Operational Excellence Program Manager

Pfizer • McPherson, KS

21h • $99,200 - $165,400 • Hybrid

About The Position

At Pfizer, our mission is to inspire a best-in-class culture of continuous improvement and project management that empowers colleagues and enables simple, effective processes. Whether you are managing projects or liaising with others, your contribution in this team will help in making our work easier and faster so that we can deliver breakthroughs that change patients' lives. As a member of Pfizer’s Operational Excellence (OpEx) program team, you will define, design and implement problem-solving and continuous improvement programs to ensure vertical and horizontal integration across the organization. Your work will analyze improvement opportunities; own the Integrated Manufacturing Excellence (IMEx) program; build Lean and Six Sigma capabilities at site; facilitate and coach improvement teams; establish and maintain performance metrics to measure program success. Your breadth of knowledge on internal and external business challenges will help us improve our products, processes and services. Your operational excellence experience will guide us to execute projects and meet objectives. Your ability to take appropriate risks will help us advance new concepts and methodologies. You will provide technical guidance and oversight to team members and advance problem solving.

Requirements

• Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; OR a master's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR a PhD with 0+ years of experience; OR an associate's degree with 8 years of experience; OR a high school diploma (or equivalent) and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Candidates must be authorized to be employed in the U.S. by any employer.
• U.S. work visa sponsorship (such as TN, O-1, H-1B, etc.) is not available for this role now or in the future.
• This position requires permanent work authorization in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Proven track record of leading enterprise- or site-level Operational Excellence programs with measurable business impact.
• Advanced expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and IMEx (or equivalent operating systems).
• Strong experience in program governance, portfolio management, and benefits realization.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and drive change without direct authority.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience linking CI initiatives to cost improvement, productivity, and business outcomes.
• Proven leadership and change management abilities.
• Ability to effectively coach and mentor colleagues.
• Strong oral and written communication, as well as stakeholder management skills
• Relevant pharmaceutical experience.
• Experience leading large projects.
• Effective team building skills and negotiation skills.
• Project management and continuous improvement certifications (e.g. Agile, PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or, or Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, or equivalent program/project leadership credential).

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage projects/ongoing work activities of moderate complexity within T3 CI loop(s) typically involving cross-functional representatives.
• Provide day-to-day coaching on continuous improvement projects via Lean and Six Sigma projects, with a focus on production and business process improvement.
• Lead deployment and sustainment of IMEx principles and management system standards (visual management, standard work, TPM) across functions.
• Assess OpEx maturity and drive continuous improvement of management systems to enable predictable, high-performing operations.
• Ensure standardization and consistency of OpEx practices across value streams and functions.
• Lead change management for major initiatives, including stakeholder alignment, communication strategies, and adoption tracking.
• Partner with Lean Six Sigma Program Lead to Coach leaders (frontline to senior level) on Lean, Six Sigma, problem solving, and performance management practices.
• Develop internal OpEx capability by mentoring practitioners and strengthening organizational problem-solving effectiveness.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution
• paid vacation, holiday and personal days
• paid caregiver/parental and medical leave
• health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and/or eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level