Operational Excellence Manager

Merck Group; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a driven Operational Excellence Leader to enhance manufacturing operations in Lenexa, KS. This role involves leading impactful initiatives, collaborating with global teams, and managing project execution to drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in supply chain or manufacturing operations, along with Lean Six Sigma expertise. Join a diverse team committed to innovation and excellence, where your contributions will make a significant impact on the organization's success and the lives of many. If you're ready to lead and inspire, this opportunity is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• 5+ years in supply chain or manufacturing operations with impactful improvement experience.
• Practical Lean Six Sigma experience; at least Green Belt certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead OpEx activities for manufacturing plant operations in Lenexa, KS.
• Collaborate with global teams to implement and manage OpEx initiatives.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Project Management

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Financial Acumen

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business

Bachelor of Science in Life Science

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Lean Six Sigma Tools

Project Management Software

Job description

Work Your Magic with us! Start your next chapter and join MilliporeSigma.

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Your Role:

Lead Operational Excellence (OpEx) activities for manufacturing plant operations in Lenexa, KS. This includes coordinating OpEx related initiatives within supported operations, building OpEx strategy, managing resource capabilities, driving project execution, implementing best practices and knowledge transfer. In this role, you will be focused in three key areas:

1. Partnerships and collaboration
   • Lead Life Science Production System implementation (e.g., support with implementation of specific tools, coaching, progress tracking, culture building) in collaboration and coordination with global OpEx and Production System teams.
   • Collaborate with global OpEx teams to support building and delivering OpEx learning curriculum.
   • Collaborate with local project managers to coordinate project execution.
   • Act as main Point of Contact (POC) for OpEx related activities and as key partner for the site leadership team.
   • Act as the link to internal OpEx and Analytics functions to provide inputs supporting e.g., standardized reports of savings and project progress.
2. Manufacturing plant performance management
   • Work together with the leadership teams to jointly define Roadmaps (including Production System development plan to targeted future state in terms of maturity progression and/or certification).
   • Collect, analyze, and report data of current OpEx related projects to site and regional leader (either own reports such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness, or insights provided by global analytics team).
   • Ensure definition and implementation of governance aspects including solid project charters & execution plans for each OpEx project with appropriate risk management.
   • Coach and upskill site project managers.
3. Portfolio management, capability steering and knowledge transfer
   • Build the OpEx project strategy and methodology for the supported operations to achieve targets (safety, quality, supply, people & cost) and prioritize within OpEx project portfolio as partner to site leadership.
   • Support project execution within the sites and lead projects when appropriate.
   • Ensure resource skill availability for project execution and manage project resources (i.e., green and black belt resources) assuring that Roadmap targets and expected impact is achieved.
   • Implement best practices and communicate own successes with other local OpEx, Community OpEx Champions, and the broader OpEx organization.
   • Bridge knowledge gaps in the site talent pool by requesting, managing, and developing additional local site capabilities.

This role will be based in Lenexa, KS. There is no potential for remote but there will be flexibility on an as-needed basis.

Who you are:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in business, life science, engineering, or related discipline.
• 5+ years in supply chain or manufacturing operations with experience leading impactful improvement initiatives.
• Practical Lean Six Sigma experience; at least Green Belt certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Black belt certification.
• Project Management certification.
• Experience in deployment of holistic production systems.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, results-driven mentality, experience in leading teams (leading without authority), capable to zoom in and out (big picture and detail mindset).
• Ability to partner with a leadership team to refine goals and translate into an overall initiative plan.
• Experience in managing projects portfolio performance and reporting.
• Ability to lead professionals with diverse skills and competencies spanning business and technical. Develop people in their capability to deploy new standards broadly.
• Ability to analyze complex issues using critical thinking, problem solving, sound judgment skills and escalate timely.
• Ability to prioritize a complex portfolio in the context of business needs.
• Ability to lead and execute complex process improvement projects.
• Strong orchestration skills across the network.
• Financial acumen demonstrated through budgeting experience.
• Ability to sense risks in the overall plan by integrating multiple data inputs across the value stream and from the plants.
• Engaging ability to lead in-person and virtual workshops covering topics such as Leadership Practices, Value Stream Mapping, 6s, Kaizen events, Problem Solving, Process mapping, etc.

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We celebrate all dimensions of diversity and believe that it drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of our diverse team!

If you would like to know more about what diversity, equity, and inclusion means to us, please visit https://www.emdgroup.com/en/company/press-positions.html