Global Manufacturing Operational Excellence Manager

Overview

The company is a multinational pharmaceutical group with a global manufacturing network consisting of 9 finished product manufacturing sites and 3 active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production sites, operating within a highly complex industrial GMP environment. Within the Global Manufacturing Support function, the Operational Excellence & Cost pillar drives industrial performance and cost competitiveness across the entire network by promoting common standards, shared methodologies, and a culture of continuous improvement. We are looking for a Global Manufacturing Operational Excellence Manager who will report directly to the Global Operational Excellence Lead and work in close partnership with the network's production sites.

This role supports the deployment of the Operational Excellence strategy at the network level, acting as a methodological reference point for the sites and directly guiding complex, high-impact cross-site initiatives alongside local teams. The role combines analytical skills, project leadership, and a pragmatic approach oriented toward measurable productivity results, without assuming responsibility for the daily operational management of the sites, which remains with the local structures. The work location is the Corporate Headquarters, and availability for international travel to network sites is required (indicatively 50% of the time).

Main Activities & Responsibilities

• Productivity improvement: drive initiatives aimed at increasing labor productivity, OEE, manufacturing efficiency, and capacity utilization
• Lean Manufacturing and problem solving: romote the adoption of Lean methodologies and structured problem-solving techniques across the network's sites
• Global Operational Excellence projects: lead cross-site projects involving multiple facilities, partnering with the sites to identify and implement improvement opportunities
• Standards and validation: support the validation of manufacturing standards, cycle times, and production capacity assumptions
• KPI and performance management: develop and maintain KPIs, reporting standards, and common dashboards to support business decision-making
• Best practice sharing: foster the sharing of best practices and successful initiatives among the network's sites
• Cross-functional collaboration: work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and other corporate functions to ensure the successful execution of projects
• Capability building: contribute to the development of Operational Excellence skills and the widespread adoption of a continuous improvement culture throughout the network.

Job Requirements

• Education: a degree in a STEM field
• Experience: 7 to 10 years of experience in Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, or Continuous Improvement, preferably in pharmaceutical contexts or regulated industries
• Certifications: a Six Sigma Black Belt certification is required
• Technical skills: strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies; a solid understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and GMP requirements
• Analytical skills: experience in analyzing productivity, OEE, production capacity, and manufacturing KPIs
• Project management: proven ability to manage cross-functional and international projects within dynamic environments
• Soft skills: a proactive, structured, and results-oriented mindset, accompanied by excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across all organizational levels
• Languages: fluent Italian and English are required; Spanish or German are considered a plus

 

 

The selected candidate will be employed under Category “A” in accordance with the provisions of the current National Collective Bargaining Agreement (CCNL) for the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry, with an estimated annual base salary between Euro 60.000,00 and Euro 65.000,00, including all applicable contractual and remuneration terms, and in compliance with Legislative Decree No. 96/2026.