Site Operations Excellence Leader

The Opportunity:
Implements tactical process improvement goals that drive efficiency, scalability, and innovation across business functions. Contributes significantly to the achievement of strategic business objectives by leading efforts in workflow optimization, automation, and operational risk reduction. Manages large process improvement projects and/or processes, overseeing initiatives such as enterprise-wide process standardization, advanced workflow redesigns, and compliance-driven business improvements. Directs the activities of others within projects, ensuring alignment with best practices, organizational goals, and industry benchmarks. Works on complex problems requiring an in-depth evaluation of multiple variable factors, including resource allocation, regulatory adherence, and technology integrations. Adapts precedents and may make departures from traditional approaches to develop innovative solutions that streamline operations and enhance productivity. Communicates with and influences senior management, providing insights into process optimization strategies, automation frameworks, and efficiency-driven cost reductions. Enhances relationships and networks with senior internal and external partners who may not be familiar with process improvement methodologies, often requiring persuasive communication to align stakeholders with strategic objectives.
Job Description: Site Operations Excellence Leader
Position Summary
The Site Operations Excellence Leader is responsible for leading the deployment, maturity, and sustainability of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the site. This role serves as the site's primary change agent, driving a culture of operational excellence through the implementation of Lean principles, daily management systems, problem-solving methodologies, and employee engagement programs.
The Lean Leader partners with site leadership and cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, inventory performance, and cost competitiveness. This position develops organizational capability, coaches leaders and employees, and ensures Lean principles become embedded in the site's operating culture.
Key Responsibilities
Lean Strategy & Deployment
Develop and execute the site's Lean Manufacturing strategy aligned with business objectives.
Lead deployment of the company's Operational Excellence, Lean, and Continuous Improvement programs.
Establish annual Lean objectives, performance targets, and improvement roadmaps.
Drive alignment between site goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
Serve as the site's subject matter expert for Lean systems, tools, and methodologies.
Continuous Improvement Leadership
Lead and facilitate Kaizen events focused on improving operational performance.
Execute Value Stream Mapping activities to identify waste and optimize process flow.
Drive implementation of Lean tools, including:
5S
Visual Management
Standard Work
Daily Management
Kanban
SMED (Quick Changeover)
Pull Systems
Error Proofing (Poka-Yoke)
Root Cause Problem Solving
Establish sustainable improvement processes and controls.
Operational Performance Improvement
Identify opportunities to improve:
Safety performance
Quality performance
OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
Throughput
Productivity
Lead Times
Inventory Levels
Cost Performance
Customer Service
Lead projects that deliver measurable operational and financial improvements.
Track and validate savings generated from Lean initiatives.
Culture & Capability Development
Develop Lean knowledge and problem-solving capability throughout the organization.
Train leaders, supervisors, engineers, and frontline employees on Lean methodologies.
Coach leadership teams on Lean behaviors and continuous improvement practices.
Establish a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.
Develop internal Lean champions and improvement leaders.
Daily Management & Problem Solving
Implement and sustain Daily Management Systems throughout the site.
Establish KPI-driven visual management processes.
Drive structured problem-solving using:
A3 Methodology
PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
DMAIC
5 Why Analysis
Fishbone Diagrams
Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)
Support leaders in addressing performance gaps through fact-based problem solving.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS teams.
Support new product introductions, facility expansions, and operational transformation initiatives.
Collaborate with corporate Operational Excellence teams to deploy best practices.
Facilitate improvement efforts across organizational boundaries.
Governance & Sustainability
Establish Lean governance processes and improvement tracking systems.
Monitor progress of Lean initiatives and report results to site leadership.
Conduct audits to ensure sustainability of implemented improvements.
Drive standardization and continuous maturation of Lean systems.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Business, or related field required.
Master's degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business Administration preferred.
Experience
5–10 years of manufacturing, operational excellence, continuous improvement, or Lean leadership experience
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Demonstrated experience leading Lean transformations and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
Experience facilitating Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping, and structured problem-solving activities.
Proven success driving measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
Experience working cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Facilities, Supply Chain, and EHS teams.
Preferred Certifications
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred)
Certified Continuous Improvement Professional (CCIP)
Project Management Professional (PMP) (preferred)
Knowledge
Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies
Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence systems
Toyota Production System (TPS)
Kaizen facilitation techniques
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
Standard Work development
Visual Management systems
Daily Management Systems (DMS)
Root Cause Analysis methodologies
Problem-solving frameworks (A3, PDCA, DMAIC, 5 Why Analysis)
Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
Manufacturing operations and production processes
Quality management systems
Production planning and scheduling
Performance management and KPI development
Change management principles
Cost reduction and productivity improvement methods
Supply chain and material flow processes
Safety and environmental regulations within manufacturing environments
Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Why Avantor?
Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!
EEO Statement:
We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discrimina