Site Director

Thanks for checking out our vacancy, we're delighted you want to learn more about Dechra.

Dechra are 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

The Site Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations at a Dechra manufacturing facility. This includes driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards, managing budgets, fostering a culture of safety and quality, and collaborating with cross-functional teams within a matrixed organization. The role demands strong leadership to align site operations with organizational objectives and deliver on key performance indicators (KPIs).

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the manufacturing site to meet production targets while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Develop and execute the site's operational strategy in alignment with corporate goals and business objectives.
• Be accountable for end-to-end supply chain activities at the site, including production scheduling, inventory management, and on-time delivery.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and equipment to enhance productivity and scalability.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Lead through influence to engage and align cross-functional teams within the matrixed organization.
• Ensure robust talent development plans, including training, mentoring, and succession planning for key roles.
• Act as a role model for organizational values and behaviours, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Develop and manage the site's operational budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness while achieving performance targets.
• Monitor financial performance, analyse variances, and implement corrective actions as necessary.
• Support capital investment projects, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and ROI targets.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and standards, including FDA, EMA, MHRA, and other international regulatory bodies.
• Maintain site readiness for inspections and audits, addressing findings promptly and effectively.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP).
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies and corporate compliance teams.
• Champion a culture of quality and operational excellence throughout the site.

Here at Dechra we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer and we embrace candidates from all walks of life. We're particularly keen to hear from those who have/are:

• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience in either pharmaceutical or medical devices manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing operations in a large-scale, matrixed organization.
• Experience in regulatory inspections, compliance, and quality systems within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to inspire and influence teams.
• In-depth knowledge of GMP, regulatory requirements, and operational best practices.
• Previous site leadership role in the pharmaceutical or related industries.
• Experience leading matrixed teams in the pharmaceutical or related industries.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics.
• Proficiency in enterprise systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and manufacturing technologies.

What we can offer:

• Due to the nature of our business, all successful candidates will be required to complete a basic DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service check) before employment can commence, and at regular intervals during employment. This check will be paid for by Dechra.'
• Average 36-hour working week (with a day off every other Friday!!)
• Plenty of training and development opportunities
• 22.5 days annual leave + Bank holidays
• Option to buy a week's holiday each year
• 8% Employer Pension Contribution
• Free access to the Headspace App
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free on-site parking
• Car or car allowance (discretionary)
• Bonus scheme (discretionary)

All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we're looking for. Should you not hear back from us within 28 days please don't be too disappointed - we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies which may be suitable and we encourage you to keep an eye on our careers site. For any questions or queries, please contact us.

Dechra is a global specialist in veterinary pharmaceuticals and related products business. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

We are a global leader in veterinary endocrinology and topical dermatology, have a broad portfolio of analgesia, anaesthetics and products for the treatment of pain, and are also recognised as innovators in other specialisations such as the treatment of equine lameness, nutrition and differentiated generics.

We deliver high quality products and services to veterinarians worldwide through our employees and a network of third parties to sustainably improve global animal health and welfare.

Everything we do is underpinned by our culture and values. They are important to us and have helped drive the Group's success.