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Steve McCairns
Executive Director of UK Operations at Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Professional Background
Steve McCairns is a highly accomplished professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in site, operations, technical, and supply chain leadership within the highly regulated environments of the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Throughout his career, Steve has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities, contributing to numerous Lean transformation programs across Europe, the United States, and Asia. His international work experience has afforded him invaluable insights into optimizing pharmaceutical facilities dedicated to delivering a diverse array of pharmaceutical dosage forms.
Steve's professional excellence is evidenced by his mastery of Lean principles, where he has achieved a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from General Electric. He is notably a graduate of GE's prestigious Executive Lean Leadership Development Program, which showcases his commitment to operational excellence. His change management expertise stands out, particularly in leading restructuring initiatives and productivity improvements. His exemplary work in this area earned him a GE Presidents Award for his outstanding change leadership during a 'best in class' site closure.
In addition to his practical operational experience, Steve has pursued academic excellence, culminating in a Doctorate in Business Administration in 2017, focusing on strategic change management and leadership. This advanced education enhances his capability to drive significant operational improvements and implement strategic initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Steve's educational background is as impressive as his professional accomplishments. He has studied various disciplines that enhance his expertise in operations and leadership. His educational journey includes a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Administration, Management, and Operations from the University of Gloucestershire, as well as a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Strategic Change Management and Leadership from the same institution.
Furthering his academic credentials, Steve has undertaken several postgraduate studies, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies (DMS) and a Professional Certificate in Management from The Open University Business School. His training in Lean Six Sigma and leadership development at General Electric’s Centre of Excellence and Crotonville reflects his dedication to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Notable Achievements
One of Steve's notable achievements includes establishing and developing the UK arm for a growing US pharmaceutical company. He successfully executed a strategic partnership with Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs), facilitating the growth and operational success of the new entity. As the Executive Director of UK Operations at Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., he has had board-level responsibility for the operations group, positioning the company as a leader in the pharmaceutical services market.
His career trajectory includes significant roles at PCI Pharma Services, GE Healthcare, and Amersham International, where he has taken on progressively responsible positions from Manufacturing Manager to Site Director. His work in international technology transfer has proven instrumental, as he has successfully delivered multiple product transfers to facilities across Europe and the USA.
Moreover, Steve has demonstrated remarkable crisis management capabilities, having navigated through a major facility disruption caused by a natural disaster. His proactive recovery efforts surpassed the expectations set forth during this challenging time, underscoring his resilience and strategic foresight in operations management.
