Associate Director, Operational Excellence

Role Summary

The Associate Director, Operational Excellence is a key leader in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and deploying Operational Excellence (OE) tools across the site. This role ensures that OE initiatives are strategically aligned with OpU objectives and executed in accordance with global standards. A critical contributor to the site master plan, the Associate Director embeds continuous improvement principles to optimize product flow and maximize value-added activities. They also lead the Operational Excellence program at the Covington facility, coordinating initiatives across workstreams such as Operational Excellence, Lab Excellence, Digital, End-to-End Supply Chain, Site/Network Development, and People, Culture, and Change. Additionally, this role promotes knowledge sharing across the Plasma network by disseminating best practices and adopting proven strategies from other sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Operational Excellence team while driving strategic initiatives across multiple workstreams including Operational Excellence, Lab Excellence, Digital, End-to-End Supply Chain, Site/Network Development, and People, Culture, and Change.
• Own and manage the Operational Excellence program for the Covington facility, ensuring alignment with site strategy and business objectives.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement by leading site-wide problem-solving efforts and developing lean capabilities at the operating team level.
• Facilitate and execute lean waste reduction initiatives through hands-on engagement with frontline teams.
• Oversee the nomination, training, mentoring, and certification of Lean and Six Sigma Green Belts and Black Belts, ensuring project alignment with key site priorities.
• Foster a data-driven culture by leveraging digital platforms to enhance predictability and performance in business processes.
• Ensure disciplined project execution by applying the DMAIC methodology with rigor and effectiveness, including phase gate reviews and milestone tracking.
• Set departmental goals and manage performance objectives for the Operational Excellence (OE) team.
• Deliver DMAIC training and facilitate cross-functional improvement teams.
• Represent the site by presenting project outcomes at company-wide forums, while effectively managing multiple priorities and initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor‚Äôs degree required, preferably in science, engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
• At least 3 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences industry is preferred.
• Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, consulting, and facilitation capabilities.
• Proven interpersonal and coaching skills; self-motivated with a track record of delivering results.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and process mapping tools; experience with Minitab, cGMP, ISO 9001 2000, and FDA regulations is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities with a focus on driving change and aligning teams to a shared vision.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills; knowledge of manufacturing processes, re-engineering strategies, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to train and collaborate with employees at all levels; flexibility to work extended hours and various shifts as required.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 25 lbs as needed.

Skills

• Lean and Six Sigma proficiency
• Project management
• Data analysis and problem-solving
• Change management and leadership
• Process mapping and optimization
• Cross-functional collaboration

Education

• Bachelor‚Äôs degree in science, engineering, or related field