Lean Process Improvement Specialist

Merck; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck is seeking a Specialist, Business Consulting in Durham, NC to drive the Manufacturing Production System (MPS) and partner with site leadership to improve operations and business processes. The role emphasizes coaching, standard work, data-driven improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

You will work on eliminating issues, applying standard communication tools, and developing workforce capabilities to produce high-quality products safely and efficiently.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree or higher in a relevant field (business operations, engineering, project management).
• Strong evidence of Lean/Six Sigma driven process improvement in manufacturing settings.
• Ability to translate business priorities into actionable improvement plans.

Responsibilities

• Coach and partner with Integrated Process Team Leads to sustain a lean manufacturing environment.
• Develop and execute performance improvement activities linked to business goals.
• Coordinate governance processes including metrics, portfolio, and gemba.
• Stay current with technology and management practices to grow workforce capabilities.

Skills

5S Methodology

Analytical Thinking

Benchmarking

Biopharmaceutical Industry

Business Management

Business Processes

Business Process Improvements

Capacity Analysis

Change Management

Coaching Employees

Global Manufacturing

Performance Improvement Plans

Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Pharmaceutical Technologies

Policy Development

Process Improvement Initiatives

Process Standardization

Production Operations

Production Processes

Project Management

Risk Management

Six Sigma

Statistical Analysis

Team-Building

Education

Bachelor of Science or similar field

Job description

Merck is seeking a Specialist, Business Consulting in Durham, NC to drive the Manufacturing Production System (MPS) and partner with site leadership to improve operations and business processes. The role emphasizes coaching, standard work, data-driven improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

You will work on eliminating issues, applying standard communication tools, and developing workforce capabilities to produce high-quality products safely and efficiently.