Operational Excellence Manager
The Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives across U.S Zoetis Reference Labs to enhance efficiency, quality, and productivity. This role involves leading cross-functional teams, training colleagues, troubleshooting, developing optimal workflows with subject matter experts, and fostering a culture of operational excellence. The Operational Excellence Manager will work closely with the Director of Quality Management and Operational Excellence and ZRL Operations to align strategies with organizational goals and ensure sustainable improvements. This position requires strong leadership, analytical, and communication skills.
Job Duties :
- Lead and project manage Waste Walk, Kaizen, Tier Board, 5S and other programs / projects to drive continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement. Oversee ZRL Tier Board program to ensure program's effectiveness, location compliance and value creation.
- Develop and implement operational excellence strategies to support overall business strategies, improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance overall cross-functional efficiency.
- Lead cross-functional teams in identifying and executing improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Compile, monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) as part of ZRL Tier Board and Quality Scorecard programs to monitor performance, identify areas for improvement and track progress.
- Collaborate with department leaders to ensure alignment of operational excellence initiatives with organizational objectives.
- Prepare and present reports on operational excellence activities and outcomes to senior leadership.
- Participate with Quality Team in ZRL Quality Assessments as required.
Education / Experience :
Bachelor's degree in Science, Business Administration, or a related field (required).Minimum of 5 years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or a related field.Requires knowledge of lean six sigma methodologyPreferred Experience :Lean Six Sigma Black Belt strongly preferred.Master's degree and / or relevant certifications (e.g., ASQ, etc) preferred.Clinical reference laboratory experience is strongly preferred.Project management experience and / or certification strongly preferred.Technical Skills Required :
Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent project management and organizational abilities.Proficient in data analysis tools and software (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Power BI, Tableau, Posit, etc).Strong communication and leadership skills.Experience with Microsoft business suite required.Experience leveraging AI tools preferred.Physical Position Requirements :
Able to work hours on a computer and tolerate computer screens.Domestic travel up to 25%.Flexible hours including early mornings or evenings as needed.Site visits also include standing and / or walking for extended periods of time.Primarily office-based in Louisville location with visits to other laboratory sites.