Continuous Improvement Director

Company Description

Veranova is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for pharma and biotech customers. With deep technical expertise and impressive flexibility, we develop solutions and processes that support and accelerate innovation.

Job Description

The Global Continuous Improvement Director will be responsible for leading and implementing continuous improvement initiatives across all aspects of Veranova’s manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will work closely with the site General Managers and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for improvement, develop and implement solutions, and drive sustainable change to support site master plans, overall business strategy, and growth opportunities. The Global Director will analyze current practices and develop business process improvements as well as implement changes in workflows, structures, and teams to ensure continuous company performance.

To ensure success as a continuous improvement manager, you should be a skilled communicator and be adept at business analysis and project implementation. An exceptional continuous improvement manager will understand the latest management methodologies and embody top leadership principles and styles in their management duties.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a global continuous improvement program aligning with organizational goals and industry standards across multiple sites. Provide strategic oversight to ensure consistency, share best practices, and facilitate efficient resource use across Veranova.
• Drive a culture of problem-solving and innovation by encouraging employee engagement in improvement activities and provide training and mentorship to develop a culture of continuous improvement.
• Lead and facilitate continuous improvement projects using lean methodologies, Six Sigma principles, and other improvement methodologies.
• Engage with stakeholders at all levels to ensure alignment, gain support, and secure resources.
• Collaborate with the site GMs and cross-functional teams to execute continuous improvement projects to capture opportunities for process optimization, waste reduction, and improve overall operational performance.
• Stay current with emerging trends in continuous improvement methodologies and incorporate industry best practices from external sources into the continuous improvement operating framework. Bring new insight into the business to ignite and drive stellar operational performance.
• Conduct data analysis and performance metrics tracking to measure the effectiveness of improvement initiatives and identify areas for further optimization. Action staff to investigate areas of concern and follow-up to ensure priority corrective actions are initiated and completed.
• Establish and maintain KPIs, performance dashboards, and reporting systems to monitor improvement effectiveness and drive accountability for results.
• Working with the site GMs, design and influence the reallocation of resources to better enable growth and productivity pipelines. Assign, direct, and coordinate efforts of matrixed subordinates and other company resources to effectively optimize resource allocation to achieve financial objectives.
• Provide training and mentorship to team members using continuous improvement tools and methodologies through effective communications, coaching, training, and development.
• Provide leadership for problem resolution to facilitate prompt improvements and enhanced working relations. Ensure recruitment of high caliber individuals to meet delivery of business objectives achieved through talent management program and succession planning.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with external entities to leverage expertise and drive innovation.
• Take on any other duties which are within the employee's skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.

Other Responsibilities

• Indirectly manages site-based Continuous Improvement Managers with local reporting (3 identified for 2024)
• Works closely with members of Veranova Leadership Team and the site General Managers to ensure continuous improvement projects support site master plans, overall business strategy, and growth opportunities.
• The incumbent manages the business performance to assure both short- and long-term targets are achieved. If deviations from the projected budget occur or significant issues develop which could impact business performance keeps the SVP Manufacturing Operations informed and initiates corrective action as required.
• Implement reporting mechanisms to track progress and communicate impact to executive management and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of time as required by the needs of the business.
• Requires a heightened level of diplomacy to influence without authority vertically, up and down the organization, as well as horizontally across the breadth of operational functions.

• Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in continuous improvement or operational excellence roles within the manufacturing industry, preferably in contract manufacturing
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other continuous improvement tools and techniques.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Black Belt)
• Proven track record of successfully leading and implementing continuous improvement projects resulting in measurable operational improvements.
• In-depth demonstrated success and within Pharmaceutical Operations
• In-depth understanding of the various functions within the Operations umbrella with demonstrated knowledge of the interactions and interdependencies of all Operations functions.
• Business acumen. Has held significant P&L responsibility, aware of the levers which drive business results.
• The incumbent must have a relevant degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated leadership ability of a broad range of functions. Able to influence senior level individuals within a matrixed, internationally dispersed environment.
• Creates engagement, trust, motivation in interaction and communication with others at all levels within the organization in all forms of communication.
• Results-driven with a strong focus on driving performance and achieving targets.
• Ability to demonstrate the Company Values: People, Patients, and Innovation. Ability to lead through the Company Vision and Values.
• Seasoned collaborator and negotiator.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Veranova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Veranova to provide equal employment access and opportunity to all persons regardless of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

All applications are carefully considered, and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Veranova for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Veranova respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice.