Operational Excellence Manager

Vifor Pharma is experiencing rapid pipeline optimization and growth in Nephrology, Cardio-Renal and Rare diseases. Reporting to the head of site for St Gallen this position will focus on developing and implementing strategies of Operational Excellence for both production and non-production (corporate) functions at the site to ensure that the themes and topics of operational excellence are part of the DNA of the St Gallen site and to support the departmental heads to achieve their operational excellence goals

Working with an innovative leadership team and sector ambassadors from within the business you will need to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to complete the journey of operational excellence which is currently underway.

Candidates are invited to apply, who are coming from GMP manufacturing and/or production backgrounds with a minimum green belt lean 6 sigma knowledge.

German or Swiss German language is essential.

Responsibilities

• Based in St. Gallen, this position is accountable for driving Operational Excellence deployment across the site in order to foster/maintain a culture focused on performance and efficiency (Definition of goals, processes, key performance indicators, and adequate reporting)
• Motivate, support, develop & train the employees in applying the methods and tools of Operational Excellence (OPEX) including statistical methods.
• Act as a role model in terms of applying the methods and tools of operational excellence
• Application of best practices and sharing of key learnings including cross functional with other Vifor Pharma Sites

Tasks

• Coordinate, engage and support successfully a team of Site Lean Ambassadors in order to sustain and increase the OPEX deployment cross functionally over the departments and communicate success stories
• Successful deployment / coordination of standard operational practices within the site i.e. 5S, 8 waste, continuous improvement, problem solving, and periodic evaluation of tangible benefits (productivity, etc)
• Establish / drive DMAIC or classic projects in order to improve time consuming processes, reduce complexity within the organization or encouraging the use of new technologies
• Establish / drive 6 sigma methodology across processes and support all data management governance on site
• Develop / reinforce / support a process to visually align and manage the plants daily, weekly, monthly, and annual work
• Lead / organize / coordinate necessary trainings / certifications in Operational Excellence for collaborators, managers, and functional heads in order to reinforce lean capabilities
• Represents the site at coordination meetings with other Vifor Pharma sites and other OPEX related events.
• Ensure that site deployment is aligned with strategic plans of Vifor Pharma Organization

Minimum Requirements

• Lifescience, Engineering or Technical degree
• Lean Six Sigma certification Green Belt
• Several years of experience
• Proven accomplishment in Lean/6 Sigma techniques to lead continuous improvement within an organization is a must
• Specific use of tools such as 5S, 8W, TPM, Waste management, Visual Management, JIT and appropriate statistical tools.
• Ability to communicate across all levels in the organization and cross functionally
• Highly motivated individual with strong data analysis skills
• Ability to train and motivate people
• Language: German & English essential

Preferred Requirements

• Black Belt Six Sigma Certification
• Industrial experience in Pharmaceutical or Medical Technology

About Us

At Vifor Pharma, we use our skills, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit to offer innovative solutions in iron deficiency, nephrology and cardio-renal therapies, so we can help patients around the world live better, healthier lives. This is why we come to work every day.
Are you empowered to create a better world, and be part of life changing work? As a global pharmaceutical company, we offer the chance to be part of a worldwide team, where passion and commitment are met with opportunities for professional and personal development. Learn more at viforpharma.com/career.

What you can expect of us

As we work to support patients, we also take care for our employees’ professional and personal growth and well-being. We show appreciation and recognition through attractive benefits that will enhance your life, develop you, empower you to grow, and create your own career journey with us.

Including:

• Open, safe and inclusive culture that fosters creativity and unleashes individual potential, whether in laboratories, manufacturing sites, in the field, or offices
• Learning opportunities that enhances your skill set focused on business and personal effectiveness, leadership and management skills, and much more
• Flexible workplace environment, home office opportunities, competitive vacation entitlement
• Attractive financial participation schemes, adapted regionally, that provide employees with additional security for every life situation, including: Pension plans, participation schemes, and savings plans

Join Vifor Pharma Talent Community

If you find that the role above is not suitable for your experience or career goals, but you want to keep in touch and learn more about Vifor Pharma and future career opportunities, join our Vifor Pharma Talent Community.