Director, Operational Excellence, EU & NA

Viatris is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale, currently supplying high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world annually and touching all of life's moments, from birth to the end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases.

We have been included on number of award lists that demonstrate the impact we are making.

Every day, we rise to the challenge to make a difference and here’s how the Director, Operational Excellence, EU & NA role will make an impact:

Key responsibilities for this role include:

1. Lean 4.0 Program Leadership

• Lead the end-to-end deployment and sustainment of the Lean 4.0 program across EU & NA sites.

• Drive integration of Lean methodologies with digital technologies (automation, data analytics, AI-enabled insights) to create a modern, data-driven operating model.

• Own regional execution of Lean 4.0 governance, roadmap delivery, and wave-based deployment.

• Ensure consistent adoption of Lean 4.0 standards, frameworks, and maturity models across sites.

• Ensure delivery of site diagnostics, baselining, and 3-year transformation roadmaps.

2. Operational Excellence Deployment

• Translate global OE and Lean 4.0 strategy into site-level transformation roadmaps.

• Lead deployment of standard work, lean systems, and performance management frameworks.

• Institutionalize tier management, KPI systems, and structured problem-solving methodologies.

• Ensure integration of OE practices into daily management systems and decision-making.

• Scale and replicate best practices and successful transformation use cases.

3. Network Strategic Cost Reduction

• Drive cost reduction framework.

• Identify savings opportunities at site against targets.

• Track and report value delivery against site targets.

• Drive harmonization across sites and adopt best practices to deliver cost.

4. Digital Transformation

• Drive adoption of digital foundations such as paperless systems, digital logs, and data integration .

• Lead initiatives across key Lean 4.0 workstreams, including:

  • Flow & Performance Excellence (OEE, planning optimization).

  • Smart Quality (AI-enabled monitoring, automation, product quality insights).

  • Lab of the Future (digital labs, performance management).

  • Engineering & Energy Excellence (predictive maintenance, energy optimization).

• Enable transition toward real-time, data-driven decision making across sites.

5.Capability Building

• Build Lean 4.0 capabilities across site leadership and teams (Lean, Digital, Analytics).

• Lead Lean 4.0 training programs, leadership upskilling, and capability certification journeys.

• Coach site leaders to embed a culture of continuous improvement and digital adoption.

• Develop a sustainable pipeline of Operational Excellence and transformation leaders.

The minimum qualifications for this role are:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering / Operations / Business; MBA preferred. However, a combination of experience and/or education will be considered.

• 12–18 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, operational excellence, or transformation roles.

• Strong experience in Lean, Six Sigma (Green Belt minimum; Black Belt preferred).

• Proven track record in deploying large-scale transformation programs across multiple sites/regions.

• Experience in digital transformation / Industry 4.0 initiatives in manufacturing environments.

• Strong understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements.

• Proficiency in speaking, comprehending, reading, and writing English is required.

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. The salary range for this position is $112,000.00 - $236.000.00 USD.

At Viatris, we offer competitive salaries, benefits and an inclusive environment where you can use your experiences, perspectives and skills to help make an impact on the lives of others.

Viatris is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Originally posted on Himalayas