The Associate Director of Operational Excellence is responsible for supporting the design, deployment and maturity of the OE roadmap and driving continuous improvement initiatives and value realisation.
This role enhances efficiency, quality, and productivity by implementing OE best practices, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimization strategies. The individual collaborates with cross-functional teams across Business units to improve performance and deliver value to the business
Responsibilities
Advocacy and Maturity of Operational Excellence: Support the development and implementation of the Op Ex roadmap and subsequent maturity assessments
Partner with leadership to develop strategies for operational excellence
Partner with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality
Facilitate change management efforts to ensure adoption and sustainment of new processes via stakeholder mgmt., communications and training plans
Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives across the organisation deploying lean / 6Sigma tools and techniques as appropriate. E.g. Value Stream Mapping, Process Mapping , Statistical analysis, 5 Why’s, A3, Kaizen events, Kepner Tregoe etc
Develop and implement OE programs aligned to best practices such as Visual Management, Continuous Improvement, Problem Solving, Gemba Standard work
Monitor and analyse performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive evidence-based decision making
Value Enhancement: Identify and drive opportunities for value enhancement by optimizing processes and resources to deliver greater value to customers
Influence, Coach and Train colleagues in OE methodologies to develop an organization wide culture of excellence
Ensure compliance with GMP, FDA, and other regulatory requirements in operational processes
QualificationsRequired
Minimum 10+ years of experience in operational excellence, manufacturing, or supply chain within the pharmaceutical industry
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related fields
Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt)
Microsoft Office Suite
Proven track record in process improvement and/or supply chain optimization
Experience leading cross-functional teams in large-scale transformation projects
Preferred
Certification in Project Management or Change Management
COMPETENCIES/ QUALIFICATIONS
Skills
Drives large-scale OE and continuous improvement initiatives aligned to best practice
Analyses and effectively manages program stakeholders
Manages change and sustainment of improvements via communications and training
Communicates effectively with all levels
Knowledge
Op Ex and Lean Six Sigma tools & methodologies
Stakeholder management
Performance management
Project management
- Change management
Skills Required
- Minimum 10+ years of experience in operational excellence, manufacturing, or supply chain within the pharmaceutical industry
- Bachelor's or master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt)
- Proven track record in process improvement and/or supply chain optimization
- Experience leading cross-functional teams in large-scale transformation projects
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Certification in Project Management or Change Management
What We Do
Alkermes focuses on the development of innovative medicines that seek to address unmet needs of people living with serious mental illness, addiction, and cancer. As a fully-integrated, global biopharmaceutical company, we apply our scientific expertise and proprietary technologies to develop products that are designed to make a meaningful difference in the way patients manage their disease. We are inspired by some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time to help advance innovation with the potential to improve treatment options and outcomes for patients. Beyond our important mission of developing medicines, we believe it is our responsibility to take a holistic approach as we seek to support patients, caregivers, and broader impacted communities. In this context we also work to help support and enhance the systems through which these complex diseases are treated. We are committed to patient engagement, disease education and awareness, and advocacy for important policies that support equitable access to quality treatment. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, we have an R&D center in Waltham, Massachusetts; a research and manufacturing facility in Athlone, Ireland; and a manufacturing facility in Wilmington, Ohio. See our Community Guidelines: https://www.alkermes.com/social-community-guidelines
