Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Shanghai, China (Office-based)

Travel: Approximately 50% international travel

Compensation: Executive package reflecting the seniority and global scope of the role, including long-term incentives.

Shape the Future of Global Manufacturing

This is a rare opportunity to lead and transform a global manufacturing network for an established business operating within the pharmaceutical industry. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping manufacturing strategy, driving operational excellence and influencing long-term investment decisions across multiple international sites.

Package & Benefits

• Executive compensation package reflecting seniority and impact

• Long-term incentive opportunity

• Significant influence over global manufacturing strategy

• International leadership role with direct reporting to the CEO

• Opportunity to lead business-wide transformation

Why This Business

Our client is a globally established manufacturer serving international markets with a complex production footprint across Asia, Australia and North America. As the business continues to evolve, it is seeking a commercially minded operational leader to optimise its global manufacturing network, improve efficiency and help determine the right balance between in-house production and strategic outsourcing.

Whilst operating within the pharmaceutical industry, the business welcomes applications from leaders across pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, ingredients, nutraceuticals and other comparable manufacturing sectors.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the strategic optimisation of a global manufacturing footprint across multiple international facilities.

• Drive operational transformation, improving efficiency, productivity and manufacturing performance.

• Evaluate manufacturing and outsourcing strategies to support future business growth.

• Partner directly with the CEO to shape long-term operational strategy and investment decisions.

What You'll Bring

• Proven senior leadership experience within global pharmaceutical (or related industry) manufacturing or operations.

• Demonstrated success leading large-scale operational transformation initiatives.

• Strong commercial judgement with experience optimising manufacturing networks.

• A practical, hands-on leadership style gained within entrepreneurial, privately owned or similarly agile organisations.

Who This Suits

You're an experienced manufacturing executive who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with operational execution. You have the credibility to lead international teams, challenge existing ways of working and make commercially sound decisions that deliver long-term value. You're looking for an opportunity where your influence will extend well beyond day-to-day operations and into the future direction of a global business.

Apply now for a confidential conversation with Walker Lovell.