Manager, LEAN Operations API

About the Department

At Novo Nordisk, we are helping to improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. For nearly 100 years, we have led the way in diabetes care. Being part of Novo Nordisk allows our employees to embark on life-changing careers, and the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

In NC, we operate three pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities that are responsible for fulfilling different steps in our injectable and oral treatment supply chains.  Our newer Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) facility in Clayton, NC sits on 825,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art equipment, and houses the Fermentation, Recovery and Purification in the production of ingredients for Novo Nordisk’s innovative oral products.  At API, you’ll join a global network of manufacturing professionals who are passionate about what they do.  

What we offer you:

• Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions
• All employees enjoy generous paid time off including 14 paid holidays
• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance – effective day one
• Guaranteed 8% 401K contribution plus individual company match option
• Family Focused Benefits including 12 weeks paid parental & 6 weeks paid family medical leave
• Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products
• Tuition Assistance – reimbursement up to $10,000 annually 
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Employee Referral Awards

At Novo Nordisk, you will find opportunities, resources, and mentorship to help grow and build your career.  Are you ready to realize your potential?  Join Team Novo Nordisk and help us make what matters.

Position Purpose

Develop a culture of daily continuous improvement at API US by coaching & leading a dynamic group of LEAN® professionals across site. Responsible for ensuring line of business can translate “operating in a LEAN® way” into actions & results. Champion for & model of LEAN® mindset; able to mentor & coach both LEAN® partners & leaders in line of business in LEAN® methodology.  Responsible for developing a program to implement LEAN and continuous improvement mindset into our DNA.  A trusted advisor to Sr. Leadership on our journey to become the most productive API site with the most engaged people.

Accountabilities

• Teach, coach & mentor direct reports to develop the LEAN® maturity of API US to include driving the day to day process management systems (PS@Shopfloor)
• Develop & coach API US leaders to manage processes, drive behaviors and establish culture “in a LEAN® way”
• Direction, coaching & mentoring to Star project leaders
• Facilitate processes to support projects, director & site level strategy
• Establish & maintain an effective site LEAN® Training Academy
• Process Improvement change agent & culture leader for site
• Liaison with the corporate LEAN® office as well as other production sites to share information, standards & best practices
• Manage department in accordance with the NNWay
• Lead by Example
• Frequent presentations to Director Level + above
• Other accountabilities, as assigned

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in related field (MA/MS degree desired)
• Minimum of 7 years of supervisory experience, preferably in the areas of Operations or Quality
• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading & coaching in a LEAN or production environment. Experienced change agent able to inspire others & to change the thinking of others at multiple levels of an organization
• Demonstrated LEAN mindset & understanding of the application of LEAN tools & thinking in a manufacturing organization
• Solid understanding of LEAN principles and ability to apply LEAN/Six Sigma concepts to improve business results
• Able to support systematic problem solving & LEAN Shopfloor management systems
• Able to work cross functionally & lead internal consultants to enable change & improvements across administrative & production functions ranging from Quality/QC, Business Support (Logistics, Warehouse, IT, EHS, Finance), Production Support (Automation, Facilities Maintenance, Maintenance Planning & Calibration, RCM, Investment Projects), HR, Aseptic & Finished Production, & Project organizations
• Proven expertise in planning/organizing, managing execution, confirming results & improving processes
• Demonstrated change agent and leader in a dynamic production organization

Physical & Other Requirements

• Ability to work hours necessary to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation
• Occasionally moves equipment and\or supplies weighing up to 33 pounds within the facility using various body positions
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment using hands
• Ability to work near operating equipment
• Ability to work in loud noise environments with hearing protection
• Ability to travel up to 5% internationally

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk we recognize that it is no longer good enough to aspire to be the best company in the world. We need to aspire to be the best company for the world and we know that this is only possible with talented employees with diverse perspectives, backgrounds and cultures. We are therefore committed to creating an inclusive culture that celebrates the diversity of our employees, the patients we serve and communities we operate in. Together, we’re life changing.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

Novo Nordisk requires all new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the first date of employment. As required by applicable law, Novo Nordisk will consider requests for reasonable accommodation.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.