Director Continuous Improvement

At the heart of QIAGEN’s business is a vision to make improvements in life possible.

We are on an exciting mission to make a real difference in science and healthcare. We are still the entrepreneurial company we started out as and have today achieved a size where we can bring our full power to many initiatives and to our presence across the globe.
Our most valuable asset are our employees – more than 6000 in over 35 locations around the world. Our ambition is to ensure we have outstanding and passionate people working in the best teams and we are constantly looking for new talent to join us.
There are few players who have shaped the world of modern science and healthcare as much as QIAGEN, and we have only just started.
If you are looking to advance your career, are seeking new challenges and opportunities, enjoy working in dynamic and international, diverse teams and want to make a real impact on people’s lives, then QIAGEN is where you need to be.

Join us. At QIAGEN, you make a difference every day.

The Head of Global Operational Excellence is responsible for the strategic planning of our global operational excellence.

This includes building and sustaining the Continuous Improvement (CI) roadmap annually, identifying and prioritizing critical business improvement needs, developing and monitoring key performance indicators, deploying new tools and processes that improve operations, delivering CI-specific training, and supporting culture change initiatives.

Being part of our EMEA leadership team of the operations Business Area, this position will lead a small team, reports to the Vice President Operations, Head of EMEA Operations and hold the dotted line leadership responsibility to our Lean Managers in the sites and operations functions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership to operational functions to drive productivity with a focus on efficiencies, yield, people capability building and waste elimination opportunities.
• Drive continuous improvement into the culture by educating and coaching the site`s teams to develop their capabilities in engagement, facilitation, planning, execution and troubleshooting.
• Development of the long-term Continuous Improvement (CI) strategy, culture and implementing required tools, infrastructures and a global CI training concept.
• Providing guidance to sites and functions by Supporting and leading business processes through the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to drive manufacturing's incremental productivity commitments and further build a culture of executional excellence.
• Owning, leading and driving global projects and initiatives as such as the completion of Lean Six Sigma (LSS), global cost efficiency and -productivity with a high visibility all the way to our board members.

• Degree in an engineering or related field with 10+ years of relevant experience and a minimum of 5 years of experience in Manufacturing Operations and Continuous Improvement roles in complex manufacturing environments, ideally Life sciences or diagnostics related. MBA is preferred.
• Track record of developing and implementing global CI programs, paired with a deep understanding and/or experience in lean production systems, process excellence and performance improvement tools, techniques, and concepts.
• Proven and excellent project- and change management capabilities and Lean Six Sigma (and DMAIC) knowledge, Black Belt certification preferred.
• Experienced at management by influence - Ability to influence, coach and hold accountable colleagues at all levels, even with more senior stakeholders to address the most optimal solutions and methods for resolving issues.
• Excellent communication skills in English and experience in coaching and developing large and cross functional teams.

This role will be based in one of QIAGEN's production sites and includes matrix leadership and participation across all QIAGEN sites, therefore periods of significant travel will be required.

QIAGEN requires proof of full COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for new hires in all U.S. states other than Montana effective as of September 1, 2021. New hires and candidates will be required to present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination within three business days of start date or upon entry into the office (i.e., for interviews), whichever comes first. QIAGEN complies with applicable laws regarding the confidentiality of employee health information and the reasonable accommodation of individuals with disabilities and/or sincerely held religious beliefs. Candidates who require accommodation should contact Benefits@QIAGEN.com. This policy is part of QIAGEN’s ongoing efforts to support public health efforts and to ensure the safety and-well-being of its employees, customers, business partners, and community.

At the heart of QIAGEN are our people who drive our success. We act with passion, always challenging the status quo to drive innovation and continuous improvement. We inspire with our leadership and make an impact with our actions. We create a collaborative, safe and engaging workplace which forms the basis for high performing individuals and teams. We drive accountability and entrepreneurial decision-making and want you to excel your growth and shape the future of QIAGEN.

QIAGEN is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), sex stereotyping (including but not limited to assumptions about a person’s appearance or behavior, gender roles, gender expression, or gender identity), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.