The Global Operational Excellence department is dedicated to architecting and scaling continuous improvement across our global  network. By driving strategic transformation and embedding mature operational frameworks, the team ensures consistency, efficiency, and high-impact performance. This role operates in a dynamic matrix environment, reporting to the Global Head Operational Excellence  with a dotted line to the Global Head of Quality .

As the Head of Operational Excellence for Global Quality, you will step into a high-impact, execution-focused leadership role designed to build and scale a dedicated Operational Excellence function within the l Global Quality unit. You will spearhead the transformation of Global l Quality’s operational capabilities by orchestrating and standing up dedicated resources across various chapters and Manufacturing Sites. Your primary, immediate mandate will be to support and accelerate the Quality Unites Us program by executing, scaling, and driving the tangible behavioral shifts and project milestones already defined by the Quality  roadmap.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to drive quantifiable process optimization, deploy Lean principles, contribute to financial targets with clear accountability, and embed a sustainable culture of Continuous Improvement through the following key responsibilities:

• System Deployment: Lead the rollout of Lean standards, identify measurable productivity and cost-optimization initiatives, and embed the Lean Leadership program to act as a coach and drive proactive certification of  Quality Leaders.

• Capability Building: Champion and sustain a network-wide training model to develop, certify, and mentor future Lean Practitioners.

• Quality Units  acceleration and  alignment: Anchor all Operational Excellence activities to target behavioral shifts, design the strategic roadmap to build a core  Global Quality operational excellence  community, and establish a collaborative hub-and-spoke governance framework to align central strategy with embedded chapter and Site resources.

• Roadmap Execution: Translate Quality  and business objectives into concrete, measurable operational excellence action plans focused on delivering immediate, tangible performance improvements for defined deliverables.

• Process Optimization: Diagnose bottlenecks across workflows, deploy Lean and digital methodologies to streamline processes, and scale standardized methodologies, toolkits, and performance KPIs across chapters leveraging existing quality units structures.

• Hands-On Problem Solving: Personally lead and facilitate high-priority, cross-functional root-cause analysis initiatives to dismantle complex, systemic operational bottlenecks and ensure robust process confirmation.

• Behavior shifts and  change management: Act as a champion for quality units mandated cultural shifts, integrate these into day-to-day routines across all levels (including the  Global Quality leadership team members), and provide direct, hands-on field coaching and mentorship for embedded resources and broader leadership.

• This role requires approximately 20% international travel per year, primarily to Europe 

We are looking for an execution-oriented leader who possesses a balanced approach of strategic direction and active, hands-on participation in the field, meeting the following qualifications:

• Holding an MBA, a Master’s degree in Chemistry, a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. 

• Experience & Drive: 8+ years of progressive experience in Operational Excellence and Manufacturing process improvement, or Management consulting, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale program execution and building Operational Excellence communities.

• Methodological Mastery: Advanced, practical mastery of Lean principles, combined with a strong, pragmatic integration of strategic thinking.

• Digital transformation: Strong track record in combining Lean/OE with digital technologies (such as agentic AI, process automation, and advanced analytics) to transform business processes end-to-end.

• Leadership and influence: Demonstrated excellence in leading matrixed, distributed teams and a proven capability to influence executive stakeholders, align disparate groups, and drive accountability without direct authority.

• Domain knowledge and attributes: Familiarity and a proven operational track record within the Quality / GxP domain (Product, Technology, Quality, or adjacent highly-regulated/technical industries) is highly advantageous, paired with exceptional communication, high empathy, and strong relationship-building skills.

• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German is highly ideal. 

Relocation benefits are not available for this posting 

We use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for this role.

This posting is for an existing vacancy at Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.