Associate - Operational Excellence Site Business Partner

The OpEx team provides leadership in operational excellence and continuous improvement efforts by combining knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing with OpEx principles and tools.  

The focus of the OpEx Site Business Partner role is to partner with all organizational levels across local and global business to deploy operational excellence standards and support both event and nonevent-based continuous improvement. Results include, but are not limited to, cycle time reduction, increased asset effectiveness, cost reduction, improved quality, as well as increased employee morale at all levels due to more time being spent on patient value-added activities.

Key Role Deliverables:  

• Provide direct support for operational excellence/ continuous improvement projects with functional areas/departments in support of site production targets and delivery of site agenda. 

• Establish and support implementation of lean manufacturing initiatives in alignment with the Lilly Manufacturing Standards of Operational Excellence (MSOEs). 

• Monitor/build a strong safety culture and hold others accountable while leading by example. 

• Ensure consistency of operations across shifts through active engagement on the shop floor through Gemba walks (Practice vs. Procedure evaluations). 

• Lead cross functional teams in the development and implementation of the following problem-solving methodologies and initiatives: Continuous Improvement, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Modes Effect Analysis (FMEA), Value Stream Mapping, A3 etc. 

• Deliver necessary information and data about the new/ongoing CI projects. 

• Facilitates problem-solving, shared learning and decision-making across plant functions 

• Responsible for schedule tracking, updating, and reporting to all stakeholders for CI projects. 

• Responsible for assembling Continuous Improvement (CI) project plans, teamwork assignments, directing and monitoring work efforts daily. 

• Escalates technical and timeline issues appropriately for CI projects. 

• Identifies issues that may delay project deliverables and recommend risk mitigation strategies, contingencies, and actions, when appropriate. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Systems & Strategies – Design and Governance: 

• Lead the establishment of operational excellence systems within the operational organization, including Daily Management System (DMS) to drive process improvement or streamline operational activities to increase operational efficiencies.  

• Facilitate and execute the process of systems governance and assessment (Lean Maturity Assessment; Site CI OpEx Self-Assessments)  

• Capture benefits of operational excellence improvement program and report to site leadership 

Assisting in Engagements: 

• Lead and / or partner on a variety of engagements, within the site/function as well as network level within Manufacturing and Quality. Driving the process / projects to completion.  

• Lead and coach process improvement opportunities and projects according to selected methodology (Kaizen Event, A3, etc…) 

• Provide support to ensure robust Organizational Change Management and Monitoring Plans are in place to sustain improvements. 

• Engage routinely with sponsors to provide status updates and escalate where appropriate as issues arise. 

• Ensure Lean principles and tools are integrated into both project execution and solution design. 

• Partner with site leadership/ other functions, including site lead team and other governance forums, to identify and prioritize major productivity improvement opportunities. Leverage internal and external networking. 

Instructing and Training Others: 

• Facilitate CI & OpEx training to all levels of employees within assigned areas to support deployment and ongoing sustainability of CI and OpEx / Lean ways of working.   

Minimum Requirements 

• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication and interpersonal interaction skills to be able to work effectively in a team-based environment. 

• Strong self-management and organizational skills. 

• Ability to coach individuals at all levels, and lead project teams 

• Ability to influence without authority. 

• Relevant operations experience in a GMP facility. 

• Pharmaceutical experience  

• Knowledge of cGMPs 

• Experience in lean manufacturing or other productivity industry methods 

• Bachelor’s or equivalent 

• Day shift with possible after hour support 

• Project delivery may coincide with company holidays 

• Occasional travel may be required for training, conferences, project facilitation, etc.