Operations Readiness Lead

About the role

Johnson & Johnson is seeking an Operations Readiness Lead to drive the design, set‑up and launch of a new parenteral drug manufacturing facility in Wilson, NC. The role combines strategic leadership, regulatory compliance and hands‑on engineering to ensure the new plant meets business, customer and schedule requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of manufacturing operations for parenteral drug products, ensuring compliance with cGMP, ISO and other regulatory standards.
• Support process and area design during construction of the green‑field facility and oversee commissioning, qualification and validation activities.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the capital project, shaping site outcomes and organization design.
• Drive continuous improvement, safety, and environmental best practices across all operations.
• Develop and mentor multidisciplinary teams, manage talent planning and performance management.

Required profile

• Minimum 12 years of experience in pharmaceutical or GMP‑regulated operations, specifically parenteral drug manufacturing.
• Proven track record of leading transformational change and influencing at all organizational levels.
• Experience managing cross‑functional, matrixed teams and partnerships.
• Strong problem‑solving, interpersonal and leadership skills.

Required skills

• cGMP and ISO regulatory compliance
• Budget Management
• Chemical Engineering
• Facilities Engineering
• Lean Supply Chain Management
• Plant Operations
• Program Management
• Project Scheduling
• Resource Planning
• STEM Application
• Talent Management
• Vendor Selection