Operational Excellence Manager II – Lean Manufacturing

Baxter International Inc.; Aibonito (PR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off 20–35 days

Job summary

Baxter International Inc. is seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee daily operations across departments and shifts. You will drive performance, implement improvements, and ensure safety and quality in a cGMP setting.

You will lead a team, manage budgets, analyze data, and coordinate with cross-functional partners to meet operational goals. Fluency in English and Spanish is required for effective communication across sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of manufacturing or operations experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or people leadership experience.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, operations, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working in cGMP-regulated environments and maintaining compliance with applicable quality and regulatory standards.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret scientific, operational, and statistical data to identify opportunities for improvement and determine root causes.
• Experience developing and managing annual operating budgets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and enterprise business systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present information to employees, senior leaders, auditors, and regulatory inspectors.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing business operations and financial performance metrics.
• Green Belt or Black Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma or equivalent continuous improvement methodology.
• Experience leading Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, or process improvement programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations across one or multiple departments and shifts to ensure production objectives are achieved safely, efficiently, and in compliance with quality standards.
• Develop, implement, and maintain operational plans that drive performance and support annual operating plan commitments.
• Facilitate the evaluation, development, and implementation of improvements in materials, manufacturing processes, and assembly operations.
• Lead, coach, develop, and manage direct reports by setting performance expectations, providing regular feedback, and supporting career development.
• Ensure products are delivered on time while meeting quality, yield, operating cost, and process efficiency targets.
• Maintain compliance with all applicable cGMP, EHS, SOP, and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with internal customers, functional teams, and leadership to ensure quality commitments and operational goals are achieved.
• Identify, initiate, and lead continuous improvement initiatives including Lean Manufacturing programs, 5S, Visual Management, Kaizen events, and other Operational Excellence activities.
• Serve as a subject matter expert during internal, external, and regulatory audits.
• Support plant-wide strategic initiatives, programs, and operational improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with support functions to secure resources, resolve operational challenges, and drive business results.
• Develop and manage the annual manufacturing operating budget while maintaining expenses within approved plans.
• Analyze operational data and develop strategies that support the manufacturing operating system and business objectives.
• Lead both short-term and long-term planning activities for assigned functional areas.
• Track and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to staffing, labor efficiency, scrap reduction, production volume, quality, safety, and cost performance.
• Identify priorities and allocate resources effectively to support department goals and business needs.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Operations management

Supervisory leadership

cGMP knowledge

Data analysis

Budget management

MS Office

Communication skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

ERP / enterprise systems

Job description

Baxter International Inc. is seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee daily operations across departments and shifts. You will drive performance, implement improvements, and ensure safety and quality in a cGMP setting.

You will lead a team, manage budgets, analyze data, and coordinate with cross-functional partners to meet operational goals. Fluency in English and Spanish is required for effective communication across sites.