Staff Operational Excellence Specialist

What if the work you did every day could impact the lives of people you know? Or all of humanity?At Illumina, we are expanding access to genomic technology to realize health equity for billions of people around the world. Our efforts enable life-changing discoveries that are transforming human health through the early detection and diagnosis of diseases and new treatment options for patients.Working at Illumina means being part of something bigger than yourself. Every person, in every role, has the opportunity to make a difference. Surrounded by extraordinary people, inspiring leaders, and world changing projects, you will do more and become more than you ever thought possible.Position Summary:The Staff Operational Excellence Specialist is primarily responsible for providing training, guidance and support to drive improvements in quality, productivity, and cost reduction in Illumina’s global manufacturing operations. The person in this role will contribute to developing and driving Illumina’s Operational Excellence methodology, advising on Illumina’s Clinical Manufacturing initiatives, as well as working with manufacturing leaders on improvement efforts for day-to-day operations. They will select, initiate, and drive improvement projects and practical kiazen training events, serving as a critical resource to foster the use of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and problem solving tools throughout the company.Tasks and Responsibilities:Serve as Sensei for Illumina’s global manufacturing groups in the production of medical reagents, instruments, and consumable productsTeach and lead improvements resulting in a gemba and visual workplace daily management environmentApply the principles of `waste reduction’; muda, muri, and muraDrive measurable improvements in quality, material control, throughput, flexibility, and costMentor site leaders, engineers, and shop floor supervisors to instill the disciplines to drive a transition to a lean thinking enterpriseServe as a subject matter expert for operations in a regulated environment (GMP, TPS or equivalent)Develop, participate, and lead training sessions in Lean, kaizen, and problem-solving methodsIdentify, scope, resource, and execute large-scale cross-functional projects aimed at reduction of wasteWork with manufacturing department managers and team members to define the implementation strategies for continuous improvement across the organizationSupport policy deployment activities to define strategic objectives and metrics for the organizationDevelop appropriate tools and methods to sustain improvements across the organizationPromote analytical problem solving through the application of statistical control methodologyIncorporate the use of Lean six sigma tools and methods in team activities and business problem solvingDevelop data collection and retrieval tools for organizational useDevelop and implement supervisory level control solutionsPreferred Education:BA/BS/BENG Degree in Engineering or equivalent; Master’s preferredPreferred Requirements:7+ years of continuous improvement leadership applying the elements of lean/operational excellenceLean Six Sigma Black Belt is requiredExperience in Design for Six Sigma is a plus5+ years hands on experience in Six Sigma ProjectsExpertise in leading Lean Kaizen events in a manufacturing or operations environment is requiredExperience and track record making a rapid measurable improvement through the implementation of lean methods in a company respected and admired for operational excellenceStrong process engineering and data analysis skills requiredFamiliarity with shop floor and desk top software such as MS Office, MES, LIMS, eTQ.Project Team leadership experienceExperience mentoring and teaching othersAbility to influence manufacturing leaders and support organizationsEnergetic and positive enthusiasm dispositionExperience in IVD/Med Device industry is a plusIllumina believes that everyone has the ability to make an impact, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information.