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Global Vice President Technical Operations

  • Location:

    Dublin

  • Sector:

    Life Sciences

  • Job type:

    Permanent

  • Salary:

    Negotiable

  • Contact:

    Next Generation

  • Contact email:

    sarah.macmullan@nextgeneration.ie

  • Job ref:

    JOB-14149_1753185842

  • Published:

    3 days ago

Global Vice President, Technical Operations
Location: Ireland - Hybrid

Sector: Pharmaceutical

Type: Permanent | Executive Level

A leading global pharmaceutical innovator with a strong development pipeline and recent strategic acquisitions is seeking a Global Vice President of Technical Operations. As the company prepares for multiple product launches, this executive hire will be critical to building a forward-looking, integrated technical operations function that meets the demands of a growing external manufacturing network.

About the Role:

This is a senior leadership position reporting directly to the SVP of Operations. You will oversee the global technical operations strategy, spanning internal and external manufacturing networks (including CMOs), ensuring robust delivery of API, drug product, and packaging. A key part of your remit will be transforming the external manufacturing capability to support global commercial scale-up and future growth.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Set and lead the global technical operations strategy across API, oral solid dose, and packaging.

  • Strengthen and scale a global external manufacturing (CMO) network for product launch readiness and sustained commercial delivery.

  • Drive technical leadership across process design, validation, optimization, and lifecycle support.

  • Collaborate with Development and CMC to ensure seamless tech transfer and commercialization.

  • Embed performance monitoring systems, continuous improvement culture, and data-driven decision-making.

  • Enable digital transformation within operations (automation, analytics, process control).

  • Ensure inspection readiness, compliance, and alignment with global regulatory expectations.

  • Build and mentor a high-performing, cross-functional technical team globally.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

  • Extensive Experience (20+ years) in technical operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing or process development with a strong background in oral solid dose and small molecule.

  • Proven leadership in managing both site-based and virtual/external (CMO) networks globally.

  • Expert in technology transfer, scale-up, and commercial launch of pharmaceutical products.

  • Deep knowledge of cGMP, ICH, global regulatory frameworks, and audit preparation.

  • Experience embedding operational excellence (Lean, Six Sigma) and leading change initiatives.

  • Strong business acumen: capable of influencing strategy, budgeting, and investment decisions.

  • An empowering and authentic leadership style, capable of building credibility across matrixed teams.

Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree (PhD or MSc) in a relevant technical discipline (e.g. Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences); MBA desirable.

  • Demonstrated success in global leadership roles within high-growth, complex pharmaceutical environments.


This is an opportunity to join a purpose-driven, agile organization at a pivotal stage of growth. You will shape a global technical function that is both strategic and delivery-focused - and help bring vital new therapies to market.

The Next Step for you:

Should this position be of interest to you please forward your CV to Sarah Mac Mullan from Next Generation Recruitment or alternatively call on the main line on 00 353 1 6498546

Next Generation are specialists in Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, Technical and Operation (permanent, contract and temporary) positions.

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