Tripod
The J. Molner Company continues to grow! We are looking for a

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Apply now
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Jason Grenfell-Gardner is the founder of The J. Molner Company. He is an experienced pharmaceutical industry expert and has worked at the forefront of drug development in the United States and Canada. At Teligent Inc., he and his team submitted more than 50 drug approval applications and launched over 40 medicines. Jason has served on the boards of several companies, most recently as a board member of Pfenex, Inc., a San Diego-based biotechnology company. 

Jason is a passionate advocate of corporate social responsibility. Patients, access to healthcare and diversity in the workplace are particularly important to him.

“We have built a strong foundation in Estonia and are now scaling internationally. I am looking for an operational leader who is ready to take ownership and build the next stage of J. Molner together with us.” 

Jason Grenfell-Gardner, Founder & CEO
If you know how to turn ambitious plans into operational reality, bring structure to complexity and keep an international business moving at pace, this role is for you. Come build the operational backbone of a growing pharmaceutical company with Estonian roots and global ambitions. 

J. Molner is entering its next stage of growth. Following the acquisition of a US generics business, we are expanding our international footprint, product portfolio and capabilities. We are now looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to take ownership of our day-to-day operational engine and build a scalable platform for further international growth. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role. You will work directly with the Founder/CEO and lead operations across functions and geographies. The Founder sets the strategic and commercial direction; you make sure the organisation delivers – effectively, reliably and with strong cost discipline. 

Your main responsibilities:
  • lead global operations end to end, including supply chain, procurement, S&OP, production planning, logistics, inventory management and CMO relationships;
  • lead and develop the organisation and its people – build strong teams, set clear expectations and drive performance and accountability;
  • drive cross-functional execution across post-acquisition integration, new product launches and operational improvement initiatives;
  • coordinate R&D execution, including the development pipeline, technical transfers and stability and analytical programmes;
  • work closely with Quality and Regulatory leadership, ensuring strong operational alignment, appropriate resources and effective execution;
  • work alongside the Founder/CEO on US operational and commercial coordination, building relationships with key partners and connecting operations across Estonia and the US;
  • maintain oversight of operational financial performance and build scalable ways of working that support new products, capabilities and geographies without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. 

What will help you succeed in this role?

  • You have senior operational leadership experience and have managed several functions or disciplines simultaneously.
  • You understand the full product lifecycle, from development and manufacturing through supply chain to commercial launch.
  • You have experience in a manufacturing-intensive and preferably regulated environment – pharmaceuticals, medical devices, contract manufacturing, FMCG or another relevant industry.
  • You are an operator and a doer – comfortable moving between the big picture and operational detail and taking ownership when something needs to get done.
  • You have built and developed teams and know how to create pace, accountability and high standards without adding unnecessary layers and processes.
  • You are commercially minded and understand the importance of cost discipline, working capital and operational efficiency.
  • You communicate clearly and directly, make decisions with imperfect information and remain focused on solutions.
  • You are comfortable working internationally and thrive in an environment where not everything has already been built.
  • You have an excellent command of English. Estonian is not required but would be a significant advantage. 

What do we offer?

  • A rare opportunity to build, not simply maintain – you will help shape the operating model of a pharmaceutical company scaling internationally.
  • Real responsibility and autonomy, working directly with the Founder/CEO and owning how operational priorities are executed.
  • International scope from day one, with operations across Estonia and the US and further products, capabilities and geographies ahead.
  • A strong and experienced team across operations, supply chain, project management, quality, regulatory, laboratory, legal and finance.
  • A fast-moving environment where decisions can be implemented quickly and results matter more than corporate formality.
  • The opportunity to grow your mandate as the organisation continues to scale.
  • Participation in the company’s equity option programme.
Salary range: we will provide details to candidates selected for the next stage before the interview. 

The position is based on-site in Tallinn, Estonia, and reports directly to the Founder/CEO.
The J. Molner Company is an international pharmaceutical company that has grown in Tallinn. We develop and bring sterile and dermatological medicines to the US market. Our productChief Operati development and quality control laboratory is located in Mustamäe, and our entire product portfolio – from development through to product approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – is created here in Estonia, in close cooperation with partners in several countries. 

Our team includes experts in pharmaceuticals, drug development and regulatory affairs, united by one goal: to build a globally trusted pharmaceutical company with roots in Estonia. 

What started in Estonia can now be found on the shelves of the largest pharmacy and retail chains in the US. In just three years, we have grown our product portfolio to 12 products and continue on a fast-paced course.
Please express your interest by 11 October 2026
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Tripod´s Senior Recruitment Consultant Anni Paves

Apply until 11. October 2026


Tripod is a leading organizational development consulting company, helping organizations find forward-looking solutions across the Baltics. We provide comprehensive services in executive and senior specialist recruitment, assessment and psychological testing, as well as organizational research and consulting.