Program Manager, Technical Operations

About the role

The Program Manager, Technical Operations reports directly to the Head of Manufacturing Science and Technology and leads the site strategic initiatives for Lupin's Somerset facility. This position drives cross-functional teams to roll out global technical operations initiatives and streamline processes across the network, improving process performance and alignment in manufacturing operations. The role champions and executes scientifically sound, data-driven initiatives, transforming operations through process improvement. The Somerset facility manufactures and packages solid, powder, semi-solid, nasal spray, and liquid dosage form pharmaceuticals.

Responsibilities

• Implement global process improvement programs and a culture of continuous improvement to deliver high performance and behaviors.
• Collect and analyze data using statistical tools and methods on key products and processes.
• Identify improvement opportunities in all cross-functional departments for continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead and facilitate root cause analysis (problem-solving) using lean principles.
• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Material Management, Engineering, and site functional leaders to establish shared goals and key performance indicators.
• Identify improvement opportunities through the Lean Six Sigma program to improve and sustain product robustness using statistical methodologies.
• Apply Lean Principles to impact Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through facilitation of lean activities and employee mentorship.
• Lead diagnosis of workflow impediments and other wastes throughout the manufacturing and testing process; provide counsel on eliminating them.
• Implement “Best Practices” for process optimization to drive continuous process improvement initiatives across all levels of the organization.
• Identify inefficiencies to reduce costs.
• Perform value stream mapping, risk assessment, and FMEA on business processes.
• Develop risk communication and risk mitigation strategies.
• Form cross-functional teams and provide daily leadership to ensure all aspects of the GTO initiatives are executed according to plan.
• Perform day-to-day relationship management with key individuals on assigned GTO initiatives.
• Plan and schedule project timelines and milestones using appropriate tools.
• Track project progress to ensure timely completion and adherence to budget guidelines.
• Organize cross-functional teams to enable execution of all project requirements.
• Routinely track budget items and facilitate reconciliation for all services against scopes of work.
• Act as a liaison between the global network of manufacturing sites on sharing best practices and GTO tools for continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Process Engineering, or a similar Life Science or Engineering degree.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification (required); Black Belt certification (desired).
• 5 to 10 years of proven experience as a process engineer, with expertise in technical operations in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Subject matter expert (SME) knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging, and testing equipment.
• Experience in generic pharmaceutical operations involving solid, liquid, semi-solid, and nasal spray technology (desirable).
• Experience in utilization of project management tools; certification in project management (PMP®) (desirable).

Work Environment

The physical requirements of the position generally include: standing, walking, sitting, using hands and fingers, reaching with hands and arms, talking, and hearing. In some circumstances, bending, kneeling, crouching, stooping, and crawling may apply. This position may require lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally. Work is generally performed in a manufacturing environment.

Competencies

• Collaboration
• Customer Centricity
• Developing Talent
• Innovation & Creativity
• Process Excellence
• Result Orientation
• Stakeholder Management
• Strategic Agility

Pay

The expected base pay range for this position is $85,000 to $115,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on skills, experience, education, internal equity, and other job-related factors.

Benefits

This role is eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Other compensation programs