Sr. Operational Excellence Engineer

Reference: 631033Posted: 2026-09-18Location: Durham, North CarolinaCompany: Planet Pharma GroupContact: ApplicationsEmail: View email address on click.appcast.io SummaryThis position is responsible for implementing and sustaining the Operational Excellence strategy through the achievement of business results and the promotion of ideal behaviors across the organization.The role ensures the alignment and integration of Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) objectives throughout all organizational tiers. The Senior Operational Excellence Engineer serves as the administrator and coach of the Change to Win and Production System programs, consistently supporting business growth and operational performance.This position requires extensive experience mentoring and facilitating continuous improvement initiatives, including Kaizen Blitz events, Kaizen Weeks, and complex problem-solving activities utilizing methodologies such as A3, DMAIC, 8D, and other Lean Six Sigma tools. The role also drives training and capability development in Continuous Improvement methodologies and practices while leveraging technical expertise in Industrial Engineering and financial business analysis to deliver sustainable results.General Duties and Responsibilities· Participate in the development of the organization’s Annual Strategic Plan and support its deployment across manufacturing operations and support functions through the Tier Management System (TMS).· Provide leadership with performance updates and progress reports regarding Operational Excellence initiatives and key metrics.· Administer the Change to Win program and ensure established objectives are achieved or exceeded.· Manage a healthy project pipeline, including opportunity identification, feasibility assessment, business case validation, and budget-approved initiatives.· Identify organizational training needs based on business performance and provide timely coaching and development through Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools.· Promote and drive innovative methodologies, best practices, and operational improvement techniques that support employee development and team empowerment.· Lead Lean Transformation initiatives based on business results versus strategic objectives, developing Annual Deployment Plans and Value Stream Maps for internal and external processes.· Drive initiatives focused on improving manufacturing profitability, labor productivity, and overhead optimization through a multi-year strategic roadmap.· Participate in strategic and high-impact projects that contribute to sustainable business growth.· Design and implement Gemba activities and Improvement Katas in partnership with business leadership teams, fostering a culture of problem-solving, accountability, responsiveness, and operational discipline.· Develop and manage the Production System maturity roadmap and facilitate deployment strategies that enable organizational standardization of corporate programs through ideal behaviors and performance outcomes.· Participate in additional initiatives that promote process simplification, execution discipline, and achievement of the company’s strategic objectives.Specific Roles and Responsibilities· Coordinate, lead, and facilitate Continuous Improvement projects aligned with business strategy and key performance indicators (KPIs).· Lead and facilitate Kaizen events while ensuring effective monitoring, sustainment, and realization of expected results.· Drive recurring opportunity identification activities to maintain a robust pipeline of improvement initiatives focused on cost savings and the elimination of non-value-added activities.· Monitor and validate the financial impact of improvement projects in partnership with the Finance organization.· Facilitate recurring Voice of the Customer (VOC) and Voice of the Business (VOB) reviews with executive leadership teams.· Manage the Annual Deployment Plan (ADP) for Operational Excellence initiatives and ensure timely execution of committed actions.· Maintain and ensure accuracy of visual management systems and operational performance boards.· Monitor the effectiveness and sustainability of implemented systems, ensuring integration between processes through standardized work and operational excellence behaviors.Education· Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering.Experience· 4-5 years of progressive experience in Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related disciplines.ompetencies· Strong knowledge and practical experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Project Management, and Coaching methodologies.· Ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.· Proven capability to serve as a role model, coach, mentor, and facilitator for Operational Excellence systems and organizational transformation.· Demonstrated ability to develop others and build Continuous Improvement capabilities across the organization.· Experience planning, selecting, and executing improvement initiatives aligned with business objectives.· Advanced proficiency in Continuous Improvement tools and methodologies, including Kaizen Blitz, Kanban Systems, Cellular Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S, Standard Work, Pull Systems, Production Preparation Process (3P), Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), PDCA, and DMAIC.· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.· Knowledge of manufacturing operating systems and financial management concepts, including P&L understanding and savings validation processes.· Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive sustainable business results through cross-functional collaboration.Core Leadership Expectations· Lead by example in promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline.· Influence organizational change through coaching, mentoring, and stakeholder engagement.· Foster teamwork, accountability, and employee empowerment.· Demonstrate a strong sense of urgency and results orientation.· Drive business growth through strategic thinking and operational execution excellence.Pay Range: 40-47/hr