External Manufacturing Manager

About the role

CooperSurgical is seeking an External Manufacturing Manager to lead the oversight of third‑party manufacturing partners across the APAC region. You will ensure compliance with quality standards, manage timelines, and drive cost efficiencies while supporting product development and regulatory requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee external manufacturing partners in APAC, ensuring quality, timeline, delivery, and pricing compliance.
• Negotiate and manage Manufacturing Service Agreements (MSA) and related amendments.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships through governance, business reviews, and performance monitoring.
• Identify, evaluate, and propose alternative contract manufacturers (CMOs) and drive supplier selection and risk mitigation.
• Resolve technical issues, manage process improvements, and oversee technical transfers.
• Monitor and control manufacturing costs, driving year‑over‑year production efficiency improvements.
• Ensure all external activities comply with industry regulations, support audits, deviation investigations, CAPAs, and product disposition.
• Align NPI products with R&D timelines, quality standards, and operational constraints.
• Track manufacturing performance using Operational Excellence (OPEX) metrics and report to supply‑chain leadership.
• Assess and mitigate outsourcing risks, ensuring partners meet required systems and documentation.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing external manufacturing partners, preferably in the APAC region.
• Strong background in supplier relationship management and contract negotiation.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
• Experience supporting quality assurance activities, audits, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to collaborate with R&D and supply‑chain teams to meet product launch timelines.

Required skills

• Operational Excellence (OPEX) metrics
• Manufacturing Service Agreement (MSA) negotiation
• Supplier relationship management (SRM)
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Quality management and CAPA processes
• Technical transfer and process improvement