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External Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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External Operations Manager information

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$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do external operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for external operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an External Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an External Operations Manager, you need strong leadership, project management, and analytical skills, typically supported by a degree in business, logistics, or a related field. Familiarity with supply chain management systems, ERP software, and relevant industry certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma is highly beneficial. Excellent interpersonal skills, negotiation abilities, and adaptability help build effective relationships with external partners and stakeholders. These skills ensure seamless coordination, efficient operations, and the achievement of organizational goals through strong external collaboration.

What does an External Operations Manager do?

An External Operations Manager oversees and coordinates a company's activities that involve external partners, vendors, or clients. Their primary responsibilities include managing relationships with suppliers, ensuring contract compliance, and optimizing external workflows to meet business objectives. They also analyze external processes for efficiency, handle negotiations, and often serve as the main point of contact for external stakeholders. This role is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and fostering positive business relationships outside the organization.

What is the difference between External Operations Manager vs Supply Chain Coordinator?

AspectExternal Operations ManagerSupply Chain Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Business, Logistics, or related field; certifications like APICS CSCP or CPSMBachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business; certifications like APICS CPIM or CSCP
Work EnvironmentOversees external partners, vendors, and logistics providers; often involves travel and client interactionCoordinates internal supply chain activities; works closely with procurement, warehousing, and distribution teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, retail, and logistics companies managing external relationshipsCommon in manufacturing, retail, and distribution centers focusing on internal supply chain processes

The External Operations Manager focuses on managing external relationships and logistics partners, ensuring smooth operations outside the company. In contrast, the Supply Chain Coordinator handles internal supply chain activities, coordinating between departments to optimize inventory and distribution. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in supply chain management, but their primary focus and work environment differ.

What are the 5 P's of operations management?

The 5 P's of operations management are Product, Process, People, Plant, and Planning. These elements help managers optimize production efficiency, quality, and resource allocation in an organization. Understanding and balancing these components is essential for effective operations management roles like External Operations Manager.

How does an External Operations Manager typically collaborate with internal teams and external partners?

An External Operations Manager acts as a crucial liaison between their organization and external partners, such as suppliers, vendors, or logistics providers. They regularly coordinate with internal teams like procurement, sales, and logistics to ensure that external operations align with company goals and standards. Effective communication and negotiation are essential, as the role often involves resolving conflicts, managing expectations, and ensuring smooth workflow across organizational boundaries. Building strong, trust-based relationships is key to successfully managing these collaborations and driving operational efficiency.
More about External Operations Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for External Operations Manager jobs? Cities with the most External Operations Manager job openings:
What states have the most External Operations Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for External Operations Manager jobs include:
Infographic showing various External Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.
Operations Manager, Global External Operations

Operations Manager, Global External Operations

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

Novato, CA

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Who We Are
BioMarin is a leading, global rare disease biotechnology company focused on delivering medicines for people living with genetically defined conditions. Founded in 1997, the San Rafael, California-based company has a proven track record of innovation, with multiple commercial therapies and a strong clinical and preclinical pipeline. Using a distinctive approach to drug discovery and development, BioMarin seeks to unleash the full potential of genetic science by pursuing category-defining medicines that have a profound impact on patients..
About Technical Operations
Our manufacturing and process development teams manage the production of our therapies for clinical trials and commercial markets. These engineers, technicians, scientists and support professionals continually provide quality assurance and ensure we meet all regulatory standards. We have manufacturing facilities in Northern California and in Shanbally, Ireland. Additionally, our supply chain teams procure the goods and services needed to support manufacturing and worldwide distribution.

BioMarin’s Technical Operations (TOPS) group is responsible for creating our drugs for use in clinical trials and for scaling production of those drugs for the commercial market. These individuals build and maintain BioMarin’s cutting-edge manufacturing processes and sites, provide quality assurance and quality control to ensure we meet regulatory standards, and procure the needed goods and services to support manufacturing and coordinating the worldwide movement of our drugs to patients.
As part of BioMarin’s TOPS group, Global External Operation (GEO) has responsibility for managing all external manufacturing operations and performance at Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs).
 
The GEO Operations Manager is responsible for managing day-to-day activities at one or more CMOs. Operations will include drug substance operations (biologics and/or small molecules). Both clinical and commercial activities are in scope for each area, as required.
The role also supports operational readiness for new CMOs or new processing steps at an existing CMO.  The successful candidate will partner with SMEs (both internally and with externally), as needed, to ensure quality product is delivered on time and in full.
Key Responsibilities 
  • Execute with the CMO the production plan to deliver an uninterrupted supply of clinical & commercial product
  • Manage the CMO meeting schedule in conjunction with your cross functional colleagues to ensure an engaging and collaborative environment.
  • Identify any supply constraints and negotiate/resolve with the CMO any issues to meet the supply plan.
  • Manage escalations and communications within the process team/GEO site from an operations perspective. 
  • Collaborate with a cross functional team to ensure uninterrupted supply of product.  This will involve both process team and non-process team colleagues.
  • Perform root cause analysis or equivalent to understand issues and implement corrective actions as appropriate.
  • Manage material movement between CMO sites with various internal partners.
  • Attend at CMO to monitor production campaigns and develop an in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing process and systems at the CMO.
  • Manage and maintain with cross functional team a visual metric/dashboard to provide an oversight of the GEO business.
  • Coordinate as required BioMarin activities in the evaluation of process changes, change requests and deviations to ensure timely resolution without impacting on supply.
  • Act as the focus and conduit for communications between the CMO and with members of BioMarin manufacturing group and other departments to meet the supply plan.
  • Lead and/or participate in technology transfers, new product launches, validation activities with the CMO and internal cross functional teams including Process Development, Regulatory Affairs and Quality departments 
  • Contribute to the development of formal systems and procedures for the selection of CMO
  • Initiate and implement necessary control systems within budget and to reduce cost of goods
  • With the Corporate Compliance and Quality departments, ensure that the CMO is compliant with cGMPs.
  • Support contracts and negotiations with CMO in collaboration with the procurement and EPM teams.
  • Represent assigned product, CMO and GEO Ops team at appropriate meetings, e.g. VPT, VST.
 
Additional ORP focused responsibilities, (as required):
  • Establish and maintain GEO’s processes and project templates for ORP management. 
  • Carry out Operations Gap Analysis of new CMOs and establish and lead subsequent mitigation plans.
  • Ensure smooth transition of Operations activities from PPQ/Launch Phase into the Commercial Process Team.
  • Lead site exit projects as required for GEO.
 
EXPERIENCE & Skills:
Minimum requirement of 5 years leadership experience in Operations, Supply Chain or Quality.
  • BS/BA degree; life sciences, business, or supply chain management
 
Required skills needed to accomplish the responsibilities/essential functions include:
  • Will have an excellent understanding of the processes/unit operations.
  • Demonstrated ability in leading/managing cross functional, multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ability to guide and support cross functional teams in the resolution of short-term issues and sustained performance for long-term goals.
  • Proven track records in effective decision making.
  • A high level of initiative, influencing, coaching as well as excellent organizational skills.
  • Experienced in working and managing in a regulated GXP environment.
  • Strong stakeholder and relationship management experience.
  • Experience with CAPA, FMEA, RCA tools in a highly regulated manufacturing environment is desired.
  • Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication, commercial acumen.
  • Experience in supply planning or inventory management.
Work Environment 
Hybrid - would require 2-3 days onsite in Novato, CA


Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.