Manager, External Manufacturing

Johnson & Johnson seeks a Manager for External Manufacturing in Zuchwil to oversee global supplier relationships and supply chain integration for the DePuy Synthes platform.

This position sits within the DePuy Synthes Supply Chain, specifically supporting the Enabling Tech platform. The manager leads a small team of professionals while overseeing multiple global external manufacturers to ensure seamless supply integration and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Manage a network of external manufacturers to drive business process improvements, analytics, risk management, and supplier development.
• Ensure optimal lead times and process efficiency from purchasing through goods receipt, including readiness for new product introductions.
• Strengthen relationships within the DPS franchise to align external manufacturer capabilities and risk profiles with value stream priorities.
• Oversee medical device supply performance, covering service levels, supplier relationships, planning, inventory, capacity, quality, compliance, and cost optimization.
• Resolve short-term supply issues and implement proactive risk mitigation strategies for finished goods manufacturing in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.
• Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives focused on agility, reliability, and cost reduction.
• Lead Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) meetings with internal and external partners to synchronize mid-to-long-term supply and demand.
• Make decisions regarding supplier capabilities and oversee the prioritization and execution of supplier change requirements.
• Support new product launches by monitoring supplier capability through scenario planning.
• Partner with Source Category Management to develop and implement sourcing strategies for supplier sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics Sciences, or Engineering.
• At least six years of direct experience in Supplier Relationship Management, Planning, or Manufacturing Operations, preferably in the medical device sector.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally in a global matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated track record of coaching, mentoring, and developing direct reports.
• Strong written and oral communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• A positive, customer-focused, and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to leverage data, metrics, and analytics to generate insights for continuous improvement.
• Capacity to work independently and with urgency.
• Willingness to travel 10-20% of the time.
• Valid work permit for EU/EFTA citizens.

Nice to have

• Background in Operational Excellence, including Lean or Six-Sigma methodologies.
• Firm understanding of end-to-end supply chain, with an emphasis on Planning and constraint theory.

What the company offers

• An inclusive work environment that values each individual.
• Respect for employee diversity and dignity, with recognition of merit.

About the company

Johnson & Johnson is guided by its Credo and believes that health is everything. The company aims to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, while maintaining a strong sense of responsibility to its employees.

• Commitment to preventing, treating, and curing complex diseases.
• Guided by a strong ethical Credo.
• Inclusive environment valuing individual contributions.
• Respect for diversity and employee dignity.