Croda

Managing Director- Operations

At Croda, we are driven by a simple but powerful mission—to innovate, sustain, and improve everyday life. As a global leader in Life Sciences and Consumer Care, we develop cutting-edge ingredients that shape the products people rely on daily. With 6,000 employees across 20+ countries, we are a purpose-driven organization committed to pioneering research and breakthrough solutions that set new industry standards.

Reporting to the Vice President of North America, you will be a key member of the North America leadership team, driving operational excellence and efficiency across four GMP and high-hazard manufacturing sites. In this role, besides being responsible for 5 manufacturing sites in the region, you will lead critical regional functions, including Safety and Environment, PSRA, Quality, Capital Investment Management, Procurement, Sustainability, and ensuring Croda upholds the highest standards in safety, compliance, and performance.

This is a unique opportunity for a progressive operations leader to foster a high-performance culture and implement an operations strategy that meets customer expectations and strengthens Croda’s position as a market leader.

Who we're looking for:

• An authentic, people-first leader who champions Croda’s Values, Purpose, and Ethics, creating an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered.
• Proven experience leading multiple manufacturing sites in the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of empathy, inclusion, and accountability.
• Passion for behavioural safety with strong knowledge of GMP manufacturing and high hazard process safety operations
• Strong background in change management and operational excellence, including experience supporting acquisition integration programs.
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across internal and external networks, regionally and globally, driving results in a complex, international organization.

Key Responsibilities

• SHE and QA: Continuously build the “Safety as a Value” culture Ensure sites have rules and management systems in place to comply with the law in the countries in which Croda operates, and with Croda Group Policies and procedures. Instill a risk-based approach to the prevention of harm to people, environment, assets and business. Provide leadership and expert advice in Crises according to company Crisis Management Policy.
• Develop and execute a 3–5 year operations roadmap for five manufacturing sites, ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable performance aligned with business objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Coach and develop a high-performing team of Site Directors and Regional Managers, fostering a culture of accountability, empathy, and innovation.
• Ensure projects are well-structured and effectively managed, delivering new assets and capabilities on time and within budget.
• Review and drive capital investment plans, ensuring long-term business growth, innovation, and the safe, durable operation of assets.
• Develop a strategic, sustainable procurement framework, defining clear roles, responsibilities, and purchasing priorities to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Regularly assess the sector Risk Register, providing leadership and expert guidance in crisis situations in alignment with Croda’s Crisis Management Policy for pharmaceutical and high-hazard manufacturing sites.
• Maintain strong customer relationships by ensuring Quality, Product Assurance, and technical departments operate efficiently and effectively.
• Actively contribute to internal leadership committees, including the Regional Board, Group SHE Committee, and Global Operations Meeting, playing a key role in shaping operational and strategic decisions.

Why Croda?

At Croda, we believe our people are our difference. We are people-led, driven by the desire to do good and deliver value, a unifying principle shaped by all the great people that have travelled through Croda since our beginning in 1925. We pride ourselves on bringing together diverse teams and talents from across the globe and, guided by our values of Responsible, Innovative, and Together, we are passionate about building an inclusive, collaborative, and diverse organisation with innovation and customer focus underpinning all that we do.

Additional Information

• This role is based in Princeton, NJ, however we would also consider candidates in a remote / home office based role close to our sites in either Delaware or Pennsylvania.

What We Offer:

Join a global organization with countless opportunities for growth and leadership.

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package including:

• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, available immediately.
• Generous PTO
• 401K Match
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Parental Leave
• Career Development
• Company paid and voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short and long term disability
• Paid Holidays

And more!

Annual Base Salary Range: $275,000.00 to $320,000.00

This range reflects the base salary the company reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, experience, education, and skill level. Additional compensation, such as annual bonuses or other incentives, * may be offered based on eligibility and company policies.

Croda recognises employees as our strength and the diversity they bring to our workforce are directly linked to our ongoing success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including age, race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. In accordance with applicable law, we make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as any mental health or physical disability needs. Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veterans. This Organization Participates in E-Verify. #LI-DB1