Sr Specialist, Operational Excellence

About the role

At Baxter, we believe every person—regardless of who they are or where they are from—deserves a chance to live a healthy life. The Operational Excellence Senior Specialist is responsible for leading and implementing continuous improvement initiatives across Baxter’s operations. This role involves analyzing processes, identifying areas for improvement, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency, quality, and overall performance. The Operational Excellence Senior Specialist will play a critical role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive continuous improvement strategy that aligns with Baxter’s business objectives and operational goals.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct thorough analyses of existing processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement.
• Utilize methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to design and implement process improvements that enhance productivity and quality.
• Lead continuous improvement projects from initiation to completion, ensuring that they are delivered on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Provide training and support to employees on continuous improvement methodologies and tools.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employee engagement and participation in improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with various departments, including operations, quality assurance, and supply chain, to ensure alignment on continuous improvement efforts.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to provide updates on project progress, results, and recommendations.
• Maintain accurate records of continuous improvement activities, including project documentation, process maps, and performance metrics.
• Prepare and present reports to management, highlighting achievements, challenges, and opportunities for further improvement.
• Develop and implement systems to sustain improvements over time, ensuring that changes are integrated into standard operating procedures.
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented changes and make adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ensure that all continuous improvement initiatives comply with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Collaborate with quality assurance teams to maintain compliance and address any quality-related issues.
• Proactively contribute to zero harm in the workplace by complying with legal and corporate Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) requirements, safe work practices, and EHS policies and procedures.
• Report all hazards, near misses, and incidents as soon as practicable and participate in identifying actions to prevent harm to people and/or the environment.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, ISO, and other government regulations, legal documents, and safety and ethical standards, including obtaining legal compliance training.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, operations management, or process engineering, preferably within the healthcare or medical device industry.
• Proven experience leading continuous improvement projects and initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex processes and develop effective solutions.
• Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) and tools (e.g., process mapping, statistical analysis).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Work Environment

• Office Work: Primarily involves desk work, including using computers for data analysis, documentation, and communication. Extended periods of sitting may be required, along with repetitive motions such as typing and using a mouse.
• Meetings and Presentations: Participation in meetings, presentations, and discussions with cross-functional teams, which may involve standing or moving around during presentations.
• Field Engagement: Occasional travel may be required for site visits to manufacturing facilities, training sessions, or industry events. This could involve walking through production areas and interacting with various teams.
• Visual Acuity: Good visual acuity is necessary for reading reports, analyzing data, and reviewing process documentation and compliance materials.
• Problem-Solving: The role may require physical manipulation of materials during presentations or demonstrations, necessitating good hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

The Senior Operational Excellence Specialist typically works in a corporate office environment, which is generally climate-controlled. The workspace may include cubicles or open layouts, with access to meeting rooms and collaborative spaces. The role may also involve working in a manufacturing facility, which includes exposure to various manufacturing processes and equipment designed to meet specific regulatory standards.

The position involves significant collaboration with cross-functional teams, including operations, quality assurance, engineering, and supply chain. Baxter promotes a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with a focus on health and safety regulations to ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one.
• 160 hours of Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays.
• 401K match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Educational assistance programs.
• Paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave.
• Commuting benefits.
• Employee Discount Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Childcare benefits.

Pay

The estimated base salary for this position is $80,000 - $110,000 annually. The estimated range reflects an anticipated salary range, and individual pay is based on location, skills, expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.