Plant Director

THE OPPORTUNITY

Parnell is on an exciting growth trajectory and we’re looking for a Plant Director to join our team at our manufacturing facility in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Parnell’s Menomonie, Wisconsin manufacturing facility site leader, the Plant Manager, is responsible for leading safe, compliant, efficient, and reliable site operations in support of the company’s objectives. This role provides end‑to‑end operational leadership across Engineering, Production, Technology Transfer, and Supply Chain, while partnering closely with Quality to ensure the site consistently meets regulatory, customer, and business requirements.

The role will report directly to SVP Manufacturing, based in our headquarters in Sydney, Australia.

• Provide overall leadership for the Menomonie Manufacturing Plant, ensuring safe, compliant, and cost‑effective operations aligned with Parnell’s strategic goals.
• Lead and develop the Engineering, Production, and Supply Chain functions to deliver reliable product supply, strong customer service, and continuous operational improvement.
• Drive a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement (Lean Six Sigma) across the site.
• Ensure site operations comply with applicable pharmaceutical regulatory requirements, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), internal quality systems, and company standards.
• Partner closely with the Site Quality Manager to maintain inspection readiness, address deviations and CAPAs, strengthen the quality management system, and support robust product release and compliance processes.
• Own Plant performance across safety, quality, service, cost, inventory, schedule attainment, and productivity metrics.
• Translate business demand into executable site plans, balancing capacity, labour, materials, and equipment resources to meet customer and commercial needs.
• Oversee production planning and execution to ensure on‑time, in‑full manufacturing and shipment performance.
• Lead site engineering activities, including maintenance strategy, reliability improvement, utilities, calibration, validation support, capital projects, and facility/equipment readiness.
• Direct supply chain activities at the site, including materials planning, inventory control, warehousing, procurement coordination, and logistics interface.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance throughput, right‑first‑time performance, cost efficiency, and compliance.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, talent development, and clear performance expectations for site leaders and teams.
• Support audits and inspections by regulatory agencies and customers, ensuring timely and effective responses to observations and commitments.
• Develop and manage the site operating budget and capital plan, ensuring disciplined financial stewardship and return on investment.
• Serve as the primary site liaison to senior leadership, escalating risks, presenting performance updates, and aligning resources to business priorities.

• You’re a proactive, solutions‑focused and enthusiastic who takes pride in your work and thrives in a fast‑paced, regulated environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field required.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in pharmaceutical, biologics, medical device, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success leading multi‑functional plant operations, including production, engineering, and supply chain.
• Experience in equipment acquisition, qualification and commissioning.
• Six Sigma and / or Lean Manufacturing Certification or experience.
• Strong knowledge of FDA‑regulated manufacturing environments, cGMP requirements, quality systems, validation practices, and inspection readiness.
• Experience managing plant performance through KPIs, tiered accountability, problem‑solving, and structured continuous improvement.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing operating budgets, inventory, and capital projects.
• Proven ability to lead through change, influence cross‑functional stakeholders, and build high‑performing teams.
• Excellent communication, decision‑making, and organizational leadership skills.

• Strong safety performance and regulatory compliance.
• Reliable production output and service levels.
• Improved operational efficiency, cost performance, and inventory management.
• Inspection readiness and sustained quality performance.
• High engagement and development of site leadership and operational teams.

Parnell is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Only successful candidates will be contacted for interview.