Taconic Biosciences is seeking a Senior Director / Managing Director (m/f/d)
The Location: Join our dedicated team in this full-time position located in Leverkusen, managing our operations across Germany and Denmark.
What we offer:
1. A senior leadership role with significant influence over operational strategy and business growth in Europe
2. The opportunity to set long-term strategic direction and lead cross-functional teams across Germany and Denmark
3. Direct cooperation with the Executive Leadership Team based in the United States
4. A mission-driven organization focused on advancing human health through scientific innovation
5. Competitive compensation and benefits package
If you are looking for a rewarding career, apply today!
The Role:
As Senior Director Operations Europe, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping Taconic’s operations across Europe. You will oversee all operational activities for our Germany and Denmark locations, ensuring strategic alignment, financial performance, and operational excellence across sites. Acting as Managing Director and Site Lead for the German GmbH, you will represent the business externally, guide internal teams across functional areas, and collaborate closely with the global Executive Leadership Team. This is a high-impact role with significant visibility and autonomy, reporting directly to the VP of Operations in the United States.
Core Responsibilities:
6. Strategic and operational management, including full P&L responsibility for European sites with 200+ employees across various functions.
7. Set operational goals aligned with company vision and strategy, monitoring and reviewing performance metrics with direct reports. Communicate, implement and track progress of business plans.
8. Collaborate closely with corporate and local administration business partners (e.g. Finance, HR) to ensure that the financial performance of the sites is satisfactory.
9. Collaborates with the CFO to develop, forecast, and refine financial plans, as well as establish and implement corrective actions as needed.
10. Partner with the VP of HR on operational HR responsibilities to enhance workforce productivity and a positive work environment. These include employee-related metrics such as retention, turnover, sickness-related absence and training status.
11. Contribute to Commercial, Sales and Innovation efforts, evaluating product portfolios and services as well as M&A opportunities.
12. Optimize internal processes, promote a culture of innovation, and maintain competitiveness.
13. Develop and implement site-wide policies to standardize operations across departments.
14. Represent the company externally, maintaining and expanding strategic partnerships.
15. Lead negotiations with work council and trade union representatives, supported by HR business partners and other stakeholders.
16. Provide guidance and training to managers to exceed performance goals and foster development opportunities.
Education and Experience:
17. Bachelor’s degree required, MBA preferred
18. A minimum of 10 years of experience as Managing Director in an international environment
19. 5+ years of experience in managing Scientific Laboratory Operations; experience in Industrial Manufacturing (preferred)
20. Experience in a matrix organization management and Lean management (preferred)
21. Experience developing and implementing business strategies
22. Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage professionals across multiple functions
23. Experience in developing, interpreting, or changing organizational policies or procedures.
24. Strong communication and analytical skills, adept at managing stakeholders
25. Initiative-driven with strategic vision
26. Fluent in English and German; Danish language skills (desirable)
Travel:
Frequent travel is required.