salaries, benefits and an inclusive environment where you can use your experiences, perspectives and skills to help make an impact on the lives of others. 

Viatris is an Equal Opportunity Employer.