Operational Excellence Lead

Servier Ireland; Wicklow; On-site; EUR 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Servier Ireland is seeking an Operational Excellence Lead to embed the Industry Business Excellence system across the organisation, driving daily continuous improvement and superior 6-D performance.

You will coach and mentor teams in lean six sigma methodologies, develop competencies, and lead cross-functional initiatives to deliver business impact. The role requires strong stakeholder engagement, change management and a proven track record in manufacturing excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven record of continuous improvement, lean/six sigma management and tools.
• Skilled coach/facilitator of cross-functional teams.
• Experience in change management and driving improvements across organisations.
• Strong business acumen with problem-solving to tackle ambiguous challenges.

Responsibilities

• Embed and evolve the Industry Business Excellence system across all levels and teams to drive daily continuous improvement and superior performance.
• Develop OPEX competencies through structured programs and on-the-job learning.
• Coach and mentor teams in Operational Excellence methodologies and processes.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and projects to deliver bottom-line and top-line impact.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Change Management

Cross-functional Coaching

Project Management

Influence Without Authority

Communication Skills

Business Acumen

Job description

Date posted: 16 Sept 2026

City: Co. Wicklow

Country/Region: IE

Type of Contract: Permanent

Job Requisition ID: 12752

Operational Excellence Lead

Reporting to the Head of Industry Business Excellence and working with all teams and leaders - the OPEX Lead will enable the development of high performing teams across the organisation through embedding the Industry Business Excellence system (IBEx principles, methodologies, tools, competencies).The impact of this role will be measured though the successful use of operational excellence daily routines and improvement projects to deliver improved efficiency, improved 6-D performance and a continuous improvement culture across the organisation.

The ideal candidate will have a background in Performance / Operational Excellence, with strong business acumen and manufacturing /supply expertise. The candidate will have the ability to lead change and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and teams to deliver the required outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Embed and continually evolve the Industry Business Excellence system (OPEX principles, methodologies, tools, competencies) across all levels and all teams to drive daily continuous improvement and superior 6-D performance.
• Building OPEX competencies within all levels of the organization through the structured programs and on the job learning.
• Coach and mentor in Operational Excellence methodologies and processes – and the continuous improvement and performance-based mindset across the organization at all levels.
• Identify and drive various Operation Excellence Initiatives to create additional bottom line and top line impact by successfully executing improvement projects.
• Lead cross-functional teams, influencing without authority, to develop the best solution and move stakeholders and the organization to act.
• Continually stay informed of the latest thinking / best practices - leveraging both internal best practice sharing and external sources.
• Lead OPEX / Performance 6-D benchmarking activities, maturity assessments, process confirmation within the organisation.
• Lead overall organisational awareness (communications and promotion) of the Industry Business Excellence system, OPEX mindsets and behaviours.
• Lead strategic OPEX programs / projects as required

Position Requirements

Essential:

• A proven record of accomplishment in continuous improvement, lean/six sigma management, methodologies, and tools.
• A skilled coach and facilitator of cross functional teams.
• Change management experience.
• Business acumen – with strong problem-solving abilities to structure ambiguous problems and take action to solve them.
• Project management experience. Demonstrable competency in development of project plans (milestones, timelines, resources, etc.).
• Proven ability to influence without direct authority.
• Strong communication, collaboration skills and ability to engage and empower employees.
• Lean six sigma Master black belt or black belt certification - or equivalent

At Servier, we are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.

And it starts here—we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Applicants who may require assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process, please let us know.