About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, Gilead has tackled some of the world's biggest health challenges, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Our relentless drive to develop innovative therapies has improved millions of lives and ensured global access to transformative treatments. Headquartered in the United States, Gilead operates manufacturing sites worldwide, including our state-of-the-art facility in Cork, Ireland. We foster a culture of collaboration, determination, and innovation, where every employee plays a critical role in advancing scientific breakthroughs. Join us to make a direct impact on bold ambitions in oncology, HIV therapies, and beyond.

Role Overview

The Associate Director Operational Excellence position in Cork, Ireland, reports to the Director of Portfolio Management Office within the Ireland Manufacturing organization. This strategic leadership role is pivotal in embedding a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence across the site. You will drive initiatives that enhance performance, align with global and local objectives, and deliver measurable results. Partnering with leadership teams, you will champion innovation, analytics-driven decision-making, and structured problem-solving in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment. This is an opportunity to act as a change agent, building capabilities and fostering excellence in one of Gilead's key European manufacturing hubs.

Key Responsibilities

As Associate Director Operational Excellence, your core duties include leading the deployment and execution of the OE strategy, ensuring alignment with site priorities. You will develop and maintain a Site KPI Dashboard for visibility and accountability, supporting Quarterly Business Reviews with updates on strategy execution. Identify improvement projects through value stream analysis, facilitate cross-functional problem-solving sessions, and drive tools like Value Stream Mapping, Kaizens, and Gemba walks. Implement leader standard work, structured problem-solving, and 7S methodologies. Serve as Business Process Owner for the Eviview CI system, deliver training for Yellow Belt and Green Belt certifications, and mentor OE Advocates. Chair the site OE team, collaborate across PDM sites, and participate in the global OE Community to harmonize processes.

Strategic Leadership

Align OE initiatives with global strategies, act as a change agent to mature the culture of excellence, and champion analytics for high-impact decisions.

Capability Building

Build operational excellence skills through training, mentorship, and recognition events, ensuring sustainable continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this role, candidates must hold Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification and a relevant degree with extensive experience. Proven ability to operate at strategic and tactical levels is essential, alongside knowledge of Leader Standard Work and OE Production Systems. Experience in pharmaceutical operations within a GMP environment is required. You should demonstrate strong leadership to influence local and global teams, excellent communication skills, and the initiative to drive projects independently. Strategic application of data analytics to inform OE initiatives is a key differentiator.

Benefits & Perks

Gilead Sciences offers a premium compensation package, including a competitive salary estimated between €90,000 and €150,000 annually, reflecting biopharmaceutical sector rates in Cork with a buffer for top talent. Employees enjoy comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings plans, and performance-based incentives. Our wellness programs promote work-life balance, while professional development opportunities include leadership training and tuition assistance. As a people-centric organization, Gilead provides an inclusive environment with flexible working options, employee recognition programs, and access to cutting-edge facilities in Cork.

Career Growth

At Gilead, career progression is a priority. This Associate Director role positions you for advancement within the Portfolio Management Office or broader manufacturing leadership. We invest in your growth through structured training, mentorship from global OE leaders, and exposure to cross-site collaborations. High performers access leadership development programs, international projects, and pathways to Director-level roles. Our commitment to employee aspirations ensures you can evolve our culture while fulfilling your ambitions in biopharma operational excellence.

Why Join Gilead

Joining Gilead means contributing to groundbreaking therapies in HIV, oncology, and inflammatory diseases that change lives globally. In Cork, you'll work in a dynamic manufacturing site at the forefront of innovation, with a supportive culture that values inclusion, development, and empowerment. As a People Leader, you'll shape the employee experience and drive our mission forward. With our bold ambitions and collaborative spirit, Gilead offers unparalleled opportunities to make a difference in a premium, high-impact environment.

Role FAQs

What experience is required?

Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification, degree, and GMP/pharma operations experience are essential.

Is this a leadership role?

Yes, it involves leading OE strategy, mentoring teams, and influencing across functions.

What is the location and work arrangement?

Based in Cork, Ireland, full-time onsite in our manufacturing facility.

How does this role impact Gilead's mission?

By driving operational excellence, you enhance efficiency in producing therapies for HIV, cancer, and more.

What training opportunities are available?

Deliver and participate in Yellow/Green Belt training, with global OE community involvement.