Senior Manager, External Operations

Role:                                     Senior Manager, External Operations

Reports To:                         Director, External Operations

Location:                             Zuchwil, Switzerland

Role Overview

The Senior Manager External Operations functions as the general manager for MD External Operations manufacturing sites. The External Operations Senior Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the relationship with assigned external manufacturers to deliver reliable product supply and total cost effectiveness while meeting or exceeding all customer service, compliance and product requirements.

Major Responsibilities

Responsible for managing the manufacturing operations of contract suppliers to ensure that products are available to meet customer needs. Manages costs and feasibility requests and vendor quotes. Identifies new suppliers and evaluates their capabilities. At this level, the position has a greater degree of impact on the business results and, typically, responsibility for managing a group of professionals.

Critical Success Factors or Scope or Responsibilities

• Establishes and implements policies, standards, guidelines, technology and procedures for procuring materials and services.
• Develops a strong understanding of the process and all technical details for the product currently manufactured at the contract manufacturing facility.
• Manages current technology transfer and startup activity at the third-party facility. Insures that third party achieves commercial operations.
• Maintains relationships with vendors and contractors to ensure good, reliable sources of supply and information.
• Defines and builds relationships with other partners to leverage opportunities. Manage prospective improvements, corrective actions, validations and manufacturing scale ups at the site.
• Processes all disputed purchases of goods and services for the protection of the company and with fairness to the supplier.
• Develops monthly metrics and data in support of detailed worldwide sales and order. Ensures documentation, training, configuration, testing, production promotions, archiving, and so on are in compliance with business and regulatory policies.
• Maintains awareness of current market trends and conditions that affect suppliers, the cost of goods, pricing and may have operational or strategic implications for the company.
• Identifies opportunities. Supervises the cost reduction efforts.

Experience and Key Competencies

• Medical device experience preferred.  Experience in multiple disciplines of supply chain including External Operations, Manufacturing, Procurement, Distribution or Finance
• Prior experience in managing suppliers, negotiating contracts and working on supplier agreements is required. 
• Experience working in Manufacturing Operations, specifically in a GMP environment, is highly preferred. 
• Strong analytical/technical aptitude & competence, project management skills and prior experience leading cross-functional projects is required.
• The successful candidate will be a demonstrated self-starter with strong oral and written communication skills, comfortable communicating across functional levels.
• Experience with Six Sigma/Process Excellence tools, training and/or certification is preferred. Experience with the commercialization of new products is highly preferred.
• Proficiency is required for Internet and MS Office Suite.  Prior knowledge of Advanced Planning systems such as ERP, MRP, and SAP is a plus.

GLP’s / Personal Attributes

• Strategic Thinking
• Collaboration & Teaming
• Results & Performance Driven
• Strong Program Management Skills
• Track record in Talent Development

Education

• The qualified candidate will have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with at least 8 years functional related experience.  MBA and APICS certification are desirable.

Johnson & Johnson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.