Associate Director, Operational Excellence - Productivity

Responsibilities:

• Drive enterprise-wide productivity, efficiency, and performance improvement across manufacturing and laboratory networks; embed continuous improvement and standardize best practices.


• Deploy and mature Lean Labs across QC, Stability, Raw Materials, leveling demand; establish standard work/flow and tiered management/problem-solving to improve SQDC+P.


• Create enterprise value across: Financial Impact (COGS reduction, yield/waste reduction, material/Landed cost, labor productivity/automation), Operational Performance (OEE, deviations/RFT losses, cycle time/throughput, analyst productivity), Reliability & Supply Assurance (OTIF, reduced disruptions, predictable release timelines), and Capability Building/Culture (CI mindset, Lean Labs maturity).


• Build network dashboards/KPIs (OEE, yield, cycle time, COGS/unit, lab metrics); lead Lean/Six Sigma (DMAIC/PDCA/A3) and right-first-time initiatives.


• Partner with IT/Data to deploy MES/advanced analytics/automation; develop digital dashboards and integrate with OpEx governance.

Qualifications (required unless noted):

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Science/Business/Operations or related field; MS/MBA preferred.


• 8+ years in pharma/biotech manufacturing, QC labs, operational excellence, or supply chain.


• 2+ years directly managing/leads; proven mentoring/coaching.


• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt; 4+ years applying DMAIC/lean methods.


• Experience deploying Lean Labs in a commercial GMP lab (demand variability analysis, leveling strategy, standard work, flow/rhythm-wheel).

Preferred/plus:

• Smart Factory/Smart QC and/or Digital/AI scheduling/capacity optimization; multi-site/global network experience; GMP/regulatory familiarity.

Benefits (as stated):

• Health coverage (medical, pharmacy, dental, vision); wellbeing programs; 401(k) and insurance/disability; work-life PTO (flex time, paid holidays/vacation based on location/role).