Operational Excellence OpU Lead (m/f/d) Pharma / Nutrition

The Global Operational Excellence (OPEX) Lead is responsible for delivering value by supporting the strategic OPEX activities across our Operating Units (OpU) sites. This will involve development and deployment of the Operational Excellence strategy in line with TechOps and Quality strategic goals, the coordination of capability building, methodologies and knowledge sharing, whilst executing and coaching strategic projects across any of the key performance dimensions of quality, safety, service, cost and working capital. The Global Operational Excellence Lead will help facilitate and coordinate in the OPEX governance processes together with OpU team and the Head of Operational Excellence.

We are currently seeking two Global Operational Excellence Leads, one dedicated to the OpU Pharma sector and the other to the Nutrition sector. These positions require individuals who are adept at driving strategic OPEX initiatives, capable of coordinating with various stakeholders.

As these positions are international, we are also open to hiring in various locations such as Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands for the Nutrition OpU, or Portugal and Austria for the Pharma OpU .

Your assignments

• Support and coordinate the OPEX capability building program in accordance with the OPEX Capability Model. This involves developing and maintaining capability curricula, executing training sessions, and coordinating trainers (both internal and third-party).

• Drive change management by assisting sites in executing transformations or "burning platform" projects.

• Roll out global OPEX standards, particularly mandatory elements, across the network. This includes owning elements of the operating system, developing corresponding standards, and managing the administrative processes of the OPEX team, such as maintaining the OPEX SharePoint.

• Manage the global OPEX community, conduct OPEX performance management calls, and oversee the collection of best practices to ensure they are shared via IT tools and the OPEX community.

• Conduct regular audits and process mapping to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Collaborate with industry experts to understand and implement best practices.

• Lead quality circles and continuous improvement workshops to engage employees in efficiency initiatives.

Your profile

General requirements

• A university degree in technical or business discipline, science or pharmaceutical technology or equivalent

• Several years of relevant experience in Technical Operations as well as in operational excellence, organizational development, or related roles within a global organization required

• Desirable training achievements: Lean 6-Sigma Master Black Belt certified, Sophisticated Statistical Knowledge (e.g. MVDA), Project Management and Change Management

• Proven track record in leading continuous improvement initiatives and driving organizational change.

• Strong understanding of change management principles and methodologies, coupled with superior leadership and communication skills.

• Analytical mindset with experience in identifying trends, analyzing data, and developing actionable insights.

• Experience interacting with senior and executive leadership, and demonstrated ability to drive cost savings and process improvements.

Specific profile requirements for each Operating Unit:

OpU Pharma

• Experience in aseptic GMP manufacturing environment on the shop floor and/or QA/QC environment is required

• Proven understanding of aseptic techniques, sterility assurance and cell manufacturing (Pharma, GMP, Regulatory aspects)

OpU Nutrition

Experience required in:

• Weighing and controlling of Nutrients

• Mixing & Blending – Homogenizing raw ingredients for consistency

• Spray Drying / Evaporation – Creating powders from liquid formulations

• Preparation and processing of the Nutrition liquids - Disperser, Homogenizers, UHT and Sterile tanks

• Filling & Packaging – High-speed automated systems for cans, sachets, bottles, or pouches

• Pasteurization & Sterilization – Ensuring microbiological safety in liquid nutrition

• Automated Conveyor & Robotics – Streamlining material handling and reducing manual labor

• CIP (Clean-in-Place) Systems – Ensuring hygiene and compliance with food safety regulations

If you are a dedicated and experienced professional in Operational Excellence looking to make a significant impact and are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role, we invite you to apply for this opportunity. Take the next step in your career and apply now!