Director Operational Excellence

Job Summary The Operational Excellence Director partners with leadership across Illumina to design and deploy system-wide process improvement initiatives, advance data‑driven decision‑making, and embed AI and intelligent automation into operational practices. This senior role leads cross‑functional transformation projects, mentors teams in continuous improvement methodologies, and drives the adoption of Operational Excellence systems that generate measurable business value. Responsibilities Partner with senior leaders to deploy and mature the company's Lean/Operational Excellence system. Lead complex improvement and optimization projects across Safety, Quality, Productivity and Cost‑saving initiatives. Conduct training sessions in continuous improvement methodologies and mentor teams in their application. Facilitate business process management practices and ensure sites effectively practice and maintain those processes. Coordinate stakeholders to develop area‑specific roadmaps as part of site/functional strategy. Lead development, implementation, and monitoring of goals and KPIs through strategy deployment. Oversee the Operational Excellence Project Portfolio and chair the Operational Excellence Steering Committee. Promote site‑level communication and knowledge sharing through internal networks. Partner with executive and functional leadership to drive enterprise transformations supporting company strategy through Operational Excellence business systems. Design, deploy, and sustain scalable Operational Excellence management systems (problem solving, performance management, standard work, continuous improvement). Build self‑sustaining improvement capabilities across functions via coaching, mentoring, and empowerment. Sponsor and lead highly complex, cross‑functional improvement initiatives requiring advanced problem solving and systems thinking. Serve as trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing data‑driven insights and structured problem‑solving to influence decisions. Navigate multiple disciplines and functions to align stakeholders, remove barriers, and embed new ways of working while preserving strong, trust‑based relationships. Lead and develop experienced professionals and enterprise capabilities, influencing improvement priorities, methodologies, and resource deployment. Play a key role in Illumina’s AI journey by providing guidance, governance, and capability building to ensure AI is effectively integrated into Operational Excellence practices. Education & Experience Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in a technical or quantitative field. Preferred: PhD, MBA, or MS in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. Minimum of 18 years of experience, including 10 years in business process transformation/Operational Excellence deployment and 10 years in management. Preferred: 10 years of experience within a regulated healthcare environment. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt qualification. Demonstrated ability to lead continuous improvement culture and operating systems across an enterprise. Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and influence across all levels of the organization. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to senior executives. Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and networking skills. Business and financial acumen with a strategic mindset. Compensation and Benefits The estimated base salary range for this Director level position in the United States is $170,600 – $255,800. Compensation reflects long‑term growth and most candidates are hired between the minimum and middle of the range. All employees are eligible for variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and may receive equity as part of the compensation package. Benefits include genomic sequencing access, family planning, health, dental, vision, retirement benefits, and paid time off. Illumina is committed to an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered. Equal Opportunity & Background Checks Illumina is an equal‑opportunity employer. The company prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence in the application and interview process. Qualified applicants are subject to background checks for conditional offers; results may lead to offer withdrawal. Illumina will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding background checks. Visa Sponsorship This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. #J-18808-Ljbffr Illumina