Avantor
The Opportunity:
The
Senior Director of Manufacturing Operations
will play a crucial role in overseeing all facets of operations at Avantor's chemical manufacturing facility located in Paris, KY. This leader is expected to cultivate a strong culture of safety, compliance, and ongoing improvement in an environment regulated by OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) and the FDA. A primary focus for this role will be the implementation of the Avantor Business System (ABS) and Lean methodologies to ensure exceptional performance, operational rigor, and sustainable growth. The position entails managing integral site functions such as manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality, and EHS in a collaborative framework. This is a full-time position based onsite at our Paris, KY facility.
What We're Looking For: Education:
A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Operations, or a related field is required, with a preference for advanced degrees.
Experience:
Over 10 years of leadership experience in chemical or FDA-regulated manufacturing environments.
Expertise in OSHA PSM compliance is essential.
Experience leading multifunctional operations teams, including production, maintenance, engineering, and quality.
Proven track record of driving Lean/ABS transformation and cultural change.
Strong technical foundation in chemical or pharmaceutical process manufacturing.
Skills in performance management, strategic planning, and cross-functional execution.
Ability to lead diverse teams and influence colleagues at all organizational levels.
Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making abilities.
Demonstrated high integrity and results-oriented focus, with a proactive approach to accountability.
A thorough understanding of regulated manufacturing environments, including OSHA PSM and FDA regulations.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with a knack for data-driven decision-making.
Competence in inspiring and motivating teams in a high-demand, fast-paced production atmosphere.
Knowledge of ERP systems, Lean tools, and operational dashboards.
How You Will Thrive and Create an Impact: Site Operations Leadership: Provide strategic guidance and operational leadership for the Paris, KY site to achieve excellence in safety, quality, cost-effectiveness, delivery, and employee engagement. Ensure full compliance with OSHA PSM, EPA, FDA, and all pertinent health and safety regulations. Oversee production, engineering, maintenance, and support functions to achieve performance objectives.
Lean & ABS Implementation: Promote and implement Lean manufacturing and ABS principles to eliminate waste, enhance process capability, and boost productivity. Integrate systematic problem-solving and root cause analysis into daily operations.
Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure robust systems are established to meet internal standards and external regulatory requirements. Collaborate with quality and regulatory teams to consistently meet and exceed customer expectations.
People & Culture Development: Build and nurture a vibrant, high-performing team; instill a culture of accountability, safety, and cooperation. Mentor site leadership while fostering employee engagement and development initiatives.
Financial & Operational Accountability: Manage the site budget and capital investment plans. Drive cost efficiencies, resource utilization, and ongoing performance enhancements. Oversee capital projects and expansion initiatives to support strategic business growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison between the site, executive leadership, customers, and regulatory bodies. Collaborate seamlessly with global supply chain, commercial teams, R&D, and other internal stakeholders to advance business strategies.
Why Avantor? Join our global team of over 14,000 associates whose dedication to discovery and passion for overcoming challenges contribute to life-changing scientific advancements. The work we do significantly impacts lives, providing new patient treatments and therapies. We offer opportunities for you to utilize your talents, acquire new skills, and grow your career at Avantor. We are committed to supporting your journey through our diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture with learning initiatives that promote your professional growth and success. Dare to make an impact and see how your contributions set science in motion to create a better world.
Apply today! EEO Statement: We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor, ensuring that we do not discriminate in hiring based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation during the employment process, please reach out to us and explain your request. Such requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy: Submissions of candidates without an official assignment by Avantor negate the chance for any fee. We only engage with approved recruitment agencies based on our needs.
Senior Director of Manufacturing Operations
will play a crucial role in overseeing all facets of operations at Avantor's chemical manufacturing facility located in Paris, KY. This leader is expected to cultivate a strong culture of safety, compliance, and ongoing improvement in an environment regulated by OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) and the FDA. A primary focus for this role will be the implementation of the Avantor Business System (ABS) and Lean methodologies to ensure exceptional performance, operational rigor, and sustainable growth. The position entails managing integral site functions such as manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality, and EHS in a collaborative framework. This is a full-time position based onsite at our Paris, KY facility.
What We're Looking For: Education:
A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Operations, or a related field is required, with a preference for advanced degrees.
Experience:
Over 10 years of leadership experience in chemical or FDA-regulated manufacturing environments.
Expertise in OSHA PSM compliance is essential.
Experience leading multifunctional operations teams, including production, maintenance, engineering, and quality.
Proven track record of driving Lean/ABS transformation and cultural change.
Strong technical foundation in chemical or pharmaceutical process manufacturing.
Skills in performance management, strategic planning, and cross-functional execution.
Ability to lead diverse teams and influence colleagues at all organizational levels.
Exceptional communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making abilities.
Demonstrated high integrity and results-oriented focus, with a proactive approach to accountability.
A thorough understanding of regulated manufacturing environments, including OSHA PSM and FDA regulations.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with a knack for data-driven decision-making.
Competence in inspiring and motivating teams in a high-demand, fast-paced production atmosphere.
Knowledge of ERP systems, Lean tools, and operational dashboards.
How You Will Thrive and Create an Impact: Site Operations Leadership: Provide strategic guidance and operational leadership for the Paris, KY site to achieve excellence in safety, quality, cost-effectiveness, delivery, and employee engagement. Ensure full compliance with OSHA PSM, EPA, FDA, and all pertinent health and safety regulations. Oversee production, engineering, maintenance, and support functions to achieve performance objectives.
Lean & ABS Implementation: Promote and implement Lean manufacturing and ABS principles to eliminate waste, enhance process capability, and boost productivity. Integrate systematic problem-solving and root cause analysis into daily operations.
Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure robust systems are established to meet internal standards and external regulatory requirements. Collaborate with quality and regulatory teams to consistently meet and exceed customer expectations.
People & Culture Development: Build and nurture a vibrant, high-performing team; instill a culture of accountability, safety, and cooperation. Mentor site leadership while fostering employee engagement and development initiatives.
Financial & Operational Accountability: Manage the site budget and capital investment plans. Drive cost efficiencies, resource utilization, and ongoing performance enhancements. Oversee capital projects and expansion initiatives to support strategic business growth.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison between the site, executive leadership, customers, and regulatory bodies. Collaborate seamlessly with global supply chain, commercial teams, R&D, and other internal stakeholders to advance business strategies.
Why Avantor? Join our global team of over 14,000 associates whose dedication to discovery and passion for overcoming challenges contribute to life-changing scientific advancements. The work we do significantly impacts lives, providing new patient treatments and therapies. We offer opportunities for you to utilize your talents, acquire new skills, and grow your career at Avantor. We are committed to supporting your journey through our diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture with learning initiatives that promote your professional growth and success. Dare to make an impact and see how your contributions set science in motion to create a better world.
Apply today! EEO Statement: We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor, ensuring that we do not discriminate in hiring based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need reasonable accommodation during the employment process, please reach out to us and explain your request. Such requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. 3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy: Submissions of candidates without an official assignment by Avantor negate the chance for any fee. We only engage with approved recruitment agencies based on our needs.