Continuous Improvement Lead

Catalent, Inc. is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) committed to helping people live better, healthier lives. We partner with pharmaceutical, biotech, and consumer health companies to support product development, launch, and full life-cycle supply. With over 40 global sites and thousands of scientists and technicians, Catalent delivers billions of doses of life-enhancing and life-saving treatments annually. 

Join Catalent Pharma Solutions in Dartford, where we are setting the industry standard for high-potent, high-value API micronization. Supplying ~40 micronized products to customers worldwide, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and people development to ensure growth and success.

We are seeking a Continuous Improvement (CI) Lead to drive transformation at our Dartford site. You will be responsible for deploying lean methodologies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in line with The Catalent Way (TCW). This role requires leadership of cross-functional teams, facilitating multiple change initiatives, and ensuring execution within highly regulated environments adhering to cGMP and safety standards.

The Role:

• Implement TCW / continuous improvement methodologies, including Gemba, problem-solving, operator standard work, visual management, tiered meetings, leader standard work, 5S, zoning, process controls, and process confirmation.
• Identify and execute strategic and tactical improvements that deliver competitive advantages aligned with safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people (SQCDP) objectives.
• Coach and develop matrix teams, providing Lean Six Sigma training (White, Yellow, Green Belt).
• Spend ~30% of time on the shop floor, embedding continuous improvement culture and enhancing performance levels.
• Teach, coach, and mentor in CI, Lean Management principles, and problem-solving.
• Represent Dartford at global TCW and technology forums, sharing best practices and enhancing collaboration.
• Act as the Operations/CMT representative for project activities, providing user requirements and managing deliverables.
• Lead EHS&S efforts, systematically reducing risks through rigorous problem-solving and CAPA implementation.
• Ensure cGMP and Quality Management System (QMS) compliance, maintaining inspection readiness.
• Support strategic planning for operations and site-wide improvement initiatives.
• Deputise for Operations Director and Operations Team Managers as needed.

The Candidate

• Degree in Scientific, Manufacturing, or Engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
• Expertise in Lean Leadership, Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt minimum), and Operational Excellence methodologies.
• Proven experience in delivering performance improvements and driving change within a regulated GMP environment.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, and change management skills.
• Working knowledge of EHS, cGMP, cGDP, and QMS.
• Ability to prioritize effectively in a high-performance environment while maintaining team motivation and output.

Catalent offers rewarding opportunities to further your career!  Join the global drug development and delivery leader and help us bring over 7,000 life-saving and life-enhancing products to patients around the world. Catalent is an exciting and growing international company where employees work directly with pharma, biopharma and consumer health companies of all sizes to advance new medicines from early development to clinical trials and to the market. Catalent produces more than 70 billion doses per year, and each one will be used by someone who is counting on us. Join us in making a difference. 

personal initiative. dynamic pace. meaningful work.

Visit Catalent Careers to explore career opportunities.

Catalent is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any characteristic protected by local law.

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, you may submit your request by sending an email, and confirming your request for an accommodation and include the job number, title and location to [email protected]. This option is reserved for individuals who require accommodation due to a disability. Information received will be processed by a U.S. Catalent employee and then routed to a local recruiter who will provide assistance to ensure appropriate consideration in the application or hiring process.

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Catalent Pharma Solutions (Catalent) is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Catalent employee by a third party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, will become the sole property of Catalent. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.