Director, Operational Excellence, EU & NA

Viatris; Ireland; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Inclusive environment

Benefits package

Job summary

Viatris is seeking a Director of Operational Excellence to lead the Lean 4.0 program across EU & NA sites. This role involves integrating Lean methodologies with digital technologies to create a modern, data-driven operating model.

The ideal candidate will have 12–18 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, a strong understanding of Lean and Six Sigma, and a proven track record in deploying transformation programs. Viatris offers competitive salaries and an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• 12–18 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing or operational excellence.
• Strong experience in Lean and Six Sigma.
• Proven track record in deploying large-scale transformation programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end deployment of the Lean 4.0 program across EU & NA sites.
• Drive integration of Lean methodologies with digital technologies.
• Ensure consistent adoption of Lean 4.0 standards across sites.

Skills

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

Digital transformation

Leadership

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering / Operations / Business

MBA preferred

Job description

Mylan Pharmaceuticals Private Limited

Viatris is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale, currently supplying high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world annually and touching all of life's moments, from birth to the end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases.

We have been included on a number of award lists that demonstrate the impact we are making.

This posting supports ongoing hiring needs and may be used to consider candidates for upcoming opportunities.

Every day, we rise to the challenge to make a difference and here’s how the Director, Operational Excellence, EU & NA role will make an impact:

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Lean 4.0 Program Leadership
• Lead the end-to-end deployment and sustainment of the Lean 4.0 program across EU & NA sites.
• Drive integration of Lean methodologies with digital technologies (automation, data analytics, AI-enabled insights) to create a modern, data-driven operating model.
• Own regional execution of Lean 4.0 governance, roadmap delivery, and wave-based deployment.
• Ensure consistent adoption of Lean 4.0 standards, frameworks, and maturity models across sites.
• Ensure delivery of site diagnostics, baselining, and 3-year transformation roadmaps.
• Operational Excellence Deployment
• Translate global OE and Lean 4.0 strategy into site-level transformation roadmaps.
• Lead deployment of standard work, lean systems, and performance management frameworks.
• Institutionalize tier management, KPI systems, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Ensure integration of OE practices into daily management systems and decision-making.
• Scale and replicate best practices and successful transformation use cases.
• Network Strategic Cost Reduction
• Drive cost reduction framework.
• Identify savings opportunities at site against targets.
• Track and report value delivery against site targets.
• Drive harmonization across sites and adopt best practices to deliver cost.
• Digital Transformation
• Drive adoption of digital foundations such as paperless systems, digital logs, and data integration.
• Lead initiatives across key Lean 4.0 workstreams, including:
• Flow & Performance Excellence (OEE, planning optimization).
• Smart Quality (AI-enabled monitoring, automation, product quality insights).
• Lab of the Future (digital labs, performance management).
• Engineering & Energy Excellence (predictive maintenance, energy optimization).
• Enable transition toward real-time, data-driven decision making across sites.
• Capability Building
• Build Lean 4.0 capabilities across site leadership and teams (Lean, Digital, Analytics).
• Lead Lean 4.0 training programs, leadership upskilling, and capability certification journeys.
• Coach site leaders to embed a culture of continuous improvement and digital adoption.
• Develop a sustainable pipeline of Operational Excellence and transformation leaders.

The minimum qualifications for this role are:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering / Operations / Business; MBA preferred. However, a combination of experience and/or education will be considered.
• 12–18 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, operational excellence, or transformation roles.
• Strong experience in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt minimum; Black Belt preferred).
• Proven track record in deploying large-scale transformation programs across multiple sites/regions.
• Experience in digital transformation / Industry 4.0 initiatives in manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in speaking, comprehending, reading, and writing English is required.

At Viatris, we offer competitive salaries, benefits and an inclusive environment where you can use your experiences, perspectives and skills to help make an impact on the lives of others.

Viatris is an Equal Opportunity Employer.