Director, Operational Excellence; OpEx

As a privately‑owned biopharmaceutical company, Ferring pioneers and delivers life‑changing therapies that help people build families and live better lives. Our independence helps us cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit and long‑term perspective that enables us to achieve growth and scale, while remaining agile and true to our “people first” philosophy. Built on a 70‑year plus commitment to science and research, Ferring is relentless in its pursuit of science that drives powerful discoveries and therapies to help people build families, stay healthy, and stand up to the world’s oldest enemy: disease.

As Director, Operational Excellence (OpEx) you will partner with site leadership team and the global operational excellence network to create and implement operational excellence programs in support of the company’s objectives. This role will build OpEx capabilities and provide coaching and expertise to increase overall organization competencies. The role will also be responsible for driving right‑first‑time at the site, including oversight of the Compliance team responsible for deviations investigations and CAPA effectiveness.

• Develop and execute on OpEx strategy to support company objectives.
• Ensure alignment of OpEx initiatives with site and global governance structures.
• Act as change agent and promote continuous improvement culture through standard work, meeting effectiveness, root‑cause analysis, and process mapping and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Coach, mentor and support employees in achievement of initiatives.
• Develop internal change leaders to enhance continuous improvement competencies and skill sets.
• Lead, coach, and develop OpEx and Compliance team members to build strong technical, analytical, and leadership capabilities.
• Partner with operations to identify areas of process improvement and execute projects and best practices.
• Identify and capture business needs through communication with stakeholders.
• Set direction and provide frameworks through which operational objectives can be delivered.
• Champion a culture of accountability, standard work, and continuous learning across manufacturing operations.

• Provide leadership and oversight for the Compliance team responsible for deviations, nonconformances, investigations, and CAPA management.
• Ensure CAPAs are effective, sustainable, and aligned with regulatory expectations and internal quality standards.
• Ensure lessons learned from deviations, investigations, and inspections are institutionalized across the organization.
• Support internal audits, regulatory inspections, and health authority interactions, including direct engagement with inspectors as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Operations Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience working in manufacturing operations/OpEx role. Pharma experience preferred.
• Experience in a mature lean or six sigma culture preferred.
• Proven track record of deploying a range of tools/approaches to improve operational performance.
• Experience with operational excellence tools such as Value Stream Mapping, SMED, Maintenance Excellence, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong analytical skills and demonstrated problem‑solving skills.
• Strong teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Green/Black Belt Six Sigma or Lean expert certification preferred.
• Comfortable working in matrix environment.

• Ability to enter controlled manufacturing and cleanroom environments, including adherence to gowning requirements (if applicable).
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods while conducting process evaluations, leading inspections, or overseeing operational improvements.
• Willingness to work in manufacturing environments with exposure to varying temperatures, noise levels, and occasional industrial elements.
• Compliance with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirements, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and steel‑toed footwear.
• Capability to occasionally lift and carry materials or equipment up to 20–30 pounds, such as documentation, laptops, or small tools.
• Availability to respond to urgent onsite operational…