Operational Excellence Manager

Merck•Saint Louis, MO

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Operational Excellence Manager to join our STL OpEx team. You will lead Operational Excellence (OpEx) activities for one site located in our St Louis campus. This includes coordinating OpEx related initiatives within supported operations, building OpEx strategy, managing resource capabilities, driving project execution, implementing best practices and knowledge transfer across the site and in collaboration with other functions. In this role, you will be focused in three key areas: Partnerships and collaboration Act as main Point of Contact (POC) for OpEx related activities and as key partner for the Site Head. Collaborate with site execution Project Managers to coordinate projects execution and other initiatives. Act as the link to the ISCO Excellence PMO & Analytics function to provide inputs supporting e.g., standardized reports of savings and project progress. Collaborate with the LS Production System (LSPS) Local LSPS team, regional resources, external partners & LSPS Central team (e.g., support with implementation of specific tools, coaching, progress tracking, culture building). Collaborate with ISCO Academy to support building and delivering OpEx learning curriculum. Manufacturing plant performance management Work together with the leadership teams to jointly define Roadmaps (including LS Production System development plan to targeted future state in terms of maturity progression and/or certification). Collect, analyze, and report data of current OpEx related projects to site and regional leader (either own reports or insights provided by PMO & Analytics team). Ensure definition and implementation of governance aspects incl. solid project charters & execution plans for each OpEx project with appropriate risk management. Portfolio management, capability steering and knowledge transfer Build the OpEx project strategy and methodology for the supported operations to achieve targets (safety, quality, supply, people & cost) and prioritize within OpEx project portfolio as partner to site leadership. Support project execution within the sites and lead transversal projects when appropriate. Ensure resource skill availability for project execution and manage belt resources assuring that Roadmap targets and expected impact is achieved. Implement best practices and communicate own successes with other local OpEx, Community OpEx Champions, and the broader ISCO Excellence organization. Bridge knowledge gaps in the site talent pool by requesting, managing, and developing additional local site capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in business, life science, engineering, or related discipline
5+ years of demonstrated track record in supply chain operations preferred with experience in implementing improvement initiatives with impactful results, preferably in a leading position
Lean Six Sigma Belt certification required, black belt certification preferred

Nice To Haves

Project Management certification preferred.
Experience in managing and reporting on project portfolio performance.
Lean Six Sigma Expertise : Practical experience in Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
Production Systems Deployment : Preferred experience in implementing comprehensive production systems.
Interpersonal Skills : Strong communication abilities and a results-oriented mindset; experienced in leading teams without formal authority.
Strategic Partnership : Capability to collaborate with leadership to refine goals and develop initiative plans.
Team Leadership : Ability to lead diverse teams remotely and enhance their skills in implementing new standards.
Analytical Skills : Proficient in critical thinking and problem-solving to address complex issues and escalate when necessary.
Portfolio Prioritization : Skills in prioritizing complex portfolios based on business needs.
Process Improvement Leadership : Ability to lead complex process improvement initiatives.
Orchestration Skills : Strong coordination abilities across various networks.
Financial Acumen : Experience with budgeting and financial management.
Risk Assessment : Ability to identify risks in plans by integrating data from multiple sources.
Workshop Facilitation : Engaging in leading both in-person and virtual workshops on various topics, including leadership practices and process improvement techniques.

Responsibilities

Act as main Point of Contact (POC) for OpEx related activities and as key partner for the Site Head.
Collaborate with site execution Project Managers to coordinate projects execution and other initiatives.
Act as the link to the ISCO Excellence PMO & Analytics function to provide inputs supporting e.g., standardized reports of savings and project progress.
Collaborate with the LS Production System (LSPS) Local LSPS team, regional resources, external partners & LSPS Central team (e.g., support with implementation of specific tools, coaching, progress tracking, culture building).
Collaborate with ISCO Academy to support building and delivering OpEx learning curriculum.
Work together with the leadership teams to jointly define Roadmaps (including LS Production System development plan to targeted future state in terms of maturity progression and/or certification).
Collect, analyze, and report data of current OpEx related projects to site and regional leader (either own reports or insights provided by PMO & Analytics team).
Ensure definition and implementation of governance aspects incl. solid project charters & execution plans for each OpEx project with appropriate risk management.
Build the OpEx project strategy and methodology for the supported operations to achieve targets (safety, quality, supply, people & cost) and prioritize within OpEx project portfolio as partner to site leadership.
Support project execution within the sites and lead transversal projects when appropriate.
Ensure resource skill availability for project execution and manage belt resources assuring that Roadmap targets and expected impact is achieved.
Implement best practices and communicate own successes with other local OpEx, Community OpEx Champions, and the broader ISCO Excellence organization.
Bridge knowledge gaps in the site talent pool by requesting, managing, and developing additional local site capabilities.