Operational Excellence Associate Project Manager

Lonza•Walkersville, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role exists to provide key support for the OPEX Leadership to deliver business results by working with teams to identify opportunities for improvement and taking accountability for execution and delivery. The OE Project Manager II can lead and independently influence teams across the site and is expected to contribute to and execute the OE strategy, participating in system roll out and sustainability that support the business in continuous process improvement efforts, support the daily management system and culture change. Typical efforts will be in driving assigned initiatives, independently running improvement activities for the site, and supporting site wide initiatives led by senior members of the OE team. The role leads general OE programs and training, such as New Hire, 5S/6S, White Belt and Yellow Belt as well as mentoring White and Yellow belt Trainees.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Life Sciences, Environmental Health & Safety, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
5+ years of relevant experience in project management, operational excellence, or process improvement roles
Proven track record of delivering measurable results through process improvement or project execution
Hands-on experience leading Lean Six Sigma (LSS) projects with well-defined project plans and clear outcomes
Strong knowledge of process improvement tools and methodologies, with the ability to apply them in a practical business setting
Excellent facilitation skills with the ability to lead discussions, influence stakeholders, and drive team alignment
Strong project management capabilities, including planning, prioritization, and execution across multiple initiatives
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into action
Proficiency in tools such as Minitab, MS Project, Excel, Visio, Access, and SharePoint
Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation abilities, with experience engaging leadership
High attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills
Self-motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Strong interpersonal, diplomacy, and negotiation skills with the ability to influence without authority
Ability to quickly understand business processes, identify gaps, and recommend practical solutions
Experience reviewing and refining business requirements, processes, and recommendations to support effective implementation
Willingness and ability to become gown-qualified (as required for site operations)

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives from initiation through delivery, applying Lean Six Sigma (DMAIC) methodologies to drive efficiency, throughput, and measurable business impact
Partner with cross-functional teams to identify process improvement opportunities, align on priorities, and ensure successful execution of site and network-level initiatives
Develop, maintain, and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and deliverables; proactively identify risks, issues, and dependencies, and drive resolution
Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and problem-solving sessions to support continuous improvement and operational performance
Act as a coach and facilitator, training teams on Lean tools, methodologies, and best practices to build internal capability and problem-solving skills
Lead and support training programs such as New Hire onboarding, 5S/6S, White Belt, and Yellow Belt, and mentor employees through certification and project completion
Analyze, interpret, and leverage data (descriptive, predictive, and performance metrics) to inform decisions, track progress, and ensure sustainability of improvements
Establish performance metrics, dashboards, and process control plans to monitor outcomes and drive long-term success
Communicate project status, risks, and results effectively to stakeholders, site leadership, and broader organizational teams
Support the development and execution of Operational Excellence strategy, including system rollouts, daily management systems, and culture change initiatives
Collaborate across functions and sites to share best practices, standardize processes, and strengthen continuous improvement efforts across the network
Contribute to the development of business cases and support resource planning to enable successful project execution
Build strong relationships across the organization to understand business needs and drive alignment on improvement efforts
Support additional Operational Excellence programs and initiatives, including harmonization efforts across the broader network