Operational Excellence Manager

Zoetis, Inc; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis, Inc. in Kalamazoo, MI seeks an Operational Excellence Leader to drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives across Manufacturing, Quality, Laboratories, Warehouse, Supply Chain, and Finance. You will lead cross-functional teams, initiate projects, and deliver measurable financial benefits.

The role reports to the Senior Manager - Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence and involves 75% office and 25% manufacturing site presence with travel up to 5%.

Qualifications

• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
• 5-10 years progressive work experience in manufacturing/engineering or supply chain.
• Strong understanding of Lean methodologies and principles.
• Bachelor's degree in STEM field.
• Experience in data analysis and visualization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct process evaluations and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Develop and manage Lean initiatives to improve system performance and efficiency.
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented Lean processes and make necessary adjustments.
• Create and present reports on Lean initiatives and their impact to senior management.
• Achieve aggressive operational targets with delivery of significant financial benefit.
• Serve as a recognized expert to facilitate highly complex problem solving, value stream mapping and special data analysis as required.
• Network internally and externally to exchange learning and ensure best practices are adopted throughout the operations.
• Coach and train site colleagues on Lean methodology.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Data analysis

Data visualization

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Job description

Role Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Leader is a key individual contributor within the Kalamazoo Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence organization. The principal purpose of the role is to identify, initiate, and complete projects that drive business results. This involves strengthening the culture of continuous improvement and leading cross‑functional teams through the rigorous application of Lean & Six Sigma methodologies to achieve measurable outcomes. This role supports the entire Kalamazoo site, partnering across all functions including Manufacturing, Quality, Laboratories, Warehouse, Supply Chain, and Finance to drive efficiency and eliminate waste. This position reports to the Senior Manager - Digital Transformation and Operational Excellence.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct process evaluations and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Develop and manage Lean initiatives to improve system performance and efficiency.
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented Lean processes and make necessary adjustments.
• Create and present reports on Lean initiatives and their impact to senior management.
• Achieve aggressive operational targets with delivery of significant financial benefit.
• Serve as a recognized expert to facilitate highly complex problem solving, value stream mapping and special data analysis as required.
• Network both internally and externally to exchange learning's and ensure best practices are adopted throughout the operations.
• Coach and train site colleagues on Lean methodology.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Minimum 5-10 years progressive work experience or equivalent in a business environment preferably manufacturing technical/engineering or supply chain management.
• Strong understanding of Lean methodologies and principles.
• Bachelor's degree in STEM field.
• Demonstrated training and facilitation experience preferred.
• Experience in data analysis and visualization preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The work environment includes both office and manufacturing settings.
• Approximately 75% office‑based and 25% walking/standing in manufacturing areas.
• May require use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing as per GMP standards.
• Potential for limited domestic and/or international travel up to 5%.
• Colleague will work in a facility that manufactures Cephalosporins and must not be Cephalosporin sensitive.

EEO STATEMENT

Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification. Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system. We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability. Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at [e-mail] to request an accommodation. Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified US workers. Individuals requiring sponsorship must disclose this fact. Please note that Zoetis seeks information related to job applications from candidates for jobs in the U.S. solely via the following: (1) our company website at www.Zoetis.com/careers site, or (2) via email to/from addresses using only the Zoetis domain of "@zoetis.com". In addition, Zoetis does not use Google Hangout for any recruitment related activities. Any solicitation or request for information related to job applications with Zoetis via any other means and/or utilizing email addresses with any other domain should be disregarded. In addition, Zoetis will never ask candidates to make any type of personal financial investment related to gaining employment with Zoetis.