Director, Operational Excellence (Biotech)

Job summary

This role involves leading the Operational Excellence (OpEx) function within Technical Operations, focusing on enhancing process excellence and performance management across the organization. The position is critical for ensuring scalable operations and reliable delivery from development through to commercial supply.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD or MBA) in engineering, life sciences, operations, or a related field.
• 10–15+ years of experience in Operational Excellence, manufacturing, supply chain, or TechOps within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry.
• Proven track record in driving process improvement and transformation initiatives, such as Lean or Six Sigma.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end TechOps processes and ability to deliver measurable performance improvements in complex environments.
• Experience in cross-functional and matrix organizations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the TechOps Operational Excellence framework, including standards and governance.
• Foster an OpEx culture through coaching, training, and change management.
• Establish performance management systems, including KPIs and dashboards.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks and inefficiencies in processes.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives aligned with business priorities.
• Optimize end-to-end processes across development, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality.
• Collaborate with Digital TechOps to implement data-driven working methods.
• Ensure alignment with broader TechOps strategy and transformation initiatives.

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience in building performance management and continuous improvement cultures.

Education

• Advanced degree (MS/PhD or MBA) in engineering, life sciences, operations, or related field.

Tools

• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, and performance management systems.