Operational Excellence Manager

Job Responsibilities OEM (Operational Excellence Manager)

The Operational Excellence Manager will be responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives across all functions of the pharmaceutical formulation unit with the objective of enhancing productivity, compliance, quality, cost-efficiency, and cultural transformation. Key roles and responsibilities include:

Core Responsibilities

1. Operational Excellence Implementation

• Develop and execute site-wide OE strategies aligned with corporate vision and regulatory expectations.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and other CI methodologies for waste reduction and performance improvement.
• Drive process standardization and optimization across production lines and cross-functional processes.

2. Performance & Productivity Enhancement

• Identify gaps in operational effectiveness using data-driven tools such as OEE, cycle time studies, value stream mapping, etc.
• Improve equipment utilization to optimize manufacturing throughput and reduce downtime.
• Monitor key KPIs and ensure achievement of operational performance targets.

3. Compliance, Quality & Safety Support

• Ensure improvements are in alignment with cGMP, GDP, EHS and regulatory guidelines (USFDA, MHRA, WHO, etc.).
• Collaborate with QA, QC, and Production teams to enhance right-first-time, batch yield, and compliance culture.
• Support deviation reduction, CAPA effectiveness, and root cause analysis improvements.

4. Cost Reduction & Resource Optimization

• Drive cost saving projects such as yield improvement, utility usage efficiency, manpower productivity, and material wastage reduction.
• Maintain project charters, ROI tracking, and management reporting for all OE initiatives.

5. Digital Initiatives & Automation Support

• Support digital transformation projects including Industry 4.0, MES, data analytics, and real-time monitoring systems.
• Evaluate technologies for predictive maintenance and smart manufacturing solutions.

6. Training & Culture Building

• Develop a continuous improvement mindset within employees through training programs (Lean tools, problem solving, A3, etc.).
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Gemba walks, and team-based OE activities to build employee engagement.

7. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, SCM, Warehouse, HR, and R&D for effective project execution.
• Act as an internal consultant to support departmental initiatives and strategic business objectives.

8. Project Governance & Reporting

• Ensure timely execution of OE projects with clear milestones, risk assessment, and progress reviews.
• Prepare weekly/monthly dashboards and present outcomes to Site Leadership Team.

Qualification & Desired Competencies

• Bachelors or Masters Degree in Pharmacy/Engineering/Science; Lean Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt preferred).
• Proven experience in pharmaceutical formulation manufacturing setup.
• Strong analytical, leadership, training and change management skills.