Senior Director/Executive Director

Job Title Site Director / Managing Director (m/f/d)
Drug Substance Manufacturing – Chemical APIs
Location: Munich Area, Germany
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Site Director / Managing Director to lead a GMP-regulated drug substance (API) manufacturing site within a growing chemical CDMO organization. The site specialises in small-molecule chemical APIs, supplying both custom development and commercial manufacturing to global pharmaceutical customers.
The role carries full P&L responsibility and end-to-end accountability for site performance, including operations, quality, EHS, engineering, supply chain, and people leadership. You will act as the senior legal and operational representative of the site and play a key role in shaping its long-term strategy and growth.
Key Responsibilities
Site & Business Leadership
Full responsibility for site performance, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people
P&L ownership, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control
Translate group strategy into a clear site roadmap, aligned with customer and regulatory requirements
Act as the senior representative for the site with corporate leadership, customers, auditors, and local authorities
Operations & Manufacturing
Lead chemical API manufacturing operations across production, technical operations, maintenance, and supply chain
Ensure robust GMP compliance for drug substance manufacturing in line with EU and FDA expectations
Drive operational excellence, capacity optimisation, and continuous improvement initiatives
Oversee technology transfer, scale-up, and commercial manufacturing activities
Quality, EHS & Regulatory
Foster a strong quality and safety culture across the site
Ensure inspection readiness for EU, FDA, and customer audits
Maintain compliance with German regulatory, environmental, and occupational safety requirements
Partner closely with Quality and EHS leadership to proactively manage risk
People & Organisation
Lead and develop the site leadership team
Build a high-performance, accountable, and engaged organisation
Support succession planning, talent development, and organisational capability building
Act as a visible and credible leader on the shop floor and across functions
Capital Projects & Growth
Lead CAPEX planning and execution, including plant upgrades and capacity expansions
Support customer interactions, site visits, and technical due diligence as part of business development efforts
Contribute to strategic decisions around new technologies, investments, and product platforms
Required Experience & Qualifications
Education
Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, or related technical discipline
Advanced degree (PhD, MBA) is a plus but not essential
Experience
Significant leadership experience in pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing, ideally within:
API manufacturing
CDMO or contract manufacturing environments
Proven track record in site-level leadership roles (e.g. Site Director, Plant Manager, Operations Director, GM)
Strong experience with chemical synthesis and drug substance manufacturing
Demonstrated ownership of P&L and large operational teams
Experience leading CAPEX projects and operational change
Technical & Regulatory
Deep understanding of GMP requirements for API manufacturing
Experience interacting with EU and FDA regulators
Strong operational and technical credibility in a regulated chemical environment
Language
~ Fluent German and English (spoken and written) required

Key Leadership Competencies
Strong, authentic people leadership style
Decisive, structured, and commercially minded
Comfortable operating in complex, regulated environments
Able to balance customer expectations, compliance, and operational efficiency
Resilient, hands-on, and visible leader
Why This Role
Senior leadership position with real autonomy and impact
Opportunity to lead a strategically important API manufacturing site
Long-term growth platform within a European CDMO
High visibility with group leadership and global customers