Associate Director, Lean Transformation/Continuous Improvement (Business Consult
Merck, Durham, NC, United States
Position
Our Production Systems (MPS) is an integrated production system designed to improve operations and related business processes. The Global MPS Team (GMPS) drives business performance by enabling change in operating systems and management practices. Under the guidance of the MPS Director and in collaboration with business leaders, the Associate Director will assess, diagnose, plan, and execute strategies to solve current business challenges using standardized processes and ways of working. Approximately 50% of the time will be spent on‑floor or at a process to provide direct support or lead transformation, and the other 50% will focus on coaching leaders and developing talent within the business. Travel up to 50%, with peaks up to 75%.
MPS Associate Director Key Activities
Partner with and consult business unit leaders and their leadership teams to develop plans and execute performance improvement activities in line with organizational priorities.
Develop Lean management and people development plans and processes.
Utilize Lean tools and GMPS standards to diagnose, analyze and improve business processes.
Provide teaching and coaching to transfer Lean skills and develop Lean Leaders.
Self‑manage projects and teams, mitigate risks, allocate resources, and drive on‑time completion of initiatives.
Develop visual controls and effective management systems to make problems visible, respond with urgency, lead root cause analysis and implement countermeasures (8‑Step Problem Solving).
Build trust and develop relationships with internal and external clients and coach senior leaders and E2E/IP Managers to achieve successful outcomes at site, regional and global levels.
Leverage digital and data capabilities to measure, visualize and analyze information to support operations improvement.
Qualifications & Experience Required:
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (engineering, business, supply chain, sciences).
Experience analyzing complex processes or end‑to‑end supply chains and driving timely process improvement.
Hands‑on application of Lean tools and techniques (Standardized Work, Scientific Problem Solving, Value Stream Mapping, Mistake Proofing, Production Leveling, SMED, 5S‑Visual Factory).
Consultative skills: influence decision making, interact with all levels of the business.
Project management skills and experience managing large project teams.
Coaching/teaching: proven experience in coaching others to apply lean methods and change mindsets for continuous improvement.
Ways of Working: Win as One Team, Focus on What Matters, Act with Urgency, Experiment Learn & Adapt, Embrace Diversity & Inclusion, Speak Up & Be Open‑Minded.
Preferred:
Solid business acumen, team‑building skills, listening skills, results orientation, strong analytical skills, and prior process improvement experience.
Experience in operations management, manufacturing, or related disciplines.
Experience in a Vaccines or Sterile pharmaceutical environment.
Secondary degree in supply chain or business administration.
Extensive Lean application experience or deep understanding of the Toyota Production System (TPS).
Excellent IT skills for data organization and analysis (MS‑Access, MS‑Excel, Minitab, PowerBI).
Critical Enterprise Leadership Skills
Strategic Planning – guiding team success using appropriate methods and interpersonal style.
Networking and Partnerships – building and leveraging relationships to achieve results.
Execution Excellence – focused on compliance standards, setting ambitious expectations, measuring progress, and ensuring accountability.
Influence – using persuasion strategies to gain acceptance of ideas and commitment to actions.
Change Catalyst – facilitating change and encouraging better approaches to address problems and opportunities.
Required Skills
Adaptability, Business Case Development, Business Process Improvements, Business Process Modeling, Change Management, Data Analysis Tools, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Operations Management, Pharmaceutical Industry, Process Improvements, Project Management, Results‑Oriented, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking, Systems Analysis.
Other Employment Information Travel Requirements: up to 50%.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid.
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only.
Job posting end date: 04/17/2026.
EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit EEOC Know Your Rights and EEOC GINA Supplement.
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MPS Associate Director Key Activities
Partner with and consult business unit leaders and their leadership teams to develop plans and execute performance improvement activities in line with organizational priorities.
Develop Lean management and people development plans and processes.
Utilize Lean tools and GMPS standards to diagnose, analyze and improve business processes.
Provide teaching and coaching to transfer Lean skills and develop Lean Leaders.
Self‑manage projects and teams, mitigate risks, allocate resources, and drive on‑time completion of initiatives.
Develop visual controls and effective management systems to make problems visible, respond with urgency, lead root cause analysis and implement countermeasures (8‑Step Problem Solving).
Build trust and develop relationships with internal and external clients and coach senior leaders and E2E/IP Managers to achieve successful outcomes at site, regional and global levels.
Leverage digital and data capabilities to measure, visualize and analyze information to support operations improvement.
Qualifications & Experience Required:
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field (engineering, business, supply chain, sciences).
Experience analyzing complex processes or end‑to‑end supply chains and driving timely process improvement.
Hands‑on application of Lean tools and techniques (Standardized Work, Scientific Problem Solving, Value Stream Mapping, Mistake Proofing, Production Leveling, SMED, 5S‑Visual Factory).
Consultative skills: influence decision making, interact with all levels of the business.
Project management skills and experience managing large project teams.
Coaching/teaching: proven experience in coaching others to apply lean methods and change mindsets for continuous improvement.
Ways of Working: Win as One Team, Focus on What Matters, Act with Urgency, Experiment Learn & Adapt, Embrace Diversity & Inclusion, Speak Up & Be Open‑Minded.
Preferred:
Solid business acumen, team‑building skills, listening skills, results orientation, strong analytical skills, and prior process improvement experience.
Experience in operations management, manufacturing, or related disciplines.
Experience in a Vaccines or Sterile pharmaceutical environment.
Secondary degree in supply chain or business administration.
Extensive Lean application experience or deep understanding of the Toyota Production System (TPS).
Excellent IT skills for data organization and analysis (MS‑Access, MS‑Excel, Minitab, PowerBI).
Critical Enterprise Leadership Skills
Strategic Planning – guiding team success using appropriate methods and interpersonal style.
Networking and Partnerships – building and leveraging relationships to achieve results.
Execution Excellence – focused on compliance standards, setting ambitious expectations, measuring progress, and ensuring accountability.
Influence – using persuasion strategies to gain acceptance of ideas and commitment to actions.
Change Catalyst – facilitating change and encouraging better approaches to address problems and opportunities.
Required Skills
Adaptability, Business Case Development, Business Process Improvements, Business Process Modeling, Change Management, Data Analysis Tools, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Operations Management, Pharmaceutical Industry, Process Improvements, Project Management, Results‑Oriented, Strategic Planning, Strategic Thinking, Systems Analysis.
Other Employment Information Travel Requirements: up to 50%.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid.
US and Puerto Rico Residents Only.
Job posting end date: 04/17/2026.
EEO Statement As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit EEOC Know Your Rights and EEOC GINA Supplement.
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