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Merck · 22 hours ago

Sr. Specialist, Operational Excellence

Omaha, NE

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$106K/yr - $167K/yr

5+ years exp

Merck is a leading biopharmaceutical company, and they are seeking a Senior Specialist in Operational Excellence to lead their Production System at the Elkhorn, NE facility. This role involves driving operational excellence, mentoring colleagues, and managing strategic projects to improve supply reliability and productivity.

BiotechnologyHealth CareMedicalPharmaceutical

Comp. & Benefits

No H1B

Responsibilities

Initiate and implement improvement projects using Lean tools (e.g., Standardization, 5S, Poka-Yoke, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Visual Management, SMED, Capacity Analysis/Debottlenecking)

Provide hands-on support for operational problem-solving and cross-functional investigations using scientific problem-solving techniques

Coach lean roadmaps and deliver training on foundational competencies (tier management, problem solving, leader standardized work, standardized work, and Hoshin Kanri)

Act as a role model for continuous improvement, inclusion, and change management while developing colleagues at all organizational levels

Serve as point of contact to plant manager and regional team for production system implementation

Facilitate value scouting workshops and Kaizen events

Lead larger cost-savings and productivity improvement projects to achieve business objectives

Qualification

Lean PrinciplesContinuous ImprovementProject ManagementData AnalysisLean ToolsChange ManagementCoaching SkillsAnalytical SkillsInfluencing SkillsCommunication SkillsTeam CollaborationProblem SolvingMentoring Skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Business, Biology, Engineering, or related field

Minimum 5 years of experience in a continuous improvement environment within biopharmaceuticals, manufacturing, or quality. Military service, coursework, and degrees may be considered as alternatives

Proven experience in project facilitation and project management

Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis and trend visualization

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Project, Minitab)

Ability to coach and influence at all levels, with demonstrated change management skills

Hands-on experience deploying lean tools and concepts in multiple environments

Familiarity with strategy deployment (Hoshin Kanri, Policy Deployment) and A3 Thinking