Role Overview for Global Head of Manufacturing with a Pharmaceutical OEM – Kalamazoo, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, globally recognized Pharmaceutical Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in their search for a visionary and results-driven Global Head of Manufacturing. This is a paramount executive leadership position based at their flagship site in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a significant hub for the life sciences industry. The successful candidate will be a cornerstone of the executive team, responsible for shaping and executing the company’s global manufacturing strategy across multiple international sites.
This role demands a strategic leader with a profound understanding of the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape, capable of driving operational excellence, ensuring unwavering compliance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. You will hold ultimate accountability for the performance, quality, and efficiency of all manufacturing operations worldwide.
Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to deliver life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients globally, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficacy are met. You will be instrumental in scaling operations, integrating new technologies, and developing a world-class manufacturing organization that can meet the challenges of a dynamic and competitive market. This is a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on a growing organization and the broader pharmaceutical industry.
Key Responsibilities of Global Head of Manufacturing with a Pharmaceutical OEM – Kalamazoo, MI
The Global Head of Manufacturing will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Global Vision
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive global manufacturing strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term corporate objectives. Drive strategic initiatives related to capacity expansion, technology adoption, network optimization, and cost reduction.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion a culture of operational excellence by deploying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies across all sites. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive efficiency, reduce waste, improve cycle times, and enhance productivity.
Multi-Site Operations Management
Provide direct oversight and leadership for all manufacturing facilities globally. Ensure operational consistency, standardization of best practices, and effective communication across the network. Foster a collaborative environment where knowledge and innovations are shared freely between sites.
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Uphold the highest standards of quality and ensure strict compliance with all applicable global regulatory requirements. This includes ensuring all operations adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), as well as regulations from the FDA, EMA, and other international health authorities. Partner closely with the Global Head of Quality to proactively address and mitigate compliance risks.
Financial & Budgetary Oversight
Develop and manage the multi-million dollar global manufacturing budget, including operational expenditures (OpEx) and capital investments (CapEx). Drive financial performance through rigorous cost control, productivity improvements, and strategic investment in value-adding projects.
Talent Development & Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global manufacturing leadership team. Cultivate a robust talent pipeline and succession plan for key roles within the organization. Foster an inclusive and engaging culture centered on safety, quality, accountability, and employee growth.
Supply Chain Collaboration
Work in close partnership with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Logistics leadership to ensure a seamless and resilient end-to-end supply chain. Optimize production planning, inventory management, and material flow to ensure reliable product supply.
New Product Introduction (NPI) & Tech Transfer
Oversee the successful transfer of new products from research and development into full-scale, commercially viable manufacturing. Ensure that processes are robust, scalable, and cost-effective from the outset.
Technology & Innovation
Stay at the forefront of manufacturing technology and industry trends. Identify and champion the adoption of new technologies, including automation, robotics, data analytics, and digital manufacturing (Industry 4.0) to create a competitive advantage.
Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)
Serve as the executive champion for HSE, ensuring that all manufacturing sites operate with the highest commitment to employee safety and environmental stewardship. Drive a zero-incident safety culture across the global network.
Requirements for the Global Head of Manufacturing with a Pharmaceutical OEM – Kalamazoo, MI
We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of success in senior manufacturing leadership within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors. The ideal qualifications include:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacy, Chemistry, or a related scientific or technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree (MS, PhD) is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device manufacturing, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role with multi-site, global, or regional responsibilities.
Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of complex pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Experience with various dosage forms, such as sterile injectables, biologics, oral solid dose, or active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), is highly advantageous.
Regulatory Acumen
Extensive, hands-on experience managing operations within a highly regulated cGMP environment. A proven history of successful inspections and interactions with the FDA, EMA, and other major regulatory bodies.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with the demonstrated ability to lead large, cross-cultural teams. A strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and inspire an organization to achieve excellence.
Financial Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen, with extensive experience managing large P&Ls, developing complex budgets, and justifying significant capital investments.
Continuous Improvement Mastery
Formal training and practical application of Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence systems. Certification as a Black Belt or Master Black Belt is a significant asset.
Communication Skills
Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to effectively communicate with and influence a wide range of audiences, from shop-floor employees to the Board of Directors.
Travel
The ability and willingness to undertake international and domestic travel, estimated at 25-40%, to engage with site leadership and global teams.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, a robust employee assistance program (EAP), and corporate wellness initiatives.
Retirement Savings
A leading 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package to assist with your move to the vibrant Kalamazoo, Michigan area.
Paid Time Off
A generous executive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for ongoing professional development, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and continuing education.
Additional Perquisites
Other executive-level benefits may include a car allowance, financial planning services, and club memberships.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm retained for this critical executive appointment. If you are a transformative manufacturing leader with the experience and passion to drive a global pharmaceutical operation to new heights, we invite you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. To learn more about our dedicated expertise in recruiting top talent for this sector, please visit our Life Sciences & Healthcare executive search practice area page.
