Director Operational Excellence

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?

At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.

Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.

The Operational Excellence Director is a key leader and partner to all functions at Illumina. In this role, you will partner with the leadership team and their functions to drive transformations in support of our company strategy, deploy our Operational Excellence business systems and build self-sustaining capabilities. You thrive on solving complex problems, navigating across various disciplines and functions, and empowering/inspiring/mentoring others to make their work easier and drive improvements with significant business value. This role will also support our AI journey at Illumina and will be instrumental to provide guidance and build capabilities.

Position Summary

• Leads process improvement initiatives through the disciplined use of measurements, accountability, analysis and discussion of process alternatives to arrive at best practices.

• Plans, manages, and controls the activities of a team that provides operational support for a business segment, group or team.

• Brings expertise or identifies subject matter experts in support of multi-functional efforts in process improvement, data capture and analysis, infrastructure support, tool ownership and compliance with procedures, etc.

• Advises business groups by providing strategic direction to initiative prioritization, integration and resource application.

• Ensures that policies and procedures align with corporate vision.

• Drive the adoption, scaling, and impact of AI and intelligent automation across Illumina.

• Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs and other related duties may be assigned.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Sr Leaders and their leadership teams in Lean/Operational Excellence system deployment and maturity

• Supports and leads complex improvement and optimization projects/initiatives in the areas of Safety, Quality, Productivity and Cost savings

• Conducts training in continuous improvement methodologies and mentor others in the application of these methods

• Facilitates/assists business process management and the teams supporting continuous improvement.

• Contributes to/Drives business process management and helps to ensure sites have installed and are effectively practicing business processes

• Coordinate stakeholders to develop area specific roadmap as part of site/functional strategy.

• Lead functions to development, implementation and monitoring of goals and KPI’s through strategy deployment

• Oversees functional Operational Excellence Project Portfolio and chairs the Operational Excellence Steering committee

• Promote site level communication and sharing through network

Capabilities

• Partners with executive and functional leadership to drive enterprise transformations that directly support company strategy through the deployment of Operational Excellence business systems.

• Leads the design, deployment, and sustainment of scalable Operational Excellence management systems (e.g., problem solving, performance management, standard work, and continuous improvement) that deliver measurable business value.

• Builds self‑sustaining continuous improvement capabilities across functions by coaching, mentoring, and empowering leaders and teams to solve complex problems and improve their own work.

• Sponsors and leads highly complex, cross‑functional improvement initiatives requiring systems thinking, advanced problem solving, and the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments.

• Serves as a trusted advisor and thought partner to senior leaders, influencing decisions through data‑driven insights, structured problem solving, and change leadership.

• Navigates across multiple disciplines and functions to align stakeholders, remove barriers, and embed new ways of working while preserving strong, trust‑based relationships.

• Plays a key role in Illumina’s AI journey by providing guidance, governance, and capability building to ensure AI is effectively integrated into Operational Excellence practices.

• Leads and develops experienced professionals and/or enterprise capabilities, exerting significant influence over improvement priorities, methodologies, and resource deployment through direct, matrixed, or influence‑based leadership.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in technical/quantitative field

• Preferred: PhD / MBA / MS Preferred Area of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics

• Required: 18 years of experience. 10 years in business process transformation/ Operational Excellence deployment and 10 years of Management experience

• Preferred: 10 years of experience from within a regulated healthcare environment.

• Strong leader with the ability to establish clear strategy that can inspire others to deliver and influence to drive change

• across the organization

• Demonstrated experience in driving continuous improvement culture and operating system across an enterprise and ability to navigate and influence across all levels of an organization, translating strategic vision into tangible outcomes

• Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt/Master Blackbelt

• Ability to interact effectively in a complex organization and in ambiguous situations; ability to manage sensitive situations with exceptional judgment and discretion

• Consistent track record of collaboration, including the ability to work with cross-functional teams, and across complex ecosystems

• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills (including articulating \ vision, inspiring teams, and presenting to senior executives).

• Strong sector AND enterprise mindset & strong business/financial acumen

• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills required

• Excellent stakeholder management and networking skills required.

The estimated base salary range for the Director Operational Excellence role based in the United States of America is: $170,600 - $255,800. Should the level or location of the role change during the hiring process, the applicable base pay range may be updated accordingly. The range reflects long‑term growth in the role; therefore, most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. Placement depends on experience, skills, location, and internal equity. Additionally, all employees are eligible for one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits as innovative as our work, including access to genomics sequencing, family planning, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off.

We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.