Manager – Operational Excellence

The Operational Excellence Manager will support and manage the site’s portfolio of continuous improvement initiatives, activities, and high-value projects. The Manager will manage several projects concurrently, coach leaders through the successful execution of improvement events, and capture significant sustained value for our customers. The Manager is accountable for building a culture of continuous improvement across the site, embedding OpEx practices into our everyday ways of working, developing Lean Leaders, empowering employees to make changes that improve efficiencies, and building robust, effective, sustainable business processes that support our business objectives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the establishment of the site continuous improvement framework and strategic deployment plan to meet business objectives and build a culture of Operational Excellence
• Identify and prioritize site and functional improvement opportunities to increase value to customers and eliminate waste through Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, and Hoshin Kanri strategy deployment
• Compile and manage a transformational OpEx portfolio of projects across all site functions and across the full value stream in support of achieving both functional and site business objectives
• Lead, execute, and capture sustained benefit on critical site cross-functional continuous improvement projects utilizing the continuous improvement framework
• Provide mentorship, coaching, Kaizen support, tools, training, opportunity identification support, barrier removal, and benefit capture to site OpEx and Kaizen leaders; develop OpEx Leaders to train others and lead cross-functional improvements
• Lead the site’s community of OpEx Leaders; ensure alignment of project outcomes, recognition efforts, reporting, and OpEx messaging among all department leads and functional OpEx leads
• Support the identification, definition, collection, and clear reporting of key performance indicators across the business
• Design, develop, and deliver streamlined OpEx tools and training utilizing modern learning approaches to optimize the learning experience, meet the needs of varied learners, and increase time to competency
• Maintain partnerships and collaborate with key functional leaders to identify new opportunities for improvement and ensure sustained results
• Drive the business process management model within the continuous improvement framework to eliminate waste, promote simplification, and inspire innovative approaches to process flow
• Develop clear, concise, and informative OpEx reports, presentations, digital communications, and visuals to effectively convey key messages and metrics
• Participate, coordinate, provide input, and facilitate global process improvement initiatives
• Provide input to ensure business changes, key decisions, capital projects, and adjacent initiatives are aligned with the overall OpEx strategy
• Ensure seamless and congruent OpEx alignment with all company cultural objectives
• Support new manufacturing technology introduction, operations modeling, and risk management activities as requested
• Model, promote, recognize, and influence good OpEx behaviors and tool usage and act as a change agent for cultural adoption of continuous improvement
• Ability to leverage AI and digital technologies to identify opportunities, solve complex problems, automate processes, and develop innovative solutions that drive continuous improvement and operational excellence

Minimum Requirements

• Proven track record of utilizing Operational Excellence, Lean, or Six Sigma tools to improve processes, eliminate waste, and achieve sustainable business results.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the design and implementation of clean, modern, streamlined OpEx tools for Problem Solving, 5S, Kanban, Visual Controls, Kaizen, Standard Work, Mistake-proofing, Value Stream Mapping, Line balancing, Just-in-Time manufacturing, Business Process Management, Six Sigma, and Strategy Deployment.
• Proficiency with modern training techniques including e-learning, case studies, and development of in-person and virtual learning simulations.
• Exceptional OpEx Kaizen facilitation skills with a depth of experience in Rapid
• Problem Solving and Value Stream Mapping.
• Ability to interpret and analyze statistical data and financial reports, understand and resolve technical difficulties, interface with technical experts.
• Strong visual communication skills with the ability to digest and present complex information in clear, concise presentations.
• Strong written and verbal communication, listening, and influencing skills with the ability to communicate throughout all levels of the organization.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead complex cross-functional projects and initiatives in matrixed global organizations.
• Ability to develop and promote creative and innovative solutions to problems, challenge existing ways of working to drive greater efficiencies, and influence leap change improvements.
• Demonstrated practice of key behaviors: collaboration, trust & respect, high standards, and learning & growth.
• Strong business and financial acumen with ability to identify and quantify financial benefit.
• Strong project and change management skills.
• A drive for excellence, continuous improvement, simplification, and making things easier.
• Ability to motivate, influence, and coach others under their direct or indirect management.
• Lean or Six Sigma Green, Black or Master Black Belt certification preferred.
• Experience in mentoring others through Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Experience driving change in GMP and heavily-regulated environments
• preferred.
• B.S./B.A. degree in a science or engineering field or equivalent combination of education and experience; 5+ years of experience in Operational Excellence.

Salary Range: $101,000 - $138,600

Salary range provided per current averages and expectations. The salary and job title for this opening will be based on the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience and may be outside this range. KBI has a robust total rewards strategy which includes an annual bonus structure for all employees, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid PTO and holidays, 401K matching with 100% vesting in 60 days and employee recognition programs.   

KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.