Specialist, Manufacturing and Operational Excellence

Vericel Corporation•Burlington, MA

6d•$78,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manufacturing and Operational Excellence Specialist plays a pivotal role in optimizing the operational efficiency of the company’s operations by strategically identifying, proposing, and supporting both functional and cross-functional teams to implement corrective actions and/or projects. Collaborating closely within Manufacturing and cross-functionally, this role champions a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and effective communication. The Specialist role drives commitment to industrial culture Ways of Working and contributes to the overall success of plant operations by eliminating roadblocks to our success.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or higher degree and 2+ years of experience with manufacturing operations.
Associate’s degree or GED equivalent and 6+ years of experience with manufacturing operations.
Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
Advanced to expert level ability with Microsoft office.
Experience with ERP, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), and scheduling systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics GP, MFG/Pro, SAP, Preactor, etc.).

Nice To Haves

Lean manufacturing experience.
Experience in more than two operations departments.
Experience in cGMP production environments.
Experience working in a regulated environment often audited by internal and external Agencies, such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and ISO.
Proven analytical, problem solving, and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

Maintain a qualified status for BSC operations in MACI production.
Complete Lean/Six Sigma training courses with a minimum certification of Yellow Belt within the first 12 months of the role.
Partner with Manufacturing team members and leadership to deliver projects and change management through influential leadership and sound project management fundamentals.
Execute both short-term and long-term improvement project lifecycles by creating plans, overseeing implementation of process changes, tracking progress, validating financial return, and documenting process changes.
Provide direct support as Subject Matter Expert for Manufacturing Systems (For example: Freezer Pro/Cryostorage, ERP, EBR, etc.).
Provide SME knowledge and support for the prioritization of potential improvements based on impact on the business and required effort.
Create and maintain the tactical continuous improvement road map for MACI and Epicel manufacturing operations.
Gather data for key performance indicators and analyze results, modifying continuous improvement programs in response.
Successfully eliminate waste through LEAN principles.
Assist in the delivery of continuous improvement related training programs and activities, including Lean, Six Sigma and 5S.