Sr Specialist, Operational Excellence

At Baxter, we believe every person deserves a chance to live a healthy life. Our colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives, driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact.

About the role

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 role fosters 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 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 changes are integrated into standard operating procedures.
• Monitor the effectiveness of implemented changes and make adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ensure 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.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, ISO, and other government regulations, legal documents, and safety and ethical standards, including completing 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 preferred.
• 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.

Physical Demands

• Primarily office-based tasks, including extended periods of sitting, typing, and using a computer.
• Participation in meetings, presentations, and discussions, which may involve standing or moving around.
• Occasional travel for site visits to manufacturing facilities, training sessions, or industry events, including walking through production areas.
• Good visual acuity for reading reports, analyzing data, and reviewing process documentation.
• Physical manipulation of materials during presentations or demonstrations, requiring good hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Work Environment

• Corporate office environment, generally climate-controlled, with access to meeting rooms and collaborative spaces.
• May involve working in a manufacturing facility with exposure to various manufacturing processes and equipment, designed to meet regulatory standards.
• Significant collaboration with cross-functional teams, including operations, quality assurance, engineering, and supply chain.
• Modern technology utilization, including computers, data analysis software, and communication tools.
• Company culture promotes inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with a focus on health and safety.

Pay

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

Benefits

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