Site Operational Excellence Leader

Avantor • Devens, MA

1d • $97,500 - $156,975

About The Position

The Operational Excellence Leader is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing site. This role drives operational performance through Lean, Six Sigma and other Operational Excellence methodologies to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance. The position serves as a change agent, partnering with site leadership and functional teams to build a culture of continuous improvement and high performance. In addition, this role provides leadership and oversight for site Technical Project Management, Manufacturing/Process Engineering, and Training functions to ensure the successful execution of strategic initiatives, development of technical capabilities, operational readiness, and process optimization across the site.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 8-12 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, engineering, operational excellence, continuous improvement, or operations leadership roles.
• 3-5 years of leadership experience managing teams, technical functions, and complex business initiatives.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional transformation, continuous improvement, and organizational change initiatives.
• Experience managing technical projects, engineering teams, project portfolios, or Operational Excellence organizations.
• Strong manufacturing operations experience within a high-volume or complex manufacturing environment.
• Experience developing organizational capabilities, workforce development programs, and high-performing teams.
• Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies
• Six Sigma tools, statistical methods, and problem-solving techniques
• Operational Excellence systems and continuous improvement frameworks
• Manufacturing operations, production systems, and process engineering principles
• Process optimization, capability analysis, and manufacturing standards
• Project and portfolio management, including capital project execution
• Quality systems and quality management practices
• Training systems, workforce development, and competency-based learning
• ERP and manufacturing systems
• Data analytics, KPI management, and performance reporting
• Change management and organizational effectiveness
• Strategic leadership and organizational development
• Team development, coaching, and mentoring
• Change leadership and stakeholder management
• Cross-functional collaboration and conflict resolution
• Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen facilitation, and Value Stream Mapping
• Root Cause Analysis, DMAIC, and structured problem-solving methodologies
• Daily Management Systems and performance management
• Project management and capital project execution
• Manufacturing and process engineering
• Statistical analysis, data analytics, and decision-making
• Strategic planning, financial analysis, and resource optimization
• Cost reduction, productivity improvement, and performance measurement
• Develop and execute site-wide Operational Excellence strategies.
• Lead and influence organizational change at all levels.
• Build high-performing teams and technical capabilities.
• Manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously.
• Analyze operational and financial data to drive decision-making.
• Communicate effectively with frontline employees through executive leadership.
• Facilitate improvement events and cross-functional workshops.
• Develop sustainable systems that improve operational performance.
• Influence without direct authority and build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Drive measurable business results through people, processes, and technology.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Business Administration (MBA) preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
• Certified Continuous Improvement Professional (CCIP)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Operational Excellence or Lean certification

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the site's Operational Excellence roadmap aligned with business and manufacturing objectives.
• Partner with site leadership to identify improvement opportunities, establish performance targets, and support strategic planning and transformation initiatives.
• Lead the deployment of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and other continuous improvement methodologies across the site.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, process improvement workshops, and value stream mapping exercises to drive operational improvements.
• Champion problem-solving methodologies including A3, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, and DMAIC.
• Drive waste elimination initiatives focused on improving productivity, capacity utilization, process efficiency, workflow, material flow, and process reliability.
• Identify, prioritize, and manage a pipeline of continuous improvement projects.
• Analyze operational performance data, recommend corrective actions, and develop dashboards and reporting mechanisms to track progress and sustain results.
• Develop and maintain standard work practices, visual management systems, and daily management processes across the site.
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through audits, controls, governance processes, and disciplined execution.
• Coach, mentor, and train employees at all organizational levels on continuous improvement principles, methodologies, and tools.
• Develop Operational Excellence capabilities across manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, quality, and supply chain functions.
• Foster employee engagement, accountability, and ownership of improvement initiatives.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, standardization, and high performance.
• Lead the site technical project portfolio, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational priorities.
• Provide oversight of capital projects, equipment installations, facility upgrades, process improvement projects, and operational transformation initiatives.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and achieve intended business outcomes.
• Establish project management standards, governance processes, and performance tracking mechanisms.
• Partner with operations, engineering, maintenance, and corporate teams to prioritize and execute strategic initiatives.
• Lead the Manufacturing and Process Engineering team in supporting production, process optimization, capacity expansion, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive process improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and throughout.
• Support new product introductions, process validation, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Ensure the development and maintenance of manufacturing standards, process documentation, and technical specifications.
• Champion engineering best practices and data-driven decision-making to improve operational performance.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for site training and workforce development programs.
• Ensure training systems support operational excellence, safety compliance, quality requirements, and employee development.
• Develop competency frameworks and skills development plans for operations, maintenance, engineering, and support functions.
• Partner with leadership teams to strengthen technical, leadership, and continuous improvement capabilities throughout the organization.
• Drive training effectiveness through competency assessments, qualification programs, and continuous improvement of training systems.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS teams to achieve business objectives.
• Support new product introductions, process changes, and capital projects.
• Align technical resources and capability-building initiatives with site operational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with corporate Operational Excellence teams to deploy best practices and standard methodologies.
• Serve as a key member of the site leadership team, supporting transformation, growth, and operational excellence initiatives.

Benefits

• The work we do changes people's lives for the better.
• unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
• diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success.

What This Job Offers

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