Site Operational Excellence Leader

The Opportunity:

The Operational Excellence Leader is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing site. This role drives operational performance through Lean, Six Sigma and other Operational Excellence methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance. The position serves as a change agent, partnering with site leadership and functional teams to build a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.

In addition, this role provides leadership and oversight for site Technical Project Management, Manufacturing/Process Engineering, and Training functions to ensure the successful execution of strategic initiatives, development of technical capabilities, operational readiness, and process optimization across the site.

How you will thrive and create an impact

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and execute the site's Operational Excellence roadmap aligned with business and manufacturing objectives.
• Partner with site leadership to identify improvement opportunities, establish performance targets, and support strategic planning and transformation initiatives.
• Lead the deployment of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and other continuous improvement methodologies across the site.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and value stream mapping exercises to drive operational improvements.
• Champion problem-solving methodologies including A3, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and DMAIC.
• Drive waste elimination initiatives focused on improving productivity, capacity utilization, process efficiency, workflow, material flow, and process reliability.
• Identify, prioritize, and manage a pipeline of continuous improvement projects.
• Analyze operational performance data, recommend corrective actions, and develop dashboards and reporting mechanisms to track progress and sustain results.
• Develop and maintain standard work practices, visual management systems, and daily management processes across the site.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through audits, controls, governance processes, and disciplined execution.

Culture & Capability Building

• Coach, mentor, and train employees at all organizational levels on continuous improvement principles, methodologies, and tools.
• Develop Operational Excellence capabilities across manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain functions.
• Foster employee engagement, accountability, and ownership of improvement initiatives.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, standardization, and high performance.

Technical Project Management

• Lead the site technical project portfolio, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational priorities.
• Provide oversight of capital projects, equipment installations, facility upgrades, process improvement projects, and operational transformation initiatives.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and achieve intended business outcomes.
• Establish project management standards, governance processes, and performance tracking mechanisms.
• Partner with operations, engineering, maintenance, and corporate teams to prioritize and execute strategic initiatives.

Manufacturing & Process Engineering Leadership

• Lead the Manufacturing and Process Engineering team in supporting production, process optimization, capacity expansion, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive process improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and throughout.
• Support new product introductions, process validation, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Ensure the development and maintenance of manufacturing standards, process documentation, and technical specifications.
• Champion engineering best practices and data-driven decision-making to improve operational performance.

Training & Capability Development

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for site training and workforce development programs.
• Ensure training systems support operational excellence, safety compliance, quality requirements, and employee development.
• Develop competency frameworks and skills development plans for operations, maintenance, engineering, and support functions.
• Partner with leadership teams to strengthen technical, leadership, and continuous improvement capabilities throughout the organization.
• Drive training effectiveness through competency assessments, qualification programs, and continuous improvement of training systems.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS teams to achieve business objectives.
• Support new product introductions, process changes, and capital projects.
• Align technical resources and capability-building initiatives with site operational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with corporate Operational Excellence teams to deploy best practices and standard methodologies.
• Serve as a key member of the site leadership team, supporting transformation, growth, and operational excellence initiatives.

 

What we’re looking for

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Business Administration (MBA) preferred.

Experience

• 8-12 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, engineering, operational excellence, continuous improvement, or operations leadership roles.
• 3-5 years of leadership experience managing teams, technical functions, and complex business initiatives.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional transformation, continuous improvement, and organizational change initiatives.
• Experience managing technical projects, engineering teams, project portfolios, or Operational Excellence organizations.
• Strong manufacturing operations experience within a high-volume or complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing organizational capabilities, workforce development programs, and high-performing teams.

Certifications

Required:

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Operational Excellence or Lean certification

Preferred:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
• Certified Continuous Improvement Professional (CCIP)

Knowledge & Technical Expertise

• Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies
• Six Sigma tools, statistical methods, and problem-solving techniques
• Operational Excellence systems and continuous improvement frameworks
• Manufacturing operations, production systems, and process engineering principles
• Process optimization, capability analysis, and manufacturing standards
• Project and portfolio management, including capital project execution
• Quality systems and quality management practices
• Training systems, workforce development, and competency-based learning
• ERP and manufacturing systems
• Data analytics, KPI management, and performance reporting
• Change management and organizational effectiveness

Leadership, Business & Operational Skills

• Strategic leadership and organizational development
• Team development, coaching, and mentoring
• Change leadership and stakeholder management
• Cross-functional collaboration and conflict resolution
• Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen facilitation, and Value Stream Mapping
• Root Cause Analysis, DMAIC, and structured problem-solving methodologies
• Daily Management Systems and performance management
• Project management and capital project execution
• Manufacturing and process engineering
• Statistical analysis, data analytics, and decision-making
• Strategic planning, financial analysis, and resource optimization
• Cost reduction, productivity improvement, and performance measurement

 

Core Competencies

• Develop and execute site-wide Operational Excellence strategies. 

• Lead and influence organizational change at all levels. 

• Build high-performing teams and technical capabilities. 

• Manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously. 

• Analyze operational and financial data to drive decision-making. 

• Communicate effectively with frontline employees through executive leadership. 

• Facilitate improvement events and cross-functional workshops. 

• Develop sustainable systems that improve operational performance. 

• Influence without direct authority and build strong stakeholder relationships. 

• Drive measurable business results through people, processes, and technology. 

 

 

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

$97,500.00 - $156,975.00

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

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By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.