Job Description

About This Role:

As the General Manager for the Americas in External Operations, you will take charge of a pivotal role within our Pharmaceutical Operations and Technology (PO&T) / External Manufacturing team. Your leadership will oversee the technical and business operations at up to 15 Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) sites, handling a substantial budget of up to $400 million.

The essence of this role is to act as the primary point of accountability for both strategic and tactical activities, driving initiatives for business growth and operational excellence. You will ensure supplier performance aligns with our stringent quality, cost, and delivery specifications while fostering efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing processes. Your strategic vision will be instrumental in establishing robust partnerships, supervising cross-functional teams, and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.

As part of the leadership team, you will play a critical role in CDMO site selection, contract negotiation, and aligning manufacturing strategies with internal stakeholders. Your position will be integral to the company's success and will report directly to the Head of External Network Transformation.

What You'll Do:

• Serve as the primary point of accountability for strategic and operational activities at designated CDMO sites.


• Drive strategic initiatives to support business growth and operational excellence with a focus on continuous improvement.


• Ensure supplier performance meets our rigorous quality, cost, and delivery specifications.


• Establish and adhere to the external manufacturing budget for designated sites.


• Maintain strong partnerships with external partners to ensure effective collaboration and long-term success.


• Lead cross-functional teams to address complex manufacturing issues and ensure regulatory compliance.


• Oversee CDMO site selection, contract negotiation, and ensure alignment of manufacturing strategies with internal stakeholders.


• Liaise with governmental agencies to maintain operational standards.


• Facilitate technology transfers and validations through collaboration with cross-functional stakeholders.


• Supervise and mentor a team of 9 direct reports, managing budget, staffing, and performance.

Who You Are: 

You're a visionary leader with experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical cGMP manufacturing industry and have honed your supplier relationship management and project leadership skills. You're adept at developing effective working processes and fostering relationships with both internal and external partners. Your negotiation skills are top-notch, and your technical proficiency in small molecule development and manufacturing is unparalleled. You are eager to take on the challenge of managing a significant revenue impact and spend oversight.

Required Skills:

• Masters or Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Chemical or Bioprocess Engineering, Biology, or a closely allied discipline.


• A minimum of 15 years of experience in the biotech/pharmaceutical cGMP manufacturing industry.


• Proven experience with supplier relationship management and project leadership.


• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working processes and relationships with internal/external partners and cross-functional project teams.


• Strong negotiation skills and technical proficiency within small molecule development and manufacturing.


• Comprehensive experience across various modalities.


• Exceptional ability to cultivate a continuous improvement environment within tech transfer teams.


• Expertise in ensuring compliance with Biogen procedures and cGXP regulations and guidelines.


• Proven track record of managing budgets and performance within a complex operational structure.


• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Additional Information

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Read on to learn more about our DE&I efforts.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.