Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Site Leader with a Biologics Manufacturer – Raleigh, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering, global biologics manufacturer in their search for an exceptional VP, Manufacturing Site Leader. This is a career-defining opportunity to take the helm of a state-of-the-art, flagship manufacturing facility located in the vibrant life sciences hub of Raleigh, North Carolina. Our client is at the forefront of developing and producing life-saving therapies that address some of the world’s most challenging diseases. Their commitment to science, innovation, and patient-centricity has established them as a leader in the biotechnology industry.
As the VP, Manufacturing Site Leader, you will serve as the senior executive for the Raleigh site, holding ultimate accountability for all operational, strategic, financial, and regulatory aspects. You will be entrusted with leading a large, multi-disciplinary organization of several hundred dedicated professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This is not merely an operational role; it is a strategic leadership position that will shape the future of the site and significantly contribute to the company’s global manufacturing network and overall corporate objectives. You will be a key member of the Global Manufacturing Leadership Team, providing critical input on network strategy, capacity planning, and technology adoption. We are seeking a visionary leader with a proven track record of operational excellence, strategic thinking, and inspirational leadership within a complex, cGMP-regulated biologics environment. Your leadership will ensure the reliable supply of high-quality medicines to patients worldwide while driving the site’s growth and long-term success.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Site Leader with a Biologics Manufacturer – Raleigh, NC
The VP, Manufacturing Site Leader will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Site Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive multi-year strategic plan for the Raleigh site, ensuring tight alignment with the company’s global manufacturing strategy and corporate goals. Proactively identify and capitalize on opportunities for growth, efficiency, and technological advancement.
Operational Excellence & Supply Chain Management
Provide executive oversight for all site operations, including upstream (cell culture) and downstream (purification) manufacturing, process sciences, engineering, maintenance, supply chain, and logistics. Drive a culture of operational excellence by deploying Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies to optimize processes, enhance productivity, and ensure a consistent and reliable supply of products.
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Champion a world-class quality culture across the entire site. Hold ultimate accountability for ensuring that all operations, processes, and products strictly adhere to all applicable global regulatory standards, including current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), FDA, and EMA guidelines. Serve as the primary site host for all regulatory inspections and audits, ensuring successful outcomes.
Financial & Budgetary Acumen
Develop and manage the site’s annual operating budget and long-range capital investment plan, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Exhibit strong financial stewardship by driving cost-effectiveness, optimizing resource allocation, and delivering on financial targets without compromising quality, safety, or compliance.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Site Leadership Team. Foster an inclusive, empowering, and collaborative work environment that attracts, retains, and develops top-tier talent at all levels. Champion robust talent management and succession planning processes to build a strong leadership pipeline for the future.
Safety, Health & Environment (SHE)
Uphold and promote an unwavering commitment to safety. Cultivate a proactive, ‘zero-injury’ safety culture throughout the site. Ensure full compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulations, and drive initiatives that promote environmental sustainability.
Technology & Innovation Leadership
Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in biologics manufacturing. Drive the strategic evaluation and implementation of new platforms, automation, and digital solutions (Industry 4.0) to enhance manufacturing capabilities, increase efficiency, and maintain the site’s competitive edge.
Capital Project Execution
Provide executive sponsorship and oversight for major capital projects, including facility expansions, new equipment installation, and technology transfers. Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety.
Stakeholder Management & Communication
Serve as the primary representative for the Raleigh site. Effectively communicate site performance, strategies, and challenges to the executive leadership team, corporate partners, and external stakeholders. Build and maintain strong relationships with local community leaders and government officials.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Site Leader with a Biologics Manufacturer – Raleigh, NC
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the biopharmaceutical industry. Specific qualifications include:
Educational Background
A Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant discipline such as Chemical Engineering, Biochemical Engineering, Biology, or a related life sciences field is required. An advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D., or M.B.A.) is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience within the biopharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing industry. This must include at least 10 years in a significant leadership capacity managing large-scale, complex cGMP manufacturing operations. Prior experience as a Plant Manager, General Manager, or Site Leader is essential.
Technical Expertise
Extensive, hands-on knowledge of biologics drug substance manufacturing processes, including large-scale mammalian cell culture, recovery, and protein purification techniques. A strong understanding of process development, process validation, tech transfer, and analytical sciences is critical.
Regulatory Mastery
Expert-level knowledge of global cGMP regulations and expectations. The candidate must have a proven track record of successfully leading multiple regulatory inspections from agencies such as the FDA, EMA, and others.
Inspirational Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and motivate a large and diverse organization. Must possess exceptional interpersonal skills, a high level of emotional intelligence, and the ability to build consensus and drive change in a matrixed environment.
Strategic & Financial Acumen
Proven ability to think strategically, develop long-term plans, and translate them into actionable, operational goals. Strong business and financial acumen with experience managing P&L, large operational budgets, and significant capital projects.
Problem-Solving Skills
Superior analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound, data-driven decisions in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers an executive-level compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the very best leaders in the industry. The comprehensive package includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a lucrative long-term incentive plan (i.e., stock options, restricted stock units).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Robust wellness programs, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and generous contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
Retirement & Financial Security
A leading 401(k) retirement plan with a substantial company match and immediate vesting. Access to professional financial planning services.
Work-Life Integration
A generous and flexible paid time off (PTO) policy, numerous paid holidays, and comprehensive parental leave programs to support you and your family.
Executive Relocation
A comprehensive, white-glove relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the Raleigh area.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your continued growth, with support for executive coaching, attendance at key industry conferences, and other professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. We are incredibly excited about the transformative potential of this role and are seeking a truly exceptional leader to fill it. If you are a results-driven, strategic, and inspirational manufacturing executive with the qualifications and passion to lead a world-class biologics site, we strongly encourage you to apply.
To express your interest, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter detailing your suitability for this position. JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Life Sciences practice area. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring this outstanding opportunity together.
