Manager, Operational Excellence/Continuous Improvement

The Manager of Operational Excellence/Continuous Improvement is responsible to work effectively with the Operational Excellence team and site leaders to directly support the site’s Operational Excellence strategy. The position will be responsible for promoting the development of OpEx capability and culture across the site by managing/leading continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects, promoting the use of OpEx methodologies (Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, GEMBA, etc) and change management.

Required Competencies: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A “change agent” mindset
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and mange changing priorities effectively
• Strong time management skills

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, decision-making and interpersonal skills.
  • Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification or equivalent combination of intermediate education and experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic environment and lead people to think beyond pre-defined processes
  • Ability to speak and present to large groups of people to include delivering training
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals outside of your direct influence
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

• Ability to work well with others and be respectful of other’s opinions
• A consistent positive attitude that influences others

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of strategies for leading, coaching, and mentoring site personnel to enhance the Continuous Improvement culture
• Act as a change agent or as an educational resource as needed to spread and support a mindset and culture of continuous improvement
• Lead or coach problem solving teams and Kaizen events to improve operational performance and wastes reduction initiatives.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to support aligned and sustainable performance in all functional areas at the site
• Drive business improvements that optimize capacity and reduce lead times within the manufacture/test/ship process
• Drive a strong and disciplined Lean Manufacturing methodology and management approach to enable a focus on driving waste our of processes
• Work with the internal departments in the identification of opportunities within their organization including capacity, reduce lead times, improved efficiencies, and true cost savings
• Lead the development/sustainment of visual management
• Lead workshops that teach use of continuous improvement tools (5S, 5-Why, SIPOC, Kaizen, etc)
• Oversee certification programs within the site (Six Sigma belts, Kepner-Tregoe PSDM, etc)
• Ensure all activities are executed in compliance with cGMP requirements
• Perform other tasks as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Engineering or Technical discipline
• 7 years of relevant work experience required, preferably in a manufacturing or regulated environment
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing philosophy and/or Six Sigma methodologies

Working Conditions

• The incumbent will be required to work in an office environment potentially requiring ergonomic considerations
• The incumbent will be required to work in a conference room environment for moderate periods of time
• The incumbent will be exposed to labs, production areas, and warehouse environments
• The incumbent must be able to gown to Grade C and D requirements. This requires the ability to bend and move in order to gown aseptically
• The incumbent must be able to work in a 24/5 schedule and be able to interface with supervisors/employees across all shifts
• The incumbent may be required to concentrate during lengthy strategic and technical discussions
• The incumbent must analyze complex numerical values periodically
• The incumbent will generally work in an office and manufacturing environment