Operations & PPI Manager Job Introduction Thanks for checking out our vacancy, we're delighted you want to learn more about Dechra!
Dechra is a growing, global specialist within the world of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.
Here at Dechra, our values are embedded within our culture and thrive within our family of almost 2000 colleagues globally. From manufacturing to marketing, (
D )edication, (
E )njoyment, (
C )ourage, (
H )onesty, (
R )elationships and (
A )mbition are at the heart of our everyday operations and the way we do business
The Opportunity This role is responsible for managing and defining the operational delivery plan for the Fort Worth site while driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and strategic performance enhancement aligned with the wider Dechra Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing objectives.The role ensures that the site operates efficiently, safely, compliantly, and with a culture of continuous improvement that empowers employees and promotes collaboration, innovation, and accountability across all functions.
So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied scope and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:
• Create a safe working environment across all functions, driving improvements in health, safety, and environmental standards to benefit employees and the business.
• Responsible for all manufacturing operations (production and packing), engineering, facilities, capital projects, and continuous improvement activities to ensure operational performance meets OTIF, quality, and budget targets.
• Lead day-to-day deployment of Practical Process Improvement (PPI) standards and related improvement activities. Embed lean methodologies across the site to achieve the goals of Zero Harm, Zero Defects, Zero Waste, and Zero Unplanned Breakdowns.
• Support the Site Director and Leadership Team to define, implement, and monitor site strategies, ensuring alignment with business objectives through a robust governance program and PMO framework adherence.
• Coach and train site teams in PPI and Lean methodologies to develop capability and foster a continuous improvement mindset. Lead site self-assessments against maturity matrices and close identified gaps.
• Work effectively with Supply Chain, Quality, and Technical teams to refine processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain continuous product supply to markets. Support Product Development in transitioning products from R&D to full-scale manufacture.
• Ensure all operations meet GMP and other regulatory standards (FDA, MHRA, etc.). Promote a quality mindset across all teams and ensure timely review of standards and controls.
• Operate within agreed KPIs, financial metrics, and targets. Identify opportunities to improve cost of goods (COGS) and site performance metrics. Lead effective use and implementation of systems to drive operational efficiency.
• Motivate, develop, and manage staff to ensure they are informed, skilled, and engaged. Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and inclusion. Manage performance through clear objectives and regular communication.
• Benchmark site performance against other Dechra sites and external industry leaders. Identify and implement best practices ("pinch with pride") to enhance overall performance.
• Support site capital projects and improvement programs within scope, budget, and schedule, ensuring consistent application of PMO standards and PPI project tools.
• Lead the site in the absence of the Site Director as required.
Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and we embrace candidates from all walks of life. We're particularly excited to hear from those who have/are: • Min 5 yrs experience within a regulated or GMP manufacturing environment
• Strong operational background across production, engineering, facilities, and compliance
• Proven record of implementing Operational Excellence and Lean programs
• Demonstrated commercial acumen and data-driven decision making
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams through change and improvement processes
• Working knowledge of MS Office suite
• Experience with continuous improvement in large organizations
• Strong stakeholder management and facilitation skills
• Minimum B.S. in Science, Engineering, or Business Management
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent preferred.
As a people first values-based culture, we provide free weekly wellness sessions focused on our employee's physical and mental wellbeing, and flexible work arrangements. We offer a generous employer 401k match and an other incentives for long-term financial wellness. Our full array of health, financial and voluntary benefit programs are what you would expect from a recognized Best Place to Work.