Sr. Manager, Operations

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?  

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.  

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.  

Job Summary:

Manage and direct all activities at an operations level or manufacturing cell, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction. Provide direction on design and development activities to improve, modify or design new processes or equipment. Direct key manufacturing projects, processes and performance reports, data and analysis. Communicate information to the customer as well as affected departments Assists as needed in the absence of the Site Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the daily, weekly, and long-term manufacturing activities. Manages manufacturing personnel maintaining schedules, ensuring that resources are available, and personnel are adequately trained on processing and safety to execute their activities per established procedures.
• Supervises the manufacture of all products of the plant at the most economical cost consistent with prescribed quality and standards on a timely basis.
• Troubleshoots process, leads/supports closure of area deviations and investigations and ensures implementation of appropriate CAPAs.
• Network with other sites to plan, examine, analyze, and evaluate production operations for products shared across the organization
• Actively participates/contributes to technology transfer, start-ups, design and implementation of process changes, typically working on cross-functional teams.
• Determines staffing needs and organizational structures required to efficiently meet production plans.
• Responsible for cGMPs
• Support customer relations’ efforts by meeting customer standards and delivery dates 
• Participate in resolving customer problems and reinforce marketing department’s customer relations program.
• Establish methods and means for handling, storage, packaging and delivery of products to prevent damage and deterioration.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for production operations
• Evaluates work performance and initiates personnel actions such as training, development, recruitment selection, promotions, transfers, and disciplinary measures
• Lead continuous process improvement efforts to reduce scrap, cycle times, improve efficiency, and eliminate waste within the production environment
• Prepares production reports, reviews operating and financial data and makes recommendations for improvements
• Maximize capital resources and assist in maintaining equipment and facilities in proper working condition. Requests for new capital equipment must be coordinated by working with the appropriate site personnel (i.e. production, engineering, continuous improvement, finance, maintenance and/or plant management) tasked to accomplish this result.
• Consistently promote the plant safety program, lean initiatives, training program and HR policies while holding employees accountable to follow all site policies, practices and procedures while also delivering results
• Participate in customer audits, customer complaint investigations, plant tours, etc. as requested or required.
• Performs other duties as assigned based on business need.

Basic Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor's in a technical discipline to include: Business, Operations or Engineering. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of experience.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• General knowledge of OSHA/EPA/safety regulations, manufacturing and process automation
• Working knowledge of business and shop floor systems to effectively manage operations; prefer SPA and MS Office applications.
• Experience working with ISO9000, FDA and cGMP required.
• Understanding and experience in use of Lean manufacturing principles
• Ability to read and interpret documents and drawings, specifications, safety rules, operating instructions, procedure manuals and regulatory documentation.
• Ability to write routine reports, correspondence and process documents.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups and employees in the organization.
• Write monthly progress reports and capital request.
• Able to be aware of all relevant SOPs as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this job description.
• Support and contribute in Lean Sigma programs and activities towards delivery of the set target
• Able to comply with the company’s safety policy at all times.

Able to comply with the company’s quality policy at all times.

Travel Requirements:

• Minimal travel.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to understand mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.
• Ability to problem solve. #LI-CS1

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post-offer background screening and/or drug screening.