Head of Operational Excellence

At Bristol Myers Squibb, we are inspired by a single vision – transforming patients’ lives through science. In oncology, hematology, immunology and cardiovascular disease – and one of the most diverse and promising pipelines in the industry – each of our passionate colleagues contribute to innovations that drive meaningful change. We bring a human touch to every treatment we pioneer. Join us and make a difference.

The Head of GPS Operational Excellence will lead Operational Excellence (OpEx) for BMS Global Product Development and Supply (GPS), which includes internal and external manufacturing, quality, supply chain, product development, engineering and facilities, and strategy and business excellence. This role reports into GPS Strategy & Business Excellence (SBE) which is the engine that propels GPS performance. SBE also includes GPS Strategy, Business Development, Operational Excellence and Learning teams.

The Head of OpEx will drive the GPS evolution from a process centric OpEx model to an enterprise business system; built on the legacy process improvement, lean thinking and six sigma capability; and championing a culture of excellence and agile ways of working. Key to this role is the development of the GPS OpEx strategy, the strengthening GPS OpEx culture, the building of lean, six sigma and agile capabilitites, and the successful execution of cross-functional initiatives to drive continuous, sustainable execution and measurable performance improvement. In order to achieve this, it will be critical that this position works closely with GPS leaders and unifies OpEx central and distributed leaders and teams to make the greatest impact. The Head of GPS OpEx will deliver excellence in safety, environment, quality, productivity and cost for the business and our patients.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Translating the role of GPS in Bristol Myers Squibb’s success into the Operational Excellence vision and strategy; translating that strategy into execution of cross-functional initiatives applying common principles, systems and tools to achieve sustainable improvement of key performance metrics
• Acting as a thought leader and architect who will: advocate and align GPS leadership and the GPS organization around OPEX top-down; evaluate enterprise business performance horizontally across functions and sites globally; and execute performance change bottom-up
• Developing business improvement planning processes that aligns with business strategy and with business planning at corporate and operational levels
• Driving change management to promote a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement and embedding it into our daily work; partnering with Global Quality and cross-functional leadership in developing and rolling out a culture of excellence
• Developing internal change leaders capable of leading and facilitating cross-functional transformation
• Developing new tools and change management techniques, driving the evaluation of existing processes, and developing plans to improve processes across GPS.
• Assessing, analyzing and implementing solutions across the division to identify and eliminate waste
• Building, maintaining and leveraging relationships across the matrix to identify opportunities for process improvement, facilitate the implementation of process improvement, and continuously monitor processes and outcomes
• Collaborating with cross-functional leadership to ensure effective execution of improvement projects through understanding of business objectives, P&L scope and resources needs; partnering with leadership to eliminate barriers and raise awareness
• Driving the priorities and resource model across the organization with periodic (annual/semi annual) adjustments in alignment with the GPS strategy and priorities; supporting cost management by making implementation choices consistent with financial goals
• Staying up to date on developments in OpEx methodologies and best practices
• Coaching / mentoring stakeholders at all levels to support them through the adoption of OpEx principles and practices

Management Responsibility:

• Direct line management of central GPS Operational Excellence team
• Matrixed leadership of GPS OpEX network
• Oversight of contingent OpEx resources as needed.

Travel:

• Up to 30%

Required Knowledge/Skills/Qualifications

Education:

• Minimum BS/BA with preference for Scientific or Engineering focus
• Advanced degree preferred (MBA, PhD, or other graduate experience)

Experience/Knowledge:

• 12+ years leadership experience in Operations /Operational Excellence roles in Chemical/Life science/Biotech industry or other highly regulated environment
• Lean Six Sigma expertise; black belt prefered
• Able to identify improvement opportunities, translate into tangible initiatives and drive execution of projects.
• Able to build relationships/networks, able to negotiate & influence, manage change in matrix environment and lead change through others to achieve operational excellence.
• Track record of success in the rigorous planning, execution and timely delivery of enterprise level projects and programs; demonstrated proficiency in managing a large, complex portfolio of projects
• Proven innovation & opportunity identification translated into tangible initiatives and successful execution.
• Demonstrated proficiency and passion for lean methodology, tools and manufacturing process improvement. Demonstrated understanding of Agile methodology a plus
• Exceptional skills in leadership, coaching, analytical problem solving and strong business acumen.
• Exceptional builder and leader of high performance teams.
• Superior written and verbal communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in related software.

Skills/Competencies:

• Enterprise Mindset: The ability to make decisions, set priorities and share resources based on what will benefit the whole. Capable of building and maintaining networks within and outside of the organization to both strengthen the understanding of the big picture and leverage diverse perspectives, experiences and expertise to maximize performance.
• Change Agility: Capable of constantly thinking ahead and scanning the environment for opportunities. The ability to navigate ambiguity for themselves by demonstrating smart risk taking and personal resilience. Lead others through change by continuously creating the context and engaging individuals.
• Authentic Leadership: Capable of building legitimacy through cultivating honest relationships. Ability to generate trust by demonstrating the highest level of consistency between their words and their actions and maintaining integrity, especially under pressure. They role model and promote an environment of openness.
• Talent Development: Capable of maintaining a current and strategic view of talent management, aligned with the organization’s priorities. This includes an understanding of the needs and diversity of the organization’s current and future talent. Ability to proactively develop talent across the organization and engage external talent.

Around the world, we are passionate about making an impact on the lives of patients with serious diseases. Empowered to apply our individual talents and diverse perspectives in an inclusive culture, our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives.

Our company is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request an approval of accommodation prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, or any part of the recruitment process direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.