The Opportunity

This position will have overall responsibility for Operational Excellence work streams, including Front Line Excellence, Organizational Excellence, well as removing waste from the business. The Operational Excellence Leader will be responsible for leading and driving the principle-based behaviors within the plant which include: Creating value for our business and customers, accountability and ownership at all levels, integration and inclusiveness (within plant and outside of plant), focusing on the process, embracing data & facts, doing it right the first time, leading by example and respect for all. It is through these pillars; the Operational Excellence Leader will be responsible for the identification, management and execution of projects within the plant which will deliver year-over-year improvements. The Operational Excellence Leader will be the catalyst within the site to appropriately, and respectfully, challenge status quo which will continually drive improvements via best practice replication (learning from within the network and externally), creative and innovative solutions, alignment of goals and objectives and resource planning to deliver results.

Responsibilities:

• Lead organization’s capability in knowledge and understanding of metrics and measurements which impact the total performance of the plant.
• Drive visual management and data understanding throughout the plant.
• Manage and facilitate continuous improvement projects in support of company objectives.
• Develop an implementation plan, conducts risk assessments and develops contingency plans to accommodate unforeseen events.
• Recognize and remove barriers to project completion.
• Recognize the broader implications of actions and proposals on the overall business.
• Mentor/train key stakeholders in the use and practice of continuous improvement methodologies and tools. (Lean, value stream mapping, six-sigma, Kaizen).
• Assesses current processes and standard workflow and identifies process improvement opportunities utilizing organizational, analytical, Lean and six sigma problem solving methodologies.
• Assist in selecting, scoping and prioritizing continuous improvement projects across the business
• Plans and facilitates the execution of various value stream mapping and Kaizen events.
• Estimate and verify financial benefits from continuous improvement projects.
• Act as a change agent by communicating the enterprise-wide changes to the employees and helping them to learn, understand, adjust and grow within the continuous improvement culture.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Participate as a key business partner to the leadership team.
• Contribute to business strategy development and operational execution of business plans.
• Help create the future state as it relates to shortened value streams, manufacturing strategies, cross-functional processes, and the establishment of uniform policies and procedures.
• Develop programs and initiatives that support the business strategies and plans.
• Team with Operations Leadership on organizational design and development to ensure appropriate results.
• Lead change to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Drive the change management necessary to implement effective programs.
• Think strategically to anticipate future issues and challenges and create appropriate plans now, using proactive approaches.
• Demonstrate analytical capability to find systemic issues to root cause, and crest actions plant to mitigate, close and/or eliminate.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree (± 16 years); Engineering, Business, Operations, Science or related.
• Minimum 10 years of overall operations experience
• 2-4 years of demonstrated success in applying Continuous Improvement / BEx tools.
• Minimum 2 - 5 years’ experience in manufacturing operations, business improvement, quality systems or other areas related to the project with an understanding of company internal systems and procedures.
• Certification or equivalent working knowledge of improvement tools and methodologies – Lean/Six Sigma; Black belt preferred.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for FDA regulated environment.
• Experience in operations management and knowledge of cost accounting/financial reporting systems.
• Good functional computer skills (Microsoft Office programs, Excel, etc.) are required. Willingness to travel (to facilitate personal development and support of other sites).
• Demonstrated diplomacy and effective functioning and communication in a matrix environment.
• Ability to organize and lead cross functional teams and align team members to management's vision.
• This position requires excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to effectively lead in a team environment, adaptable to change, able to manage competing priorities, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills and a sense of business savvy.
• Requires the ability to make critical decisions in a fast-paced production environment.
• Solicits the cooperation of a diverse group of disciplines and functions in a tactful and persuasive manner.