Job Summary:

The Operational Excellence Specialist supports continuous improvement initiatives by applying Lean Six Sigma principles and the Polypeptide Production System (PPS). This role focuses on optimizing processes, improving productivity, and reducing operational costs at the Torrance site. The Specialist will assist in driving change, supporting sustainable improvements, and ensuring alignment with global operational excellence practices and standards. cover the value chain from commercial excellence to cash collection, (order to cash.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead and optimize master data governance within our ERP system to ensure accuracy, consistency, and usability across business functions.
2. Drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve data processes and eliminate inefficiencies.
3. Facilitate cross-functional workshops and gain stakeholder buy-in for data-related improvements.
4. Align master data projects with strategic business goals, production plan, customer value, and P&L impact.
5. Manage change and project execution to ensure timely delivery and long-term sustainability.
6. Coach and mentor team members to build internal capability in data management and operational excellence.
7. Apply structured, data-driven problem-solving techniques to resolve complex data issues.
8. Communicate clearly and respectfully across all levels of the organization, modeling humility and resilience.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Required Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Information Systems, or related field (Master’s preferred)
• Experience:
• 5+ years of experience in operational excellence, master data management, or ERP systems (AX Dynamics or SAP preferred).

• Experience in life sciences or pharmaceutical manufacturing is a plus
  
  

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Skills:
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent practical experience.
• Kaizen experience
• Soft Skills:
• A strategic thinker who connects daily improvements to bigger business goals.
• A change driver who can influence, get leadership buy-in, and build momentum.
• Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate challenges
• Data-driven and decisive, making calls based on facts, not just instincts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, including data-driven decision-making.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional improvement projects and managing change effectively
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Ability to turn theory into practice.
  
  
  
• Competencies

• Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Data-Driven Decision Making

• Change Management & Influence

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Strategic Systems Thinking

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

This role would be based in an office environment in a GMP manufacturing facility. The office-based work will primarily be at a computer in a standard office setting, with some lab and manufacturing involvement that may require work in controlled environments with appropriate gowning and PPE.

Physical demands may include:

• Prolonged sitting or standing, depending on the role.
• Some movement between work areas and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Use of hands for data entry
• Exposure to chemicals, equipment noise, or temperature-controlled environments in lab or production settings.
• Occasional evening, weekend hours to meet project deadlines.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made as needed.

Salary: $83K-93k

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.