Drives cross-functional strategic initiatives, working directly with management in the organization to solve complex strategy and business problems as a member of the Change Management function.
Directs teams to identify, create, and develop growth focused initiatives which will contribute to the strategic, financial, and operational objectives for the company. Conducts advanced translation of strategy blueprint into actionable plans to mitigate potential change management issues for the organization. Advises senior management on upcoming business cases for investment committees and coordination of resources for project advancement. Modifies complex financial models and valuation analyses to uncover potential change management issues for business growth and strategic transaction activities and prepares reports for presentation to leaders. Guides junior colleagues through consultation and mentoring in techniques and processes, and provides functional (matrix) supervision. Integrates Johnson & Johnson s Credo and Leadership Imperatives into team goals and decision making.
Job Summary
The Associate Director will be responsible for leading and executing strategic projects, new product introductions (NPI), lifecycle management (LCM), and engineering operations to support the site s operational excellence and future growth. This role requires a highly skilled leader with expertise in project management, engineering, compliance, continuous improvement, and stakeholder engagement. The individual will ensure seamless integration of engineering and project functions, drive innovation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement aligned with corporate standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Project & NPI/LCM Management
- Lead and deliver organizationally critical projects, including remediation, business continuity, and strategic initiatives.
- Manage and oversee NPI/LCM processes specifying, developing, and standardizing products and life cycle stages.
- Drive project governance, risk management, and stakeholder communication to ensure timely completion within scope and budget.
- Collaborate with marketing and customer insights to develop business cases and ensure alignment with market needs.
2. Engineering Operations & Site Management
- Develop and execute engineering strategies to optimize manufacturing throughput and cost.
- Lead the design, development, testing, and evaluation of manufacturing systems, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance.
- Oversee maintenance planning, vendor management, and engineering asset optimization.
- Ensure implementation of health, safety, and environmental standards across the site.
3. Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Drive deployment of Lean, Six Sigma, JJPS, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Develop KPIs, scorecards, and metrics to measure, track, and enhance operational performance.
- Build and nurture capabilities in quality, safety, and process excellence among teams.
4. Cross-Functional Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate extensively with Capital Projects, Manufacturing, Quality, R&D, Supply Chain, EHS&S, and external vendors.
- Manage internal and external audits, regulatory compliance, and site inspections.
- Act as a primary interface for external auditors and notified bodies.
5. Leadership & People Development
- Lead, mentor, and evaluate teams including engineers, project managers, and technicians.
- Establish talent rotation and training programs to enhance team capabilities.
- Foster a culture of innovation, safety, quality, and continuous learning.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor s degree in Engineering; Management or MBA preferred.
- 18+ years of experience in manufacturing, project management, engineering, or related sectors in regulated industries.
- Proven track record in leading large-scale projects, product lifecycle management, and engineering operations.
- Experience in medical devices, biopharmaceutical, or pharmaceutical industries advantageous.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., MDR, ISO 9001, ISO 13485) and compliance requirements.
- Demonstrated expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, JJPS, and other continuous improvement tools.
Technical & Leadership Skills
- Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Leadership in driving change, fostering teamwork, and managing diverse teams.
- Ability to communicate effectively across functions, external vendors, and regulatory bodies.
- High proficiency in financial management, budgeting, and resource allocation.
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (~10-20%).
- Proficiency in GMP, FDA, and regulatory audit processes.
- Strong behavioral competencies including influencing, resilience, adaptability, and integrity.
- Commitment to Johnson & Johnsons Credo and core values.
Reporting Line
- Direct report to the Plant Director, Aurangabad.
