Operational Excellence Lead [Manufacturing]

The Operational Excellence professional will drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations. This role will partner closely with site leadership and cross-functional teams to enhance productivity, quality, safety, and operational performance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals with experience in manufacturing transformation, Lean initiatives, operational excellence, or large-scale business improvement programs within regulated industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support site-wide continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
  


• Drive Lean and process improvement programs to enhance productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
  


• Facilitate cross-functional projects and collaborate with stakeholders across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and support functions.
  


• Coach leaders and project teams on continuous improvement methodologies and best practices.
  


• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle times, optimize resources, improve quality, and eliminate waste.
  


• Support governance activities, project tracking, and performance management.
  


• Deliver training and knowledge sharing on operational excellence tools and methodologies.
  


• Build strong partnerships with local and global stakeholders to drive sustainable change and business outcomes.
  


• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree or above in Engineering, Science, Business, Finance, or a related discipline.
  


• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, consulting, operational excellence, continuous improvement, or transformation-related roles.
  


• Experience leading cross-functional projects and driving organizational change.
  


• Strong problem-solving, analytical, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
  


• Experience influencing stakeholders without direct authority.
  


• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, or operational excellence methodologies.
  


• Experience within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, life sciences, or other regulated manufacturing industries is highly preferred.
  


• Business-level Japanese and English communication skills.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coaching teams and leaders on process improvement methodologies.
  


• Exposure to manufacturing operations, quality systems, supply chain, or production environments.
  


• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement training.
  


• Experience working in global or matrix organizations.
  

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual performance bonus
  


• Comprehensive health and insurance coverage
  


• Housing and commuting support (where applicable)
  


• Flexible working hours and hybrid work options
  


• Generous paid leave and holiday package
  


• Career growth opportunities within a global organization
  


• Exposure to international projects and global stakeholders
  


• Learning, training, and leadership development programs
  


• Strong focus on employee wellbeing and work-life balance
  


• Inclusive and collaborative company culture