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External Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rezolute, Inc.

The individual will work closely with Manufacturing Operations, MSAT, QA, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Business stakeholders, Supply Chain, Procurement, and external suppliers to ensure ...

onsemi

External Manufacturing Engineer

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

Act as the communication bridge among suppliers, customers, BU, and project teams for operations management, program management, and risk awareness Manage external manufacturing operations, driving ...

Atrium

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Edison, NJ · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

The Manufacturing Operations Manager will lead manufacturing and shipping operations within a fast-paced production environment. This individual will drive operational excellence through lean ...

Pvilion

Be Seen First

Manufacturing Operations Manager

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$50K - $100K/yr

The Manufacturing Operations Manager will oversee daily operations at a Pvilion's 25000 sq ft ... Occasional travel to external fabricators may be required to support organizational goals.

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External Manufacturing Operations Manager information

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$41.5K

$102.3K

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How much do external manufacturing operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for external manufacturing operations manager in the United States is $102,298.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an external manufacturing operations manager?

External Manufacturing Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the production activities conducted by third-party manufacturers or external suppliers. They ensure that outsourced manufacturing processes meet company standards for quality, cost, and delivery timelines. Their role often includes managing supplier relationships, monitoring compliance with regulations, and coordinating between internal teams and external partners to achieve business objectives. Effective External Manufacturing Operations Managers help optimize supply chains and mitigate risks associated with external production.

How does an external manufacturing operations manager typically collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to ensure production goals are met?

An External Manufacturing Operations Manager plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the company's internal teams—such as quality assurance, supply chain, and product development—and external manufacturing partners. They regularly communicate with suppliers to align on production schedules, quality standards, and delivery timelines, while also coordinating internally to relay expectations and resolve issues. This role often involves leading cross-functional meetings, negotiating contracts, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to ensure efficiency and compliance. Strong relationship management and problem-solving skills are essential to successfully navigate the complexities of outsourced manufacturing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an external manufacturing operations manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an External Manufacturing Operations Manager, you need a strong background in supply chain management, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with ERP systems, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, and regulatory compliance standards is common, with certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma often valued. Exceptional negotiation, relationship management, and problem-solving skills help foster productive partnerships with external vendors and stakeholders. These competencies are vital for ensuring efficient production, maintaining product quality, and achieving business objectives through robust external collaborations.

What is the difference between External Manufacturing Operations Manager vs Production Supervisor?

AspectExternal Manufacturing Operations ManagerProduction Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees external manufacturing partners, manages supply chain, ensures quality and complianceSupervises in-house production staff, manages daily manufacturing activities
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field; experience in supply chain or operationsBachelor's degree or diploma; experience in manufacturing or production
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits to external facilitiesFactory or plant floor
Industry UsageCommon in pharmaceutical, biotech, and consumer goods industriesWidely used across manufacturing sectors

The External Manufacturing Operations Manager focuses on managing external partners and supply chains, ensuring quality and compliance across multiple sites. In contrast, the Production Supervisor oversees daily in-house manufacturing activities. Both roles require related credentials and are integral to manufacturing operations, but their scope and work environment differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to External Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs?

For External Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various External Manufacturing Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,298 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Director, External Manufacturing Operations

Boston, KY • On-site

Servier
See more jobs at Servierexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Servier:
Servier in the U.S. is a Boston-based, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company launched by Servier Group in 2018. As a privately held organization, Servier is uniquely positioned to advance cutting-edge science, tackle underserved therapeutic areas, and make patients the focus of every strategic decision.
Role Summary:
The Director, External Manufacturing Operations External Manufacturing will serve as a key member of the External Manufacturing Leadership Team and will lead a team of Supplier Relationship Managers (SRMs) responsible for overseeing activities such as drug substance and product manufacturing, labeling and packaging, QC testing, quality assurance, and supply chain coordination across global CMOs. This leader will serve as a strategic partner across internal and external stakeholders and will drive operational excellence, performance, and connectivity within Servier's External Manufacturing network.
The ideal candidate brings deep operational experience in commercial pharmaceutical or biologics manufacturing, a collaborative leadership style, and a strategic mindset focused on future-ready organizational design.
Key Leadership Capabilities:
  • Vision to Action: Translate the evolving mission of External Manufacturing into clear team objectives, delivering outcomes that support supply reliability, operational excellence, and long-term CMO strategy.
  • Empowerment & Accountability: Foster a culture where team members take ownership of strategic execution while maintaining strong decision-making discipline and risk escalation practices.
  • Change Navigation: Lead with empathy and focus through ambiguity and transformation; anticipate resistance and proactively align stakeholders.
  • Enterprise Thinking: Operate beyond functional silos-balancing supplier needs, internal business priorities, and global interdependencies.
  • Strategic Talent Development: Build succession pipelines and enable SRMs to grow beyond administrative work into operational leadership.
  • Collaboration at Scale: Break down barriers across Procurement, Quality, Supply Chain, and CMOs to promote aligned ways of working.
  • Operational Rigor with Agility: Champion lean principles, standard work, and continuous improvement while staying responsive to dynamic business needs.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of SRMs.
  • Build strong, strategic supplier partnerships to support Servier's manufacturing strategy.
  • Oversee implementation and consistency of the Virtual Plant Team (VPT) operating model.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor in strategic decisions on outsourcing, CMOs, and resource allocation.
  • Drive accountability across performance, budget, and relationship management.
  • Represent External Manufacturing in cross-functional initiatives and strategic discussions.

CMO Relationship Management:
  • Partner with Procurement on contract negotiations and performance oversight.
  • Manage operational and strategic engagements with CMOs.
  • Lead Operational and Business Review Meetings, tracking KPIs and continuous improvement plans.

Continuity of Supply:
  • Ensure close alignment with Supply Chain to meet patient needs and maintain production continuity.
  • Monitor schedules, release timelines, inventory levels, and materials planning.

Financial Accountability:
  • Develop and manage budgets related to CMO engagements.
  • Ensure alignment of financial planning with strategic goals and project timelines.

Education & Required Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biopharma industry, with biologics manufacturing experience required
  • Proven leadership experience managing people and developing high-performing teams.
  • Strong background in external manufacturing operations and CMO oversight.
  • Demonstrated success in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment.
  • Familiarity with global cGMP standards, compliance, and regulatory expectations.
  • Experience in contract negotiation, outsourcing, and supplier relationship strategy.
  • Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.

Travel & Location:
  • 25-50% travel required
  • The position is open for candidates hybrid in Boston, MA, or remote within the United States; East Coast is highly preferred.

Job Description
Candidate Profile
Servier's Commitment
Servier is committed to modeling diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that maintains equitable treatment for all and we welcome applicants who are passionate, committed, and innovative individuals. We encourage candidates to apply to our open roles as we are always willing to consider experiences and skills beyond what is listed in the job description.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Salary Range
The salary range for this role is $193,000 - $233,000. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. Employees in this position are also eligible for Short-Term and Long-Term incentive programs. Servier also offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision, flexible time off (Servier provides unlimited sick time and flex time, and does not accrue time off), 401(k), life and disability insurance, recognition programs among other great benefits (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). For more information on our benefits, please visit this link.

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