Operational Excellence Associate Specialist
Hybrid – 4 days per week onsite | Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Cork
Reporting into the Associate Director of Business Operations at Shanbally, the Operational Excellence Associate Specialist will support the deployment of Operational Excellence and continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
Parallel to this, the role holder will increase their technical capability, business acumen, and cross‑functional understanding through training and on‑the‑job experience.
This role adds value by accelerating the site strategic improvement journey, building Operational Excellence capability across the organisation, and implementing robust governance, performance management, and OE infrastructure to sustain the improvement journey.
Responsibilities
Problem Solving Mentorship
Lead and support overall management of the Root Cause Analysis & Resolution (RCAR) problem solving process, including training delivery, stage‑gate governance, and recognition of problem‑solving capability development (including yellow belt and blue belt certification).
Coach junior staff and cross‑functional teams on the RCAR process (white belt to yellow belt candidates).
Lead, where appropriate, medium‑priority site RCARs, providing neutral facilitation, disciplined use of Lean and Six Sigma tools, data‑driven root cause analysis, and follow‑through on sustainable corrective actions.
Site Performance Management and Governance Standards and Support
Be a point of contact for, and champion of, the Daily Management System (DMS) and associated standards. Key DMS elements for deployment and sustainment include visual management, tiered accountability & metrics, cycle time, 5S/workplace organisation, and standard work.
With direction from Senior Bus. Ops. peers, support implementation of Lean solutions to maximise overall site performance, strengthen stakeholder alignment, and support change adoption. Help plan and facilitate kaizen events and rapid improvement workshops as necessary.
Provide key support for the Site DMS and OE Maturity Assessment, including action tracking, standards deployment, and governance follow‑up.
Maturing Site Business and Financial Acumen
Participate in the roll out of the Just Do It (JDI) process across the site, supporting employee‑led improvement, cost efficiency, and productivity enhancement.
Champion waste reduction, process simplification, and better ways of working, with emphasis on measurable business benefit and sustainment.
Share best practices across the site and company as appropriate, helping to standardise successful approaches and build broader Operational Excellence capability.
Competencies
Cognitive capability – Ability to learn quickly and translate those learnings into practical, understandable guidance for a broad range of stakeholders.
Ownership and Accountability – Takes accountability for actions, drives measurable results, and demonstrates the ability to learn from mistakes and continuously improve.
Collaborative Leadership – Ability to influence with or without authority, facilitate groups with diverse perspectives, align stakeholders, and support change adoption across functions.
Communication – Ability to communicate effectively with operators, peers, and leadership. Ability to draft and deliver clear and concise procedures, business process documents, and performance updates supported by data.
Planning/Organization – Excellent planning and prioritization skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, multitask, and adapt in a fast‑paced regulated environment.
Analytical Problem Solving – Ability to identify problems, define problem statements clearly and accurately, and apply structured, disciplined methodology to identify data‑driven root causes. Innovative and effective in solution development, risk mitigation, implementation, and sustainment.
Manages stakeholder expectations effectively and communicates progress, risks, and outcomes with clarity.
Education
Science, Engineering, or Business background preferred but not essential; equivalent experience in a regulated manufacturing environment will also be considered.
Formal Lean, Operational Excellence, Reengineering, and/or Six Sigma training is preferred but not essential.
Experience
Ideally have a demonstrated track record in driving performance improvement and Operational Excellence outcomes.
A demonstrated track record of working effectively with people and influencing cross‑functional stakeholders.
Minimum 2 years of experience in pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing industry.
Sound knowledge of cGMPs and equivalent industry regulations, with the ability to apply those requirements in improvement activity and governance processes.
Experience in systems thinking and understanding end‑to‑end business processes within a manufacturing environment.
Knowledge of, and previous work experience with, process mapping, Lean Six Sigma, Business Process Reengineering, and structured continuous improvement methodologies would be preferable.
Knowledge of performance measurement tools, metrics, and dashboards, with the ability to use data to support decision making and benefits tracking.
Exposure to change management practices, data visualisation, or reporting tools would be advantageous.
Note: This description is not intended to be all‑inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
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