Senior Director Operations Biotherapeutics

About the role

Johnson & Johnson is seeking an experienced leader to head one of its largest biotherapeutics manufacturing organizations in Leiden. You will be accountable for the full drug substance operations, ensuring safety, quality, reliability and cost standards while driving transformation and innovation.

Key responsibilities

• Own overall operations performance and lead manufacturing flow across upstream, downstream, warehouse, logistics and services.
• Set clear direction, translate strategy into practical priorities and make sound trade‑offs to protect patients, maintain supply and control costs.
• Lead site transformation, operational excellence and innovation through lean thinking, digital tools and new technology adoption.
• Ensure safety, quality, cGMP and regulatory compliance, keeping the organization inspection‑ready.
• Build a strong, inclusive leadership team, develop talent, and ensure the right skills for today and tomorrow.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, Planning, Procurement, Finance, HR, EHS and other partners to deliver integrated results.

Required profile

• Degree in Science, Engineering, Supply Chain or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 15 years experience in biopharmaceutical or highly regulated manufacturing, with strong knowledge of large‑molecule drug substance operations.
• Extensive senior leadership experience in large, complex manufacturing environments and proven success driving transformation.
• Demonstrated ability to build organizational capability, coach leaders and develop talent at scale.
• Strategic, collaborative and decisive leadership style with strong business acumen.
• Fluent English; Dutch knowledge preferred.

Required skills

• Agile Manufacturing
• Business Intelligence (BI)
• Change Management
• Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC)
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Lean Six Sigma
• Operational Excellence
• Process Optimization
• Strategic Thinking
• Workflow Management

What we offer

• Base salary €127,900 – €221,145 per year, plus annual bonus based on performance.
• Comprehensive benefits including vacation, parental leave, bereavement, caregiver, volunteer leave, well‑being reimbursement and health insurance.
• Career development programs, service anniversary awards and recognition.