Director, Operational Excellence, EU & NA

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end deployment and sustainment of the Lean 4.0 program across EU & NA sites.
• Drive integration of Lean methodologies with digital technologies (automation, data analytics, AI-enabled insights) to create a modern, data-driven operating model.
• Own regional execution of Lean 4.0 governance, roadmap delivery, and wave-based deployment.
• Ensure consistent adoption of Lean 4.0 standards, frameworks, and maturity models across sites.
• Ensure delivery of site diagnostics, baselining, and 3-year transformation roadmaps.
• Translate global OE and Lean 4.0 strategy into site-level transformation roadmaps.
• Lead deployment of standard work, lean systems, and performance management frameworks.
• Institutionalize tier management, KPI systems, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Ensure integration of OE practices into daily management systems and decision-making.
• Scale and replicate best practices and successful transformation use cases.
• Drive cost reduction framework.
• Identify savings opportunities at site against targets.
• Track and report value delivery against site targets.
• Drive harmonization across sites and adopt best practices to deliver cost.
• Drive adoption of digital foundations such as paperless systems, digital logs, and data integration.
• Lead initiatives across key Lean 4.0 workstreams, including: Flow & Performance Excellence (OEE, planning optimization), Smart Quality (AI-enabled monitoring, automation, product quality insights), Lab of the Future (digital labs, performance management), Engineering & Energy Excellence (predictive maintenance, energy optimization).
• Enable transition toward real-time, data-driven decision making across sites.
• Build Lean 4.0 capabilities across site leadership and teams (Lean, Digital, Analytics).
• Lead Lean 4.0 training programs, leadership upskilling, and capability certification journeys.
• Coach site leaders to embed a culture of continuous improvement and digital adoption.
• Develop a sustainable pipeline of Operational Excellence and transformation leaders.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering / Operations / Business; MBA preferred.
• 12–18 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, operational excellence, or transformation roles.
• Strong experience in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt minimum; Black Belt preferred).
• Proven track record in deploying large-scale transformation programs across multiple sites/regions.
• Experience in digital transformation / Industry 4.0 initiatives in manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in speaking, comprehending, reading, and writing English is required.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $112,000.00 - $236.000.00 USD. At Viatris, we offer competitive salaries, benefits and an inclusive environment where you can use your experiences, perspectives and skills to help make an impact on the lives of others. Viatris is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.