Your role
We are looking for an experienced Director, Operations Development, to drive continual process development and data‑driven operational excellence across Global Operations of Orion Pharma. This strategic leadership role leads the Operations Development organization of 15 experts including Operations Development Project teams and Intelligent Process team to enhance supply performance, quality, cost efficiency and digital capabilities. You work closely in partnership with functions like for example production and supply chain. Also close collaboration is needed with Quality Management, business divisions and Information Management organization. As Director, Operations Development, you are part of Orion's Global Operations management team.
The position is permanent and it is based in Espoo or Turku with a hybrid work model.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Operations Development organization and drive the development across the whole Global Operations organization.
- Act as a key driver of Continual Improvement by applying systematic development methods based on Lean Six Sigma and actively encouraging and supporting their use across the organization.
- Lead the development and integration of data and AI capabilities to reduce manual work, improve operational control and enable deeper insights through improved data availability and quality.
- Coordinate and facilitate strategic planning and action plans within Global Operations.
You will report to EVP, Global Operations.
What you can expect from us
At Orion, your work creates true impact and well-being for our customers, patients and society at large. Our culture of friendliness, respect, mutual appreciation and diversity creates a safe working environment where you can strive for excellence. We offer a wealth of career paths and development opportunities that support the development of innovative solutions and improving the quality of life.
Please visit our website to find further information about our values and Orion as an employer https://www.orion.fi/en/careers/orion-as-an-employer/.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a positive and energetic individual who enjoys working with challenges and contributing to continuous improvement. You are a goal-oriented person who is accustomed to working in strong collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders. Excellent leadership and communication skills are essential in this role.
To succeed in this role, we expect you to have:
- Demonstrated track record of leading and delivering measurable operational improvements in production environments, ideally within manufacturing or supply chain, with clear, implemented outcomes.
- Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to coach teams and drive results cross-functionally.
- Practical knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma and Business Process Leadership principles.
- Proven hands-on experience in leveraging data and building AI capabilities in production contexts, including practical application, deployment, and continuous development of AI-driven solutions.
- Strategic thinking and goal-setting capabilities.
- Academic degree (M.Sc. in Engineering, Business, or equivalent).
How to apply
Please submit your application at the latest on February 26, 2026.
Should you have any questions, please contact Juhani Kankaanpää, EVP, Global Operations, +358 50 966 4571 on Fri 13.2.2026 between 15:00-16:00 or Mon 23.2.2026 between 13:00-14:00 or Tue 24.2.2026 between 10:00-11:00.
We typically review applications already during the application period and may start interviewing candidates before the application deadline.
Approved medical examination which also includes drug testing is required prior to the employment. We will also carry out a security clearance prior to the employment for the selected person.
Your new team
Orion's Global Operations covers the entire pharmaceutical manufacturing process, from sourcing of raw materials to the manufacture of products, packaging and delivery to customers. We are also responsible for the industrialization of new products and product life cycle management.
In Global Operations we have approximately 1,600 professionals working in Production, our external supplier network (Externally Sourced Operations) and Fermion Oy (API manufacturing and marketing). In addition, the organization includes Supply Chain & Procurement, Technical Operations, Facility Management, EHS (Environment, Health and Safety), CPD&LCM (Commercial Product Development & Product lifecycle management) and Operations Development.
Operational Development is a team of approximately 15 professionals responsible for improvement initiatives and the development and utilization of data and artificial intelligence capabilities in a global operating environment. Based on the principles of Lean Six Sigma and Business Process Leadership, we focus on developing operational practices, culture, and production environments to strengthen productivity and cost-efficiency. We actively promote best practices and scalable models that support Continual Improvement and change management. We combine analytical thinking, change management, and a strong service attitude. We value curiosity, the courage to challenge the status quo, and the ability to build bridges between different functions.
About Us
Orion Pharma is a globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company - a builder of well-being for over a hundred years.
We're home to more than 4,000 Orionees around the world, and we're proud to be known as a responsible employer and a great place to work. At Orion Pharma, people are truly valued and trusted, encouraged to grow, and supported by a culture where every voice is heard. We appreciate each other, strive for excellence, and build the future.
Together we develop, manufacture, and market human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Our extensive portfolio includes proprietary and generic medicines as well as consumer health products. The core therapy areas of our pharmaceutical R&D are oncology and pain. Proprietary products developed by Orion Pharma are used to treat cancer, neurological diseases, respiratory diseases, and more.
We offer careers with a clear purpose: empowering people to live their lives to the fullest.