Operational Excellence & Digital Data Director

Director of Operational Excellence & Digital Transformation

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Overview:

An exciting leadership opportunity is available for an experienced professional to guide the strategic direction of Operational Excellence and Digital Transformation at a pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Dublin. This role plays a key part in shaping continuous improvement efforts and digital innovation, with a strong focus on performance optimization and cross-functional collaboration.

About the Organisation:

Our client is a global biopharmaceutical company with a strong heritage and a commitment to advancing transformative treatments across several therapeutic areas. Operating in over 40 countries and serving patients in nearly 90, the organisation places a high value on collaboration, innovation, and empowering people to thrive. The Dublin site is a Centre of Excellence specialising in API manufacturing and employs approximately 200 skilled professionals.

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will join the Site Leadership Team and be accountable for leading the Operational Excellence and Performance Program. This includes spearheading digital initiatives, supporting strategic site objectives, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. The site has received global recognition for its commitment to excellence, recently achieving a prestigious industry award for operational performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and execute the site's Operational Excellence strategy aligned with overall business goals.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies across the site.
• Define and monitor KPIs to measure and drive performance.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of CI professionals.
• Partner with cross-functional departments to identify and implement process improvements.
• Facilitate change management activities to support sustainable transformation.
• Collaborate with the Digital and Data team to define and deliver digital priorities.
• Champion cultural transformation through workshops focused on mindset and behaviour.

Qualifications & Experience:

• A degree or Master’s in Engineering, Science, Operational Excellence, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Strong leadership capabilities and proven ability to influence at all levels.
• Deep knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.