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Job Function:

Supply Chain Manufacturing

Job Sub Function:

Multi-Family Supply Chain Manufacturing

Job Category:

People Leader

All Job Posting Locations:

Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, Norderstedt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Job Description:

Internal posting from January 9 to January 23, 2026

Business Unit Director (m/f/d)

Location: Norderstedt (near Hamburg)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Business Unit Director position in Norderstedt (Germany). It is a key leadership role for one of the largest plants within Ethicon Operations. More than 950 employees on site produce FG sutures, Meshes, Raw Materials (Needles & Braiding), and Sterilisation (Eto & Cobalt) in 2 Business Units.

This Business Unit Director is responsible for our Raw Materials area. Reporting to the Plant Manager you will be responsible to lead, orchestrate, and control all processes, including financial budgets, strategic & key projects, and people in this Business Unit. An active member of the Norderstedt Leadership Team and responsible for approximately 500 employees you will lead a diverse group, including managers, supervisors, line coordinators, engineers, and production personnel in order to deliver production commitments to meet customer needs. This, while maintaining efficient cost control and delivering outstanding product quality. At this level, the position has a greater degree of impact on the business results, interacting with other senior managers and influencing the site strategy, in addition to the delivery of day-to-day commitments.

The main responsibilities of this function are wide- ranging and include:

• Provides a leadership role in the development and implementation of Process Excellence and Six Sigma standards
• Identifies needs and coordinate the development of support systems, such as but not limited to Documentation, Q.A. Systems
• Ensures enough manufacturing materials, equipment, and personnel
• Develops all capital expense forecasts and budgets to support business needs. Provides variance analysis and corrective actions
• Forms alliances with Planning and Commercial to provide improved products and response to customer requirements
• Implements, promotes and observes all safety, industrial hygiene rules and regulations established by the Company
• Leads a customer driven quality plan that ensures compliance to all applicable regulatory requirements
• Holds responsibility for salary administration topics and personnel related matters. Reviews and recommends change to current policies and procedures for applicability to present business plans
• Provides and establishes a leadership climate for operations within the business unit towards continuous quality improvements and compliance with regulatory requirements as they apply to all business aspects
• Makes decisions based on understanding of multiple departments and their interrelationships
• Fosters relations with development groups and R&D, aiming to actively influence design and assembly criteria
• Leads operation to ensure continuous improvement in quality, cost and delivery
• Provides leadership to meet the challenges of diversity and move the process forward
• Develops and leads innovative initiatives to improve business performance.
• Through coaching and mentoring ensures accelerated development for those with high potential
• Is responsible for presenting business related issues or opportunities to next management level
• Holds responsibility for ensuring subordinates follow all Company guidelines related to Health, Safety and Environmental practices and that all resources needed to do so are available and in good condition
• Responsible for ensuring personal and Company compliance with all Federal, State, local and Company regulations, policies, and procedures
• Is always ready to constantly challenge the Status Quo, develop and implement solution for the long range sustainability / has systematical approach

The successful candidate we are looking for has the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelors Degree in Engineering or Science. Master’s degree is desirable
• Five to seven years of experience in a manufacturing environment in a regulated industry is required
• Minimum three (3) years of people leadership experience and coaching skills
• Proven track record of demonstrating collaboration across the organization and at all levels
• Proficiency in basic digital literacy, such as Word and Excel is required; experience in MES – Manufacturing Execution Systems is a plus
• A thorough understanding of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) / ISO (International Organization for Standardization) regulations is preferred
• Purchasing System knowledge; JDE preferred
• Track record in Process Excellence and Project Management. Six Sigma Certification (e.g. Black Belt) is preferred
• Strong teammate, with ability to demonstrate excellent virtual teaming and collaboration skills
• Fluency in English is a must, German language ability advantageous
• Experience working in an FDA and/or European regulatory environment is preferred
• Statistical and analytical problem solving skills

This position may require up to 5% travel and will be based in Ethicon Norderstedt, Germany.

Johnson & Johnson is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Classification: This position is assigned to the non-tariff area, depending on previous experience.

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Required Skills:

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Leadership, Plant Operations

 

 

Preferred Skills:

Agile Manufacturing, Compliance Management, Contract Management, Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), Developing Others, Inclusive Leadership, Industry Analysis, Negotiation, Performance Measurement, Relationship Building, Resource Planning, Spend Analysis, Strategic Sourcing, Strategic Supply Chain Management, Vendor Selection