We are partnering with a high-growth pharmaceutical organisation to appoint an experienced, hands-on Operations Director to lead oral solid dose (OSD) manufacturing across a fast-developing GMP site.
This opportunity is ideal for a technically authoritative leader who thrives on the shop floor, enjoys developing people, and brings calm, confident decision-making to OSD production challenges.
The Opportunity
As Operations Director, you will strengthen the organisation’s OSD manufacturing capability and guide a growing team through an exciting scale-up phase. You will be the on-site technical authority for tablets and capsules, supporting real-time production decisions and ensuring operational excellence across facilities, engineering, and manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
GMP Manufacturing (OSD)
* Lead end-to-end OSD processes including blending, granulation, compression, encapsulation and coating.
* Make real-time technical decisions on deviations, batch issues, contamination events and equipment performance.
* Ensure phase-appropriate GMP compliance and right-first-time production.
Technical Troubleshooting & Operational Authority
* Act as the senior technical expert for tablet hardness failures, metal detection events, environmental excursions and other OSD-specific issues.
* Provide calm, experienced and compliant technical direction.
Leadership of a Growing Team
* Lead and develop a team of 15, including a Production Manager, Engineering/Facilities specialists,Process Technicians and operational support roles.
* Coach early-career managers and build the technical depth and confidence of the wider team.
Facilities, Engineering & Infrastructure
* Oversee site infrastructure, utilities, HVAC, environmental controls, engineering priorities and equipment readiness.
* Ensure a safe, compliant and reliable manufacturing environment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work closely with project management, supply chain, logistics, quality and senior leadership.
* Contribute to the site’s operational strategy, capacity planning and long-term growth roadmap.
About You
* Significant experience in oral solid dosage (tablets/capsules) GMP manufacturing.
* Deep technical troubleshooting capability with “seen it before” operational experience.
* Background in small-to-mid sized pharma, clinical manufacturing, or CDMO environments.
* Supportive, developmental leadership style — able to mentor early-career managers.
* Enjoys being hands-on, visible and influential across operations.
Why Join?
* Opportunity to shape and strengthen a high-growth manufacturing division.
* Strong commercial pipeline and established client partnerships.
* A role with genuine impact: taking a well-funded site into its next operational phase.
* High visibility with senior leadership and autonomy to build capability.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced OSD leader looking for a high-impact, hands-on Operations Director role, please apply directly or contact:
📩 jo.lancaster-towers@omnirms.com