Operations Director Jobs in New Jersey
Operations Director jobs in New Jersey are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in pharmaceuticals, logistics, financial services, and healthcare across a market that ranges from entry-level operations managers stepping into director-track roles to seasoned senior directors overseeing multi-site functions. The heaviest hiring is in and around Newark, Princeton, and Parsippany, where established employers like Johnson and Johnson, Cognizant, and Prudential Financial maintain significant operations leadership needs. The most in-demand specialties are supply chain operations, healthcare operations, and financial services process management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 103+ Operations Director jobs
Purpose of Position:
Our site in Pennsville has been part of the Siegfried family since 1928 and has around 180 employees. It is our drug substance manufacturing site for the US market and provides spray drying operations globally, with focus on pilot and commercial manufacturing of drug substances (APIs) and related. In the past months, we have undertaken significant projects and implemented strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking the full potential of the site.
Within this context, we are currently looking to fill the position of Director of Operations.
In this role, you will be responsible for the overall management of manufacturing at the site, playing a pivotal role in the transformative growth of our Pennsville facility. Success in this role will require adaptability, resilience, and the ability to navigate through a dynamic environment, given the recent changes and ongoing optimization efforts.
If you are seeking a new career challenge and envision yourself as a team player who proactively takes initiative and are willing to roll up your sleeves to make a difference every day alongside your team, then you are the right personality for us. This is a unique opportunity to lead and contribute to the success of a crucial site within our organization, where your leadership skills and strategic mindset will be instrumental in driving the site's success even in the face of evolving challenges.
Your responsibilities
As Director of Operations, you will lead our Managers of Wet Trains, Physical Operations and Cleaning Experts as well as be responsible for our team of Chemical and Physical Operations Operators (ca. 60 employees). You are a direct report to the Site Head at our site in Pennsville and you will be a member of our Site Leadership Team (SLT).
Your tasks:
- Ensure that all plant operations are conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws to promote the safety of the plant employees
- Cooperate closely with development to design processes that fit the manufacturing capabilities and ensure that all new production processes are safe and in compliance with all relevant environmental regulations
- Establish and drive a culture of "first time right" for all production activities
- Lead all current and new production activities through supervision and delegation to ensure that all production requirements are met, till the conclusion of the campaign
- Lead through management teams (shift supervisors and operations managers) a broad operations team with training, continuous improvement and operational excellence as key foundations
- Collaborate closely with Compliance to implement all process validations, equipment qualifications, and rework/reprocessing activities as well as review and approve any deviations or investigations associated with production
- Coach and develop teams to next levels and in turn ensure similar development of indirect reports. Define the succession plan for Operations.
- Identify and implement process improvements to benchmark and then improve cycle time, capacity, yield, labor utilization, efficiencies, process reliability, and production costs
- Coordinate all DEA activities to ensure that all CFR regulations are met. Manage implementation and adherence to all applicable DOT, IATA, IMO, SHE, DEA and cGMP regulations
Knowledge and experience:
- Engineering or Chemistry Degree
- 5+ years of experience in a similar leadership role in chemical synthesis type manufacturing preferably within the pharmaceutical or life science industries.
- 10+ years of work experience within the pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing industry.
- A proven track record in applying structured problem solving approaches such as Lean and Six Sigma is key to support improvements and cultural change in the operational organization.
- Relevant experience in managing a unionized team is a plus.
Soft Skills:
- Proven ability to lead and manage by example, coach, and motivate employees, clearly communicate job requirements and effectively manage the performance of the assigned tasks, with a "hands-on" approach.
- Ability to identify and analyze issues, providing solutions, and forward-thinking through solid problem-solving and a data based approach.
- Excellent written, verbal and listening communication skills with the ability to communicate and form relationships at all levels, from entry level to Executive Committee.
Additional Benefits:
- Competitive performance-based bonus
- Employee Share Matching Plan
- 401(k) Match
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Offerings
- Life, Sickness and Accident insurance, and Long-term disability
- Increased Voluntary Life Insurance (employee and family) (optional)
- The anticipated salary for this role will be between $158,000 - 197,000
Pay: $158,000.00 - $195,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Purpose of Position:
Our site in Pennsville has been part of the Siegfried family since 1928 and has around 180 employees. It is our drug substance manufacturing site for the US market and provides spray drying operations globally, with focus on pilot and commercial manufacturing of drug substances (APIs) and related. In the past months, we have undertaken significant projects and implemented strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking the full potential of the site.
Within this context, we are currently looking to fill the position of Director of Operations.
In this role, you will be responsible for the overall management of manufacturing at the site, playing a pivotal role in the transformative growth of our Pennsville facility. Success in this role will require adaptability, resilience, and the ability to navigate through a dynamic environment, given the recent changes and ongoing optimization efforts.
If you are seeking a new career challenge and envision yourself as a team player who proactively takes initiative and are willing to roll up your sleeves to make a difference every day alongside your team, then you are the right personality for us. This is a unique opportunity to lead and contribute to the success of a crucial site within our organization, where your leadership skills and strategic mindset will be instrumental in driving the site's success even in the face of evolving challenges.
Your responsibilities
As Director of Operations, you will lead our Managers of Wet Trains, Physical Operations and Cleaning Experts as well as be responsible for our team of Chemical and Physical Operations Operators (ca. 60 employees). You are a direct report to the Site Head at our site in Pennsville and you will be a member of our Site Leadership Team (SLT).
Your tasks:
- Ensure that all plant operations are conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state laws to promote the safety of the plant employees
- Cooperate closely with development to design processes that fit the manufacturing capabilities and ensure that all new production processes are safe and in compliance with all relevant environmental regulations
- Establish and drive a culture of "first time right" for all production activities
- Lead all current and new production activities through supervision and delegation to ensure that all production requirements are met, till the conclusion of the campaign
- Lead through management teams (shift supervisors and operations managers) a broad operations team with training, continuous improvement and operational excellence as key foundations
- Collaborate closely with Compliance to implement all process validations, equipment qualifications, and rework/reprocessing activities as well as review and approve any deviations or investigations associated with production
- Coach and develop teams to next levels and in turn ensure similar development of indirect reports. Define the succession plan for Operations.
- Identify and implement process improvements to benchmark and then improve cycle time, capacity, yield, labor utilization, efficiencies, process reliability, and production costs
- Coordinate all DEA activities to ensure that all CFR regulations are met. Manage implementation and adherence to all applicable DOT, IATA, IMO, SHE, DEA and cGMP regulations
Knowledge and experience:
- Engineering or Chemistry Degree
- 5+ years of experience in a similar leadership role in chemical synthesis type manufacturing preferably within the pharmaceutical or life science industries.
- 10+ years of work experience within the pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing industry.
- A proven track record in applying structured problem solving approaches such as Lean and Six Sigma is key to support improvements and cultural change in the operational organization.
- Relevant experience in managing a unionized team is a plus.
Soft Skills:
- Proven ability to lead and manage by example, coach, and motivate employees, clearly communicate job requirements and effectively manage the performance of the assigned tasks, with a "hands-on" approach.
- Ability to identify and analyze issues, providing solutions, and forward-thinking through solid problem-solving and a data based approach.
- Excellent written, verbal and listening communication skills with the ability to communicate and form relationships at all levels, from entry level to Executive Committee.
Additional Benefits:
- Competitive performance-based bonus
- Employee Share Matching Plan
- 401(k) Match
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Offerings
- Life, Sickness and Accident insurance, and Long-term disability
- Increased Voluntary Life Insurance (employee and family) (optional)
- The anticipated salary for this role will be between $158,000 - 197,000
Pay: $158,000.00 - $195,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 103+ Operations Director Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Operations Director JobsOperations Director Jobs by City in New Jersey
Where New Jersey roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Operations Director Job Market in New Jersey
A snapshot from current New Jersey openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Retail
- Medical Devices
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What New Jersey Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in operations director jobs across New Jersey.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field required
- Seven or more years of progressive operations management experience in a New Jersey industry
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and large operational budgets
- Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle used widely by New Jersey manufacturers
- Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance standards relevant to New Jersey's pharma or financial sectors
- PMP or Six Sigma certification preferred by many New Jersey employers in regulated industries
Operations Director Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an operations director in New Jersey?
Most operations directors in New Jersey reach the role through a combination of a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or a related field and progressive management experience in a relevant industry. There is no state-issued license required for the role itself, but those working in regulated sectors like pharmaceuticals or healthcare may need familiarity with New Jersey Department of Health compliance requirements. An MBA or a certification such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma significantly strengthens candidacy with New Jersey's major employers.
Which companies hire operations directors in New Jersey?
Employers hiring operations directors in New Jersey right now include Teva Pharmaceuticals, Novartis, and BRAVEN, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. New Jersey's dense concentration of pharmaceutical headquarters, financial services firms, and third-party logistics providers means operations director openings appear consistently across a wide range of company sizes and industries.
Which New Jersey cities have the most operations director jobs?
New Jersey, Parsippany-Troy Hills, and Princeton have the most operations director openings in New Jersey. Newark anchors the market as the state's largest city and a major logistics and financial services hub, while Princeton draws openings from its pharmaceutical and biotech corridor, and Parsippany benefits from its concentration of corporate headquarters for national and multinational companies that centralize operations leadership in northern New Jersey.
Are there remote operations director jobs in New Jersey?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since operations directors often need on-site presence to manage facilities, staff, and supply chains effectively. About 45% of operations director openings tied to New Jersey are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with the remote share concentrated in financial services and technology operations roles where oversight can be handled digitally.
How can I get hired as an operations director in New Jersey with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into an operations manager or senior operations analyst role first, then building toward director-level responsibility. Large New Jersey employers in logistics and pharmaceuticals, including major distribution centers in the Meadowlands corridor and life sciences companies along the Route 1 research corridor, regularly hire operations coordinators and analysts as stepping stones. Earning a PMP certification or completing a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt course demonstrates readiness for director-track consideration without years of prior leadership experience.
Where can I find and apply to operations director jobs in New Jersey?
You can find and apply to operations director jobs in New Jersey on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 103+ Operations Director Jobs in New Jersey
Find roles in New Jersey that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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