Senior Operational Excellence Champion

Role Summary

The Senior Operational Excellence (OE) Champion leads, implements and coaches projects leveraging Lean, Six Sigma (Yellow/Green/Black Belt), and lean management to achieve operational targets and foster a culture of continuous improvement within Takeda's AGILE Operating System.

Responsibilities

• Act as a change champion (e3+) and facilitate transformation.
• Lead deployment of continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, Organizational Change Management (e3+), and provide related coaching; manage lean and problem-solving certifications.
• Support initiatives delivering 3% to 5% COP savings of addressable spend in scope/annum.
• Support strategic goals and objectives within the organization.
• Implement complex OE initiatives as outlined in the AOS Roadmap to create value.
• Lead Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma projects and coach teams to apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies effectively.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping and analysis, root cause analysis, and RAPID response.
• Embrace digital technology and data analysis; align with Digital, Data and Technology (DD&T) and Manufacturing Science (MSci) to maximize digital/automation for process optimization.
• Support and participate in Business Process of the Future and Factory of the Future design sprints as required.
• Lead complex cross-functional projects to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Apply and integrate Organizational Change Management (OCM) into Lean & Six Sigma projects.
• Collaborate with Finance to capture project value.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement through training, capability building and coaching.
• Foster development of internal SMEs in process improvement and OE tools with focus on coaching OE Champions.
• Be an ambassador and coach on AOS deployment and OCM across the site.
• Collaborate with the Global OE Lead and OE community and participate in Community of Practice activities.
• Ensure effective communication of OE goals and progress leveraging OCM framework.
• Act as a business partner for functions to identify value creation opportunities and drive improvement roadmaps.
• Use data-driven approach to improve compliance and integrate safety into process improvements.
• Develop, track and report on key operational metrics; identify performance gaps and recommend solutions; conduct performance analysis and benchmarking.
• Provide regular and accurate updates on OE initiatives and reporting to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing or operations with a focus on Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, or Lean Manufacturing.
• Excellent knowledge of lean management and problem-solving methodologies (AOS Professional Certification and Green Belt or equivalents).
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and driving projects from inception to completion.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead complex projects and manage timelines.
• Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to solving problems and driving process improvements.
• Excellent communication, leadership, coaching, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Good knowledge of business operations and financial management principles.
• Proven process improvement in KPIs such as cycle time, throughput, or quality; experience with change management implementation.
• Experience working with cGMP, regulatory compliance, and quality systems in manufacturing.
• Ability to build master Lean (AOS) skills; pursue AOS Master certification and/or Black Belt certification.
• Understanding of project management principles (PLM & portfolio management).
• Knowledge of manufacturing software (e.g., SAP, MES, Minitab) preferred.

Skills

• Lean Six Sigma methodology
• Change Management (OCM)
• Data analysis and metrics development
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Project management
• Process optimization and Kaizen facilitation

Education

• Not specified in source

Additional Requirements

• Occasional travel to other sites may be required.
• Work in controlled manufacturing environments with gowning and protective clothing as required.
• Possible multiple shifts, including weekends, and non-standard hours as necessary.