Operational Excellence Lead/Supervisor

Description

Quality, Service, Collaboration, Courage. Do you exhibit these values and wish to be around others that do too? Are you interested in making a difference in your community and the world? Are you looking for a place where you can grow and learn in a diverse, community-minded culture? If these statements resonate with you, Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (GRAM) welcomes you to apply to join our community of dedicated individuals improving lives every day.

Overview of this Position:

The Operational Excellence (OpEx) Lead promotes a quality culture environment through applying a process-based approach to problem solving and root cause analysis, and leveraging continuous improvement activities such as knowledge sharing, standardizing work, and fostering employee engagement for change. The OpEx Lead will coach, mentor, and train individual change agents and/or departments on how to drive their own improvement initiatives by using continuous improvement tools and methodologies. The OpEx Lead ensures all continuous improvement initiatives assigned directly support company goals and metrics, help to identify areas for improvement, identify program or culture obstacles and problem-solve. This is not a remote role. Position level will be determined by candidate's experience level.

Non-Negotiable Requirements:

• 8+ years in technical, quality, or continuous improvement role in a manufacturing or pharmaceutical industry.
• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business or a related field and/or a minimum of 8+ years related work experience.
• Prior experience leading Operational Excellence (Lean or Six Sigma) projects preferred.
• Knowledge of Process Improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma).
• Must have proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred Requirements:

• Experience working in an aseptic environment.
• Experience and expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing with a thorough understanding of cGMP and FDA guidelines.
• Prior experience teaching / facilitating Root Cause Analysis Investigations.
• Prior experience using MasterControl or other electronic quality systems such as Track Wise, SAP, etc.
• Professional certifications (e.g. ASQ CQA / CQIA, Lean Bronze, Lean Six Sigma, Green Belt or Black Belt) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

• Act as internal OpEx consultant to all levels and Departments within the organization.
• Teach and coach individuals on Continuous Improvement Tools and Methodologies such as Value Stream and Process Mapping, Pareto Analysis, Kaizen Events, Data Analysis, A3, Project Charters, Workplace Organization: 5S and Visual Management, Error-proofing/Poke-yoke, Standardized Work
• Provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to OpEx team members.
• Oversee the collection, storage, and organization of raw data from various sources.
• Conduct advanced data analysis using statistical techniques, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization tools.
• Extract meaningful insights from complex datasets to inform business decisions and drive performance improvements.
• Translate data-driven insights into actionable recommendations and strategic initiatives.
• Engage as an OpEx facilitator with other Departments for improvement initiatives that align with company goals and metrics.
• Identify project priority levels and help ensure OpEx initiatives are properly sponsored.
• Develop continuous improvement plans/road maps for OpEx projects and track their impact over time.
• Assess root cause analysis trends across the organization and provide proposed remediation solutions to implement.
• Lead/facilitate standardization efforts of Best Practices across sites and Depts.
• Lead/own change controls that would drive continuous improvement efforts across sites.
• Ensure all assigned OpEx initiatives align with applicable internal requirements, client requirements, regulations, and industry best practices.
• Provide monthly status reports of in-process OpEx initiatives and author annual reports on OpEx on project status, trends, and cost savings impact.

Full job description available during formal interview process.

What Sets GRAM Apart from Other Employers:

MEDICAL BENEFITS starting day 1: Blue Cross Blue Shield medical and dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits are available to you and your family on your first day of work, with the company paying for 75% of the cost! Once eligible for the 401(k) program, all your contributions are immediately 100% vested, and you are immediately vested in GRAM contributions as well. We also offer generous off-shift premiums!

Paid VOLUNTEERISM starting day 1: GRAM encourages giving back to our community by offering 16 hours of paid volunteer time per calendar year!

PTO: Full-time employees accrue up to 13 days of time off per calendar year. You choose how to use this time for your vacation, sick, or mental health needs!

WELLNESS TIME OFF: Employees earn 1 hour of time off for every 30 hours worked to use how you choose.

PAID HOLIDAYS: We offer 10 paid holidays per calendar year with immediate eligibility!

PAY: Depends on Experience and is discussed during the interview process.