Operational Excellence Senior Specialist

Jubilant HollisterStier LLC; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Jubilant HollisterStier LLC in Spokane, WA is seeking an Operational Excellence Specialist to drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives, lead Kaizen events, and partner with Manufacturing and support functions to improve processes and ensure compliance. The role emphasizes data-driven problem solving, standard work, visual management, and sustaining improvements while promoting safety and people respect.

With a focus on cross-functional collaboration across Quality, Maintenance, Engineering and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of related experience.
• Experience applying Lean manufacturing principles and tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Knowledge of SCORE and DMAIC project methodologies.
• Knowledge of A3 thinking.

Responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events and improvement projects.
• Define problems, establish scope and objectives, gather baseline data, identify root causes, test countermeasures, implement improvements, and sustain ownership of the improved process.
• Develop project charters, process maps, action plans, and other documentation as required by the methodology.
• Support identification and prioritization of project opportunities; provide recommendations for final selection.
• Identify and implement process improvements and corrective/preventive actions to drive resolution of issues impacting quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Apply and coach Lean principles and tools, including root cause analysis, mapping, standard work, 5S, visual management, flow, waste identification, and mistake proofing.
• Ensure changes comply with change control, validation, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Collect and analyze operational data to clarify problems, establish baselines, evaluate root causes, and assess improvement effectiveness.
• Partner with process owners to monitor follow-up actions and sustain improvements.
• Build cross-functional relationships across Manufacturing, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Validation, Warehouse, and more.

Skills

Lean principles

Six Sigma

DMAIC

A3 thinking

Root cause analysis

Process mapping

Value stream mapping

5S

Visual management

Flow

Waste identification

Mistake proofing

Data analysis

Microsoft Office

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

GMP familiarity

Job description

Join a Leader in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing - And Build What's Next

As Spokane's Largest Manufacturing Company, Jubilant HollisterStier LLC is a well-established force in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, providing a complete range of manufacturing services that support lifechanging medicines around the world.

We are nationally recognized for our expertise in producing sterile injectable vials and lyophilized products, and our Allergy business is a global leader in allergenic extracts that support treatments for allergies and asthma. Jubilant HollisterStier is proudly part of the global, Jubilant Pharma family.

For the Builders, Innovators, and Doers - This Is Your Place

If you are someone who thrives on solving complex problems, improving systems, and building real solutions, you'll feel at home here. At Jubilant HollisterStier, your ideas matter - and your impact is felt globally.

Why builders choose us:

• Immediate impact: Your work directly supports essential medicines and allergenic therapies used worldwide.
• Benefits start on day one: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Life, AD&D, and Disability benefits begin immediately because your well‑being shouldn't have a waiting period.
• A career you can grow: We provide opportunities for growth, promotion, and annual raises, with midpoint compensation reserved for high performance and longevity.
• A culture of improvement: We value people who thrive on continuous improvement, innovation, and hands on contribution.
• A stable industry leader: Backed by Jubilant Pharma, we pair long term stability with forward looking innovation.

If you want to build something meaningful with a team that values your drive, skills, and ideas - you belong here.

Job Description:

The Operational Excellence Specialist exists to improve processes and create lasting change for continuous improvement. The role partners with Manufacturing and support functions, applying Lean principles to achieve operational excellence while ensuring compliance, safety, and respect for people. Responsible for facilitating Lean Kaizen events, supporting Lean Six Sigma projects, coaching structured problem‑solving, and partnering with functional teams to identify, implement, and sustain meaningful process improvements.

Lean Six Sigma Project and Kaizen Leadership

• Independently plan and facilitate cross‑functional Kaizen events and improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma and other Continuous Improvement methods.
• Partner with process owners, project sponsors, subject matter experts, and frontline employees to define problems, establish scope and objectives, gather baseline data, identify root causes, test countermeasures, implement improvements, and sustain ownership of the improved process.
• Facilitate team dynamics to encourage broad participation, manage conflict, maintain focus, and drive data based decisions and practical solutions.
• Develop clear problem statements, project charters, process maps, action plans, and other project documentation required by the selected methodology.
• Support identification and prioritization of project opportunities; provide recommendations to the Senior Manager, Operational Excellence and plant leadership for final selection.

Problem‑Solving & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements and corrective/preventative actions to drive resolution of complex operational issues impacting quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Apply and coach Lean principles and tools, including root cause analysis, process mapping, value stream mapping, standard work, 5S, visual management, flow, waste identification, and mistake proofing.
• Ensure process changes are developed and implemented in accordance with applicable change control, validation, quality system, safety, and regulatory requirements.

Data Analysis and Sustainment

• Collect and analyze operational data using Excel and other applicable tools to clarify problems, establish baselines, evaluate root causes, and assess improvement effectiveness.
• Partner with process owners to monitor follow‑up actions, verify implementation, reinforce new standard work, and conduct post‑implementation reviews to sustain improvements.

Cross‑Functional Partnership

• Build effective working relationships across Manufacturing, Maintenance, Engineering, Technical Services, Quality, Validation, Warehouse, and other support functions.
• Practice effective change management. Challenge existing practices constructively, prepare stakeholders for changes, and manage resistance to ensure that process improvements are effectively adopted and sustained.
• Support across various shifts to ensure site wide alignment as needed.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field required; or five (5) years of directly related experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree. High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing or other directly relevant operational experience.
• Experience applying Lean manufacturing principles and tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Working Knowledge of SCORE and DMAIC project methodologies.
• Working Knowledge of A3 thinking.
• Working Knowledge of Root cause analysis.
• Working Knowledge of Process mapping.
• Working Knowledge of Value stream mapping.
• Working Knowledge of Standard work.
• Working Knowledge of 5S.
• Working Knowledge of Visual management.
• Working Knowledge of Flow.
• Working Knowledge of Waste Identification.
• Working Knowledge of Mistake proofing.
• Working Knowledge of Analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools and techniques.
• Working Knowledge of Project Management skills.
• Working Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred.
• Lean Kaizen Facilitator and additional Lean Six Sigma training, which may include Green Belt certification, will be provided after hire.
• Manufacturing / Pharmaceutical experience.
• Experience working in a GMP, FDA‑regulated, or highly controlled manufacturing environment.
• Pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or food manufacturing experience.

Working Environment:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting with access to manufacturing areas as needed.
• May require occasional support across shifts and/or weekends, as needed.

Location: Spokane, WA - On Site, Full‑Time

Shift: Monday‑Friday 8:00am-5:00pm

Compensation & Benefits That Start on Day One - Because Your Well Being Matters

Hiring Wage: $89,300 - $142,800 annually, with opportunities for growth, promotion, and annual raises.

At Jubilant HollisterStier, we don't believe in waiting periods. From the moment you join us, you and your family have access to a full suite of benefits designed to support your health, stability, and long‑term success.

Starting on your first day, you receive:

• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

Unlock Your Potential

If you're seeking a dynamic and rewarding career, we welcome your application today.

Jubilant HollisterStier is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you require assistance applying for a position, contact:
[e-mail]

Our Promise: Caring, Sharing, Growing

We are committed to enhancing value for customers and stakeholders by delivering innovative and economically efficient solutions, always with care for the environment and society.