Sr Director, Technical Operations

About the Role

The Senior Director, Technical Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight of drug product manufacturing and external CDMO operations from late-stage development through commercialization. The role is accountable for defining manufacturing strategy, managing increasing operational complexity, and ensuring reliable supply to support both late phase programs and commercial products. The Director will lead resolution of critical drug product manufacturing issues, oversee high‑risk operations, and ensure readiness for commercial scale, partnering cross‑functionally across Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Development, Supply Chain, Regulatory and Quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead end‑to‑end drug product manufacturing strategy from late phase clinical through commercial stages, ensuring scalability of processes, supply chain, and CMO network.


• Manage CDMO relationships, including performance management, capacity planning, and long‑term partnership strategy; establish governance models and manage selection, onboarding and strategic management of CMOs.


• Lead resolution of critical manufacturing issues, including deviations, investigations, and high‑risk events, and develop proactive risk mitigation strategies.


• Partner cross‑functionally with Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Development, Supply Chain, Regulatory and Quality to align CMC strategy and execution, integrating development, manufacturing, capacity planning and supply planning activities.


• Lead multiple CMC programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory, technical, and corporate strategy; oversee manufacturing execution at CMOs, batch strategy, documentation and compliance, and contribute to CMC regulatory submissions and inspections.


• Establish clear ownership and accountability for manufacturing strategy and execution, enabling reliable and scalable supply to support clinical and commercial programs, reducing operational risk through proactive issue management.


• Manage Person‑in‑Plant coverage and develop/manage budget for CMC programs in collaboration with Finance.

Factors for Success

• B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in an engineering or science field.


• Strong understanding of technical/scientific challenges related to production processes for sterile products and subsequent packaging.


• 15+ years of progressive responsibility in Technical Operations and/or manufacturing support in pharmaceutical manufacturing (doctorate holders 10+ years).


• Preferable experience with sterile ophthalmic dosage forms, solid oral dose and packaging, and topical dermal formulations.


• Strong project‑management skills, business and financial acumen.


• Excellent people‑management experience, problem‑solving, collaboration, leadership and communication skills.


• Strategic leadership ability to translate corporate vision into departmental goals and adjust plans to changing priorities.


• High energy, learning orientation, and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.


• Strong communication and change‑management skills, ability to build relationships vertically and horizontally.


• Proven ability to elevate difficult issues and make tough decisions.

Tarsus Competencies

• Empowering Others – fosters empowerment by aligning authority with accountability and developing leaders’ decision‑making capability.


• Emotional Intelligence – fosters trust and psychological safety, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics with compassion and accountability.


• Grows Capacity – builds organizational capacity by developing talent systems, coaching cultures, and strategic partnerships.


• Business Acumen – demonstrates strong business acumen, anticipating market dynamics and using financial and strategic insight.


• Innovative Mindset and Action – champions new ideas and translates innovation into sustainable growth.

Other Details

• Position based in the Irvine office, offering onsite gym, pool, snacks, drinks, occasionally catered meals; hybrid work environment with remote option for right candidate.


• Reports directly to Vice‑President of Manufacturing Operations and Supply Chain.


• Some travel may be required – up to 30%.

Benefits

The expected base pay range for this position is $255,000 – $357,000 plus bonus, stock equity, and comprehensive benefits. Base pay is determined by job‑related skills, experience and relevant education or training. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance; generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, and personal days). For more details regarding Tarsus benefits, visit

Equal‑Opportunity Statement

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex—including sexual orientation and gender identity—national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.