Operational Excellence Specialist

Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine • Wilson, NC

16h • Onsite

About The Position

The Operational Excellence Specialist identifies opportunities and implements project plans across the site, supports deployment of Continuous Improvement programs, and executes projects and initiatives. The role drives operational excellence by implementing standard processes to help meet performance targets. It applies Process Excellence methodologies to deliver customer value and promote a “Right the First Time” mentality, partnering with production leadership and the Process Excellence team on the tactical approach, deployment, and execution of Six Sigma, Lean, and Design Excellence. The specialist evaluates potential business impacts of improvement projects and advises on implementation.

The position supports Johnson & Johnson’s site in Wilson, North Carolina, as the company expands manufacturing capacity for biologic medicines in oncology, immunology, and neuroscience. The role includes developing improvement opportunities and plans, building continuous-improvement capabilities, analyzing site performance, and leading initiatives to improve reliability, cost savings, yield, and operational efficiency. Travel may be required up to 5% of the time, domestically and internationally.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a Science field.
• At least 3 years of Operations, GET, MSAT, Planning, or Project Management experience.
• At least 1–2 years of experience in a continuous-improvement or Lean function.
• Experience leading projects.
• Business and financial competence to understand strategic issues affecting the company and translate them into value creation and business cases.
• Knowledge of JJPS/Production System and RCPS.
• A proven track record identifying, developing, and driving execution of key projects.
• Experience facilitating workshops.
• Ability to collaborate in a matrix environment, handle complexity, work across boundaries, and influence without authority.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent priorities, many requiring immediate resolution.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and adaptability.
• Results-oriented approach and a strong record of delivering objectives.
• Lean/Continuous Improvement certification, such as Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt.

Nice To Haves

• Consistent record of working with internal and external organizations to establish and share standard processes.
• Project Management Certification (FPX/PMP).
• Knowledge of end-to-end supply chain.
• Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Execute JJPS business initiatives and deploy the Culture of Excellence at the site.
• Complete Value Stream Maps, identify opportunities, and create and implement plans to deliver reliability improvements for strategic brands.
• Drive ideation workshops, value stream mapping, diagnostics, and benchmarking to identify and lead cost-saving initiatives and develop the site CIP pipeline.
• Analyze data through the Site Performance Management Process to identify improvement areas, establish focus, and use Process Excellence methods and tools to monitor and improve processes against performance measures.
• Perform key operational excellence strategic initiatives and programs, including Smart Change Over and OEE, Golden Batch, Waste to Excellence/Yield, ZBB, and ideation workshops for gross-profit improvement.
• Train and certify Yellow Belts at the site and coach and mentor candidates pursuing Lean/Six Sigma certifications.
• Lead continuous-improvement initiatives to deliver CIPs and process improvements.
• Collaborate with business partners to implement targeted improvements in production areas and improve operational efficiency.
• Evaluate the potential business impact of improvement projects and advise on their implementation.

What This Job Offers

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