Sr. Operational Excellence Leader

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Sr. OPEX Leader operates in full compliance with applicable hygiene, safety, quality, and regulatory standards, and in alignment with the organization’s framework, company’s procedures, and the defined scope of responsibility the role is accountable for.

The Senior OPEX Leader drives sustainable operational improvements at the Guerbet Raleigh site through the application of Lean Six Sigma principles and Guerbet’s Transformation Playbook. Partnering across all site functions, this role identifies, prioritizes, and implements high‑impact improvement initiatives aligned with site strategy and business objectives.

The Sr. OPEX Leader leads multiple improvement projects by diagnosing current-state performance, designing future-state solutions, and ensuring performance gains are sustained. Working closely with the OPEX Manager, site leadership, and cross‑functional teams, the role delivers measurable improvements across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity while strengthening a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

YOUR ROLE

Safety:

• Partner with the EHS team by participating in and leading Safety GEMBA walks
• Integrate safety improvements into Lean Transformation initiatives

Quality:

• Champion a continuous improvement culture using fact‑based management, Lean Six Sigma, and structured problem‑solving methodologies
• Strengthen organizational capability to achieve and sustain process quality through project execution at the Guerbet Raleigh site
• Coach and mentor project teams in process quality, operational excellence tools, and continuous improvement principles
• Facilitate process improvement initiatives and ensure appropriate application of OPEX tools and methods

Delivery:

• Collaborate with the OPEX Manager, Supply Chain, Production, and QC/QA teams to identify and prioritize improvement initiatives aligned with Guerbet’s strategic objectives
• Drive continuous improvement across quality, service, and overall productivity performance

Cost:

• Communicate significant performance gaps, risks, and business opportunities to the OPEX Manager
• Lead the implementation of Lean Transformation concepts to support site growth and operational scalability
• Lead and manage improvement projects delivering measurable and sustainable operational and cost results
• Define and execute future‑state implementation plans focused on productivity and cost savings

Lean Problem Solving & Transformation:

• Identify, prioritize, and execute improvement opportunities related to efficiency, yield, and waste reduction using diagnostic and Lean tools
• Lead multiple Operational Excellence initiatives concurrently while ensuring alignment with site strategy
• Ensure performance improvements are sustained post‑implementation with clear continuous improvement targets
• Apply deep understanding of site operations, value stream principles, and business drivers to guide decision‑making
• Demonstrate expert capability in root cause analysis and structured problem solving
• Lead the implementation and monitoring of KPIs supporting integrated maintenance and production performance
• Support OEE improvement initiatives within filling and packaging productivity action plans
• Provide Operational Excellence and Production leadership support during critical site performance issues

Projects

• Lead site‑level improvement projects, including workplan development, milestone management, resource coordination, and results tracking
• Contribute to resource identification and capability alignment for improvement initiatives
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule and achieve targeted business outcomes
• Partner with site functions to identify, prioritize, and implement improvement initiatives across the site
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Department Specific/Non-Essential Functions:

Coaching/Development

• Coach and develop OPEX team members through classroom instruction and shop‑floor engagement
• Educate the broader site population to build foundational understanding of OPEX tools, processes, and continuous improvement principles
• Serve as a role model with a hands‑on leadership approach, demonstrating Lean behaviors daily
• Partner with Guerbet Change Management SMEs to ensure effective change adoption and to build change leadership capability within OPEX resources

Communication

• Communicate upcoming initiatives and project status clearly to the site, site leadership, and other Operational Excellence functions within the network, as applicable
• Partner with Communications SMEs to support effective dissemination of project‑related information when required

Collaboration

• Lead, coach, and support trained resources in resolving conflicts and removing barriers to improvement implementation
• Identify key stakeholders and ensure appropriate engagement, alignment, and inclusion in improvement decision‑making processes
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

YOUR BACKGROUND

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Materials), Business Administration, or a related field
• 10 years of experience in operations, continuous improvement, or manufacturing, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role within the pharmaceutical industry
• Expert‑level knowledge of Lean principles (5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Kanban) and Six Sigma methodologies (DMAIC)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification or equivalent practical mastery and proven practitioner experience
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, Visio, and SharePoint, for analysis, communication, and problem resolution

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or MBA
• ASQ Certified Master Black Belt
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while conducting shop‑floor audits and GEMBA walks
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed
• Ability to navigate manufacturing environments, including moving around machinery and production areas
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)