Operational Excellence Manager

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Department: Corporate Operations Strategy & Optimization

Job Type: Direct Employee

Team: Industrial Operations & HSE

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Parma, IT

About us

Based in Parma, Italy, Chiesi is an international research-focused pharmaceutical and healthcare group with over 85 years’ experience, operating in 31 countries with more than 7,000 employees (Chiesi Group). To achieve its mission of improving people’s quality of life by acting responsibly towards society and the environment, the Group researches, develops and markets innovative drugs in its main therapeutic areas: Discover more here .

We are proud to have been awarded with B Corp Certification , a recognition of high social and environmental standards . We are a reliable company that adopts and promotes a transparent and ethical behavior at all levels.

We believe that the success of Chiesi is built and shaped by our people and our strong set of shared Values and Behaviors . Our people make a critical difference to our success, which is why it is vital that we attract and retain the right talent who will continue to enrich our culture by living and breathing our values and behaviors.

We are committed to embrace diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities. In fact, we are a global family made up of different cultures, different genders, generations, ethnicities, abilities, sexual identities and many other enriching diversities.

Chiesi Global Manufacturing Division

Chiesi Group has three production plants: Parma (Italy); Blois-La Chaussée-Saint-Victor (France); Santana de Parnaíba (Brazil). The plants produce a total of over 110 million units per year.

The production plant in Parma covers a total area of more than fifteen thousand square meters and it is the strategic hub for the production and distribution of our products, being an international supply center that exports to more than 80 countries. The Parma plant produces solid medicinal products, such as tablets and inhaled dry powders; inhalation solutions and suspensions, either pressurized or sterile single-dose vials; vials of sterile suspension for endotracheal administration; liquid forms such as drops, syrups and nasal sprays.

Santana produces pressurized solutions and suspensions for inhalant therapy (MDIs) and supplies both domestic market and Group’s Affiliates and exports to licensees and distributors. Blois specializes in Dry Powder Inhalers and final assembly stages of the Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs), supplies Group’s Affiliates and distributes directly to clients at a local level and in export markets.

Who we are looking for

Purpose

The Operational Excellence Manager is responsible for leading and implementing initiatives that drive continuous improvement, enhance operational efficiency and ensure high-quality standards across the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing projects and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Main Responsibilities

- Continuous Improvement : Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement Lean, Six Sigma and other continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- Quality Management : Ensure all processes comply with regulatory standards and maintain the highest levels of product quality.
- Project Leadership : Lead and manage operational excellence projects from conception through completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
- Performance Metrics : Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of operational excellence initiatives and identify areas for improvement.
- Cross-functional Collaboration : Work closely with various departments, including Production, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain and Engineering, to ensure a unified approach to operational excellence.
- Training and Development : Provide training and support to employees on operational excellence principles and tools to build internal capabilities.
- Data Analysis : Use data-driven approaches to analyze performance, uncover trends and make informed decisions to drive improvements.
- Cost Efficiency : Develop and implement strategies to optimize costs without compromising quality or performance.
- Change Management : Facilitate and manage change initiatives, ensuring smooth implementation and acceptance of new processes and technologies.
- Customer Focus : Align operational strategies with customer needs to enhance customer satisfaction both internal and external.

Experience Required

At least 5 years' experience in an Operational Excellence or Continuous Improvement role within the pharmaceutical or manufacturing industry.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration or a related field.

Languages

Fluent English (both written and spoken)

Technical Skills

- Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies;
- Proven ability to analyze data and develop actionable insights;
- Demonstrated track record of successfully implementing process improvements.

Soft Skills

• Leadership and social influence
• Analytical skills
• Adaptability and flexibility

What we offer

You would join a dynamic, fast-growing, challenging and friendly environment.
In Chiesi we firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset , that is why we invest in continuous training, learning and development. Therefore, we strive to continuously promote and satisfy development needs, paying particular attention to the quality of our working environment and to collective well-being.
We want our people to come to work happy every day , and we know how important it is to find the right work-life balance in order to be able to give our best. That is why we offer flexible working approach, remote working, support in the relocation process, tax assistance service for foreign colleagues and many other people-care services.