Operational Excellence Champion

Role Summary

Site Operational Excellence Champion responsible for leading value-creation projects, Lean Six Sigma initiatives (Yellow/Green Belt), and advancing lean methodologies and problem-solving capabilities using Takeda’s AGILE Operating System (AOS). Applies Organizational Change Management (e3+) and supports transformation across the network to deploy continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma tools. Focuses on delivering value-creating projects and developing advanced operational excellence capabilities; this role is developmental within the Operational Excellence and Business Excellence organizations and supports deployment of continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Six Sigma elements and OCM. This position supports initiatives delivering 3% to 5% COP (Core Operating Profit) savings of addressable spend in scope per annum and is site- or OU-specific with an expectation of supporting strategic imperatives, goals, and objectives. The role requires working on-site five days a week, Monday to Friday.

Responsibilities

• Lead/co-lead OE initiatives to create value, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance quality.
• Lead Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma projects and coach teams ensuring successful and sustainable deployments.
• Embrace existing and emerging digital technology and data analysis and ensure close alignment with DD&T (Digital, Data and Technology) and GMSci (Global Manufacturing Science) to maximize leveraging Digital/Automation for process optimization.
• Deliver on standardized improvement to drive sustainability and build capabilities on relevant AOS elements and problem-solving methodologies.
• Support and actively participate in Business Process of the Future and Factory of the Future Design Sprints as per established roadmap.
• Utilize data-driven approaches for continuous improvements that drive value and eliminate non-value add activities.
• Lead/co-lead cross-functional projects to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Apply and integrate Organizational Change Management (OCM) e3+ into Lean & Six Sigma projects.
• Collaborate with Finance for value capture.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams in alignment to achieve operational goals.
• Collaborate with OE community; participate in Community of Practice activities.
• Ensure effective OE communication across functions leveraging Organizational Change Management (OCM) e3+ framework.
• Be an ambassador and coach for AOS deployment and Organizational Change Management (OCM) e3+ framework across the site.
• Act as a business partner for functions to identify value creation opportunities, establish and drive improvement roadmaps.
• Align initiatives and integrate with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Use data driven approach to improve compliance profile and to drive integrate safety into process improvements.
• Track and report on key operational metrics.
• Perform analysis and benchmarking for improvements.
• Provide regular and accurate updates on OE initiatives.
• Ability to deploy AOS within organization and its application in a regulated environment.
• Build advanced Lean and problem-solving capabilities during role and gain Operational Excellence Champion Certification.
• Expertise to plan and implement projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a manufacturing or operations management role, with a strong focus on Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or Lean Manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in technical field or equivalent work-experience
• Foundational knowledge of lean management and problem-solving methodologies (AOS Practitioner Certification and Yellow Belt Certification or equivalents) as referred in the effective Global SBE Guidance
• Self-starter with the ability to produce measurable success
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and driving projects from inception to successful completion
• Good project management skills with the ability to lead projects, manage timelines, and deliver results.
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to solving problems and driving process improvements
• Strong communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage employees at all levels
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Fluency in English language
• Knowledge of manufacturing software (e.g., SAP, MES, Minitab, etc.) would be ideal
• Experience in Organizational Change Management, preferably e3+ is preferred

Additional Requirements

• Work in a controlled environment requiring special gowning and wear protective clothing over the head, face, hands, feet and body. This may include additional hearing protection for loud areas.
• Need to remove all make-up, jewelry, contact lenses, nail polish and/or artificial fingernails while in the manufacturing environment.
• Work in a cold, wet environment.
• Work multiple shifts, including weekends, or be asked to work supplemental hours, as necessary.
• Work around chemicals such as alcohol, acids, buffers and Celite that may require respiratory protection.