Senior Operational Excellence Champion

Role Summary

The Senior Operational Excellence Champion leads, implements and coaches projects leveraging Lean, Six Sigma (Yellow/Green/Black Belt) and other operational excellence methods. You will collaborate to achieve operational targets and foster a culture of continuous improvement within Takeda’s AGILE Operating System, aiming to enhance manufacturing and business processes, improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure site performance targets.

Responsibilities

• Act as a change champion (e3+) and facilitate transformation.
• Lead deployment of continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma elements, 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 methodology effectively.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value stream mapping and analysis, root cause analysis, and RAPID response.
• Embrace digital technology and data analysis; align with DD&T and 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) e3+ 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 emphasis on coaching Operational Excellence Champions.
• Be an ambassador and coach on AOS deployment and Organizational Change Management (e3+) across the site.
• Collaborate with the Global OE Lead and OE community; participate in Community of Practice activities.
• Ensure effective communication of OE goals and progress using an OCM framework.
• Act as a business partner for functions to identify value creation opportunities and drive improvement roadmaps.
• Use data-driven approaches to improve compliance and integrate safety into process improvements.
• Develop, track and report 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

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

Skills

• Lean Management and Six Sigma
• Project Management
• Data analysis and problem-solving
• Change Management (OCM)
• Process improvement and optimization
• Cross-functional collaboration and coaching
• Communication and stakeholder engagement

Education

• AOS Master certification and/or Black Belt certification (or equivalents as described in Global SBE Guidance)
• Green Belt Certification or higher in Lean / Six Sigma

Additional Requirements

• Work in controlled manufacturing environments requiring gowning and protective clothing; respiratory protection may be required around chemicals.
• Possible cold, wet environments; standing, walking, and climbing ladders for extended periods.
• Work multiple shifts, including weekends, or supplemental hours as necessary.
• Occasional travel to other sites or locations.
• May be asked to work outside of normal business hours.