Associate Director, External Manufacturing Lead; Home Based​/Remote

Position: Associate Director, External Manufacturing Lead (Home Based / Remote)
If you are a current Jazz employee please apply via the Internal Career site.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharma company whose purpose is to innovate to transform the lives of patients and their families. We are dedicated to developing life-changing medicines for people with serious diseases - often with limited or no therapeutic options. We have a diverse portfolio of marketed medicines, including leading therapies for sleep disorders and epilepsy, and a growing portfolio of cancer treatments.

Our patient-focused and science-driven approach powers pioneering research and development advancements across our robust pipeline of innovative therapeutics in oncology and neuroscience. Jazz is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities and employees in multiple countries committed to serving patients worldwide. Please visit  for more information.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is looking to hire an experienced External Manufacturing Lead (EML) to join our External Manufacturing organisation. The EML will have overall responsibility for the performance of an external Contract Manufacturing Organisation (CMO) portfolio for Drug Substance commercial products. The EML will be required to build and manage strong business relationships with the CMO and will act as the primary point of contact for all performance, contractual compliance, and supply‑related issues.

The EML will lead cross‑functional, high‑performing teams who share accountability for the performance of the CMO. The EML will develop and agree manufacture and supply plans with the CMO in alignment with Technical Operations strategy, oversee the execution of CMO operations, and ensure the delivery of robust, high‑quality, cost‑effective supply, on time and on budget.

The EML will be responsible for the periodic assessment and improvement of CMO performance through monitoring and reporting of best‑in‑class metrics and KPIs, risk identification and mitigation, and continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational efficiency and effectiveness while supporting Jazz's Technical Operations strategy and sustainability goals.

In addition, we are seeking someone who is comfortable leading and managing change both externally and internally. The role requires the ability to influence across functions, shape new ways of working, and guide teams through organizational evolution. Experience in establishing or scaling an external manufacturing organisation, building the structures, processes, and governance needed for a high‑performing external manufacturing function is highly desirable.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

Contract Manufacturing Organisation (CMO) Relationship and Performance Management

• Build strong, strategic partnerships with CMOs to enable long‑term value creation, collaboration, and a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Oversee all aspects of the business relationship, ensuring CMOs meet contractual obligations and performance standards across quality, cost, delivery, compliance, and service, aligned with Jazz's Technical Operations strategy.
• Lead External Governance meetings, ensuring outputs, actions, and decisions are documented in accordance with Jazz procedures.
• Proactively monitor, manage, and communicate CMO performance, ensuring timely issue resolution and alignment with business objectives.
• Partner with CMOs to define and implement multiyear performance‑improvement initiatives that strengthen capability, reliability, and efficiency.

Leadership and Cross-functional Collaboration

• Build and lead high‑performing cross‑functional team with shared accountability for CMO performance, ensuring supply plans, assignments, and projects are delivered to agreed standards.
• Drive the onboarding of CMOs in alignment with Technical Operations strategy.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and escalation lead for all CMO‑related business, performance, and supply issues, ensuring timely mitigation of risks and supply disruptions.
• Set objectives and multiyear plans for assigned CMOs, ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals and priorities.
• Influence internal stakeholders…