Director, GCS Continuous Improvement (Onsite)

MSD•Upper Gwynedd Township, PA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Position Overview - Basic Functions & Responsibility The Global Clinical Supply (GCS) organization is within our Research & Development Division and is accountable for managing the 'end-to-end' integrated clinical supply chain across our Research & Development Division portfolio to enable the execution of any clinical trial using our Company's assets. GCS supports more than 300 Phase I-IV clinical trials run in-house, 400+ outsourced or run by partners as well as our Company's ISS clinical trials (300+). GCS is accountable for the planning, sourcing, labeling, packaging and delivery of clinical supplies to clinical sites across more than 60+ countries, all in accordance with US and WW regulations, company policies and Standard Operating Procedures. The Director, Continuous Improvement, will lead continuous improvement (CI) activities within the organization and functional areas, supporting CI culture. The role will oversee both strategic and tactical improvement initiatives, kaizen workshops, and culture-building activities, and will support the rollout of significant metrics as key performance indicators (KPIs), contributing to the overall governance of performance oversight in GCS. The role will ensure the organization is educated in continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Areas of expertise include problem-solving, project management, tier management, change management, knowledge management, quality-by-design, and appropriate risk management in our processes through coaching and mentoring belt candidates and members across the GCS organization. Primary Activities The Director, GCS Continuous Improvement, will be accountable for the identification, prioritization, and execution of continuous improvement activities within GCS and across our partner organizations, including, but not limited to, process improvement, tier management, value stream mapping, change management efforts, problem-solving, and after-action reviews (AARs). Additionally, the incumbent will engage a client group within GCS and will be responsible for implementing a continuous improvement culture, tools, and education within the organization. The incumbent will collaborate within Operational Excellence, across GCS functional areas, and with outside groups, including Global Clinical Trial Operations (GCTO), Global Development Quality (GDQ), Development Sciences and Clinical Supply (DSCS), Procurement, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), Data Management, Translational Medicine, and our Research & Development Division. Primary activities include, but are not limited to: Actively create a culture in which continuous improvement becomes the organizational norm Process design/improvement projects/strategic initiatives across the organization Continuously identify opportunities to improve, simplify, standardize, and optimize processes in collaboration with functional areas Analytics & metrics – develop and maintain performance-related analytics and metrics (reports, dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs)) under the People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (PSQDC) construct Seek ways to innovate and/or further automate the use of data and new digital capabilities Identify, train, and coach others in Lean concepts and problem-solving methodology Continuously evaluate opportunities to create additional connectivity and share learnings between partner organizations

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Black Belt certification (or equivalent experience) is required.
Extensive experience facilitating kaizen workshops and leading complex projects.
Understanding of the clinical supply chain and clinical trials, including GCP and GMP.
5+ years implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, including tools to evaluate and improve business processes, and 5+ years coaching and leading process improvement teams
A dedication to solving complex and challenging problems with a creative mind and imaginative strategies
Experience with 8-step problem-solving methodology as a problem solver and coach of others
Strong Influencing and negotiation skills
Ability to lead, create future state, and deliver results
Demonstrated ability to develop strong, trust-based, collaborative relationships to drive change and execute on priorities with a diverse group of stakeholders
Strategic thinking and independent decision-making abilities
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and tactfully to interact with different global professional levels and external stakeholders
Proven track record of successful deployment of continuous improvement projects, across different modalities and business units
Must have a strong understanding of GMP, GCP, and data integrity expectations from regulatory agencies
Excellent written and verbal communication
5S Methodology
Accountability
Change Management
Clinical Trials
Compliance Analytics
Conflict Management
Consultative Approach
Dashboard Reporting
Driving Continuous Improvement
Emotional Intelligence
Leadership
Lean Six Sigma Management
Microsoft Office
Oral Communications
Outsourcing
Policy Development
Process Improvement Initiatives
Process Improvements
Procurement
Project Management
Quality Control Management
Quality Improvement Programs
Results-Oriented
Six Sigma

Nice To Haves

A graduate degree in a scientific discipline is preferred.

Responsibilities

Actively create a culture in which continuous improvement becomes the organizational norm
Process design/improvement projects/strategic initiatives across the organization
Continuously identify opportunities to improve, simplify, standardize, and optimize processes in collaboration with functional areas
Analytics & metrics – develop and maintain performance-related analytics and metrics (reports, dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs)) under the People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (PSQDC) construct
Seek ways to innovate and/or further automate the use of data and new digital capabilities
Identify, train, and coach others in Lean concepts and problem-solving methodology
Continuously evaluate opportunities to create additional connectivity and share learnings between partner organizations