Operational Excellence Manager - Chemical Engineer

  • Merck KGaA
  • Branchburg, New Jersey
  • Full Time

Work Your Magic with us! Start your next chapter and join MilliporeSigma.

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you've got big plans - so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people's lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Your Role:

As the Operational Excellence (OE) Manager, you will lead site-wide Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement cost-saving initiatives while collaborating with production and cross-functional teams. This role focuses on developing solutions that leverage both engineering expertise and data analytics, specifically within the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage the site's Lean & Six Sigma (L&SS) programs, driving productivity enhancements through engineering excellence and advanced analytics.

Manage multiple L&SS cost-saving projects, utilizing statistical analysis and data-driven insights to maximize effectiveness.

  • Own the L&SS database in Branchburg, monitoring the status of all projects.

Coordinate annual project evaluations and award nominations for the EMD Electronics recognition program.

  • Facilitate the Best Practice Sharing (BPS) quarterly award recognition program.

Conduct initial assessments for Opportunities for Improvement (OFI), using statistical methods and analytics to prioritize and address improvement initiatives.

Develop chemical production process engineering solutions informed by data analytics to effectively address safety, quality, and productivity.

  • Engage in engineering project work, comprising up to 30% of the role.

Travel up to 20% (domestic and/or international) as required.

Who You Are:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering or a Life Science discipline with 5+ years' of experience in the chemical/pharmaceutical industry.
  • 1+ years' experience with Lean & Six Sigma process improvements, engineering project management, and data analytics.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering or a Life Science field with 10+ years of experience in the chemical/pharmaceutical industry.
  • Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.
  • Hands-on implementation experience in manufacturing processes, demonstrating a strong understanding of operational workflows.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a proven ability to drive data-driven decision-making.
  • Adaptable to international team collaboration and varying work schedules.
  • Experience using data analytics to improve product quality, increase operational efficiency, reduce manufacturing conversion costs, and eliminate scrap and rework.

What we offer: We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!

Apply now and become a part of a team that is dedicated to Sparking Discovery and Elevating Humanity!

Job ID: 477862477
Originally Posted on: 5/21/2025

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