Rapid Improvement Leader

You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: exploring uncharted questions, engineering innovative solutions, advancing scientific understanding, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. You want to be part of a performance culture dedicated to solving real-world problems with purpose and precision. You want to work in an environment that promotes sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and career development. In this role, you’ll help us shape the future and improve lives for billions of people around the world.

About the role

This individual will drive operational transformation across NA Manufacturing sites through execution of Rapid Improvement projects. They will utilize Six Sigma problem-solving methods and LEAN tools to identify gaps, develop improvement plans, and execute solutions that deliver significant impact to manufacturing processes, organizational capability, and high-performance culture.

• Provide overall ownership to execute Rapid Improvement projects, typically within a 3–5-month timeframe, ensuring rigorous and consistent application of standards.
• Lead and coordinate a cross-functional team including plant operations, engineering, maintenance, Value Stream, logistics, quality, finance, digital, and Enterprise Supply Chain to drive delivery of project goals.
• Build capability within plant teams to ensure sustainability of improved results.
• Influence others and drive collaboration across businesses and functions with minimum supervision.
• Drive effective stakeholder management across the organization through various forums and methods.
• Report to the NA Manufacturing Senior Transformation Leader.
• Provide onsite support at NA manufacturing sites during execution of Rapid Improvement projects with an expectation of ~75% onsite travel throughout the project to ensure on-time completion.
• Lead a cross-functional onsite team, including support from 1-2 Staff Transformation Leaders, typically assigned to 2-3 Rapid Improvements per year.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of multiple Rapid Improvement projects within NA manufacturing sites that deliver exceptional value (>$2MM annual impact) and drive overall operational transformation including aspirational targets.
• Utilize Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques with extreme rigor and discipline to deliver project goals in a 3–5-month timeframe following Enterprise standards.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (plant operations, engineering, maintenance, Value Stream, logistics, quality, finance, digital, and Enterprise Supply Chain) to drive project goals.
• Utilize effective project management tools and skills to document progress, activity plans, resources, and overall status.
• Lead stakeholder management meetings, including steering team and executive team communications, with ability to effectively articulate and influence up to the VP level across Supply Chain functions.
• Build capability within Plant and Value Stream teams to ensure sustainability of results post-project.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to mill operations, including development of visual management tools, tiered scorecards, and Leader Standard Work.
• Collaborate with the digital capabilities team to identify and drive technology improvement solutions that enable operational efficiency and improved asset performance.
• Encourage and facilitate knowledge and best practice sharing across facilities/functions, including documentation of solutions within P2030.
• Maintain or work toward LSS Black Belt certification with an expectation to maintain an active LSS project ongoing.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on all aspects of LEAN manufacturing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in supply chain, engineering, or related field, with 10+ years of related experience.
• Possess or working toward LSS Black Belt certification.
• Direct or indirect manufacturing/operations, supply chain, and/or finance experience, as well as knowledge of organizational structure.
• Significant experience in Engineering, Operations, Lean Manufacturing, and Reliability, with familiarity in the application of Lean, CI, OPEX, and LSS tools and theory.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a high-speed industrial manufacturing environment/plant experience.
• Experience in change management in large, complex organizations, including coaching and mentoring at all levels to drive collaboration across teams and functions.

Work Environment

• Normal scheduled hours may vary based on the need to support 24/7 operations.
• Travel is expected to be ~75% with heavy onsite plant support within the region. Some individuals may require minimal travel if projects are located at their local site.
• Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment. Some shift work may be required to interact with operating teams.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health support: medical, dental, and vision coverage with no waiting periods or pre-existing condition restrictions.
• On-site fitness center, occupational health nurse, and allowances for high-quality safety equipment.
• Flexible Savings and spending accounts to maximize healthcare options and stretch dollars for dependents.
• Diverse income protection insurance options for illness, injury, or unexpected events.
• Additional programs and support for continuing education, adoption, relocation, and temporary childcare.

Pay

Salary Range: $127,600 – $157,600 USD. Along with base pay, this position offers eligibility for a target bonus and a comprehensive benefits suite, including a 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan. Actual pay will depend on location, role, skills, performance, and experience. The stated pay range applies to US locations only.