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Posted 16 July, 2026

Assoc Dir, Operational Excellence

Alkermes
Athlone, Ireland Full Time
Reference: 218_597453_14057

The Associate Director of Operational Excellence is responsible for supporting the design, deployment and maturity of the OE roadmap and driving continuous improvement initiatives and value realisation.
This role enhances efficiency, quality, and productivity by implementing OE best practices, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and process optimization strategies. The individual collaborates with cross-functional teams across Business units to improve performance and deliver value to the business

Required

  • Minimum 10+ years of experience in operational excellence, manufacturing, or supply chain within the pharmaceutical industry

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or related fields

  • Lean Six Sigma certification (Black Belt)

  • Microsoft Office Suite

  • Proven track record in process improvement and/or supply chain optimization

  • Experience leading cross-functional teams in large-scale transformation projects

Preferred

  • Certification in Project Management or Change Management

    COMPETENCIES/ QUALIFICATIONS

Skills

  • Drives large-scale OE and continuous improvement initiatives aligned to best practice

  • Analyses and effectively manages program stakeholders

  • Manages change and sustainment of improvements via communications and training

  • Communicates effectively with all levels

Knowledge

  • Op Ex and Lean Six Sigma tools & methodologies

  • Stakeholder management

  • Performance management

  • Project management

  • Change management

Advocacy and Maturity of Operational Excellence: Support the development and implementation of the Op Ex roadmap and subsequent maturity assessments

Partner with leadership to develop strategies for operational excellence

Partner with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality

Facilitate change management efforts to ensure adoption and sustainment of new processes via stakeholder mgmt., communications and training plans

Lead and execute continuous improvement initiatives across the organisation deploying lean / 6Sigma tools and techniques as appropriate. E.g. Value Stream Mapping, Process Mapping , Statistical analysis, 5 Why's, A3, Kaizen events, Kepner Tregoe etc

Develop and implement OE programs aligned to best practices such as Visual Management, Continuous Improvement, Problem Solving, Gemba Standard work

Monitor and analyse performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and drive evidence-based decision making

Value Enhancement: Identify and drive opportunities for value enhancement by optimizing processes and resources to deliver greater value to customers

Influence, Coach and Train colleagues in OE methodologies to develop an organization wide culture of excellence

Ensure compliance with GMP, FDA, and other regulatory requirements in operational processes

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