Assoc. Dir, Business Consulting, Lab Transformation

$122,800 - $193,300/Yr

Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany - Wilson, NC

Full-time - Mid Level

Onsite - Wilson, NC

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Associate Director, Business Consulting, Lab Transformation is a pivotal role within a global healthcare leader, focusing on enhancing laboratory operations through Lean management and continuous improvement methodologies. This position involves direct engagement with site leaders and teams to implement performance improvement strategies, ensuring high-quality production at optimal costs. The role requires a blend of hands-on support, coaching, and strategic planning to foster a culture of continuous improvement across various sites.

Responsibilities

• Partner with functional leaders and Site Quality heads to develop and execute performance improvement plans.
• Influence improvement objectives linked to division priorities for sustainable performance.
• Develop Lean management processes to enable self-reliant operation of the production system's continuous improvement system.
• Manage end-to-end processes in QA/QO to drive results and achieve business benefits.
• Utilize tools and techniques to diagnose and improve business processes following GMPS standards.
• Provide teaching and coaching to develop Lean Leaders within the organization.
• Manage teams to mitigate risks and ensure timely completion of initiatives.
• Build trust and develop relationships with internal and external clients for successful collaboration.
• Implement GMPS standards specific to Lab Transformation and support GMPS team members.
• Check implementation efficiency of Lab Transformation improvement methods and provide guidance on operations.
• Identify key business opportunities using financial data and industry trends.
• Recognize and mitigate barriers to cross-functional initiatives and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Mentor on effective communication and active listening techniques to understand client needs.
• Lead process analysis and capacity analysis through value stream mapping to identify waste and improve performance.
• Develop visual controls to make problems visible and respond urgently to issues.
• Improve standardized work through Kaizen and design balanced work to reduce lead time and inventory.
• Apply DMAIC methodology and statistical analysis to solve complex problems.
• Engage sponsors and clients, leading major changes and coaching senior leaders on GMPS improvement methods.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a science or engineering discipline with eight years of experience in QO/QA and lab improvements, or a Master's Degree with six years, or a PhD with three years of relevant experience.
• Lean expertise and experience in analyzing complex supply chains and driving process improvement.
• Hands-on application of Lean tools and techniques such as standardized work, value stream mapping, and 5S.
• Strong consultative skills with the ability to influence decision-making and interact with all business levels.
• Demonstrated project management skills and experience managing large teams.
• Solid business acumen and proven team-building skills.
• Exceptional listening skills and results-oriented mindset.
• Strong analytical skills and prior process improvement experience.
• Experience in coaching and teaching others in Lean methods.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in a lab or leading labs.
• Secondary degree in supply chain or business administration.
• Deep understanding and successful application of TPS.
• Excellent IT skills for data organization and analysis (MS-Access, MS-Excel, Minitab).
• Experience in operations management, manufacturing, or related disciplines.
• Experience in a Vaccines or Sterile pharmaceutical environment.

Benefits

• Bonus eligibility
• Long-term incentive if applicable
• Health care and other insurance benefits for employee and family
• Retirement benefits
• Paid holidays
• Vacation
• Sick days