Operational Excellence Leader, Quality Control (QC)

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role: Operational Excellence Leader, Quality Control (QC)

The Operational Excellence Leader, Quality Control (QC) drives continuous improvement within GMP Quality Control laboratories across the manufacturing networks. This role focuses on optimizing lab operations to enhance capacity, productivity, and on-time product release while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality. The Operational Excellence Leader collaborates with site teams, senior management, global operational excellence colleagues, and other functions to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, implement process improvements, and champion a culture of operational excellence within QC.

Your Responsibilities:

Operational Excellence Leadership: Develop and implement a standardized approach to laboratory capacity planning improving alignment with site manufacturing capacity. Drive continuous improvement initiatives across QC labs, fostering a culture of operational excellence and coaching teams on lean principles, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making. This includes delivering targeted training programs, and engaging teams through various communication channels.

Process Optimization and Efficiency: Analyze and optimize QC processes to improve efficiency, simplify workflows, and reduce costs. This involves identifying improvement opportunities, implementing best practices (e.g., standard work, visual management, and rhythm wheels for planning), and evaluating cost reduction projects.

Performance Management and Monitoring: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track lab performance, identify potential issues proactively, and drive data-driven improvements. This includes root cause analysis of inefficiencies and execution issues.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Integration: Partner with Site Lead teams and other functions (e.g., Manufacturing, Supply Chain) to integrate QC testing seamlessly with broader product supply processes.

Digital Strategy Alignment and Implementation: Collaborate with Laboratory Informatics, IT, and the digital steering committee to integrate QC processes with Elanco's Digital Strategy. Leverage technology to enhance efficiency, data analysis, and reporting.

Strategic Testing and Resource Optimization: In partnership with supply chain and the manufacturing networks, develop and implement a network-wide QC testing strategy that optimizes resource allocation, addresses current and future testing needs, and ensures alignment with regulatory requirements.

What You will Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

Education: Degree in Chemistry, Biology, or other related Physical or Life Science.

Experience: 8+ years of laboratory operations experience demonstrating a successful track record of continuous improvement projects.

Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to overcome obstacles and ensure project success. Needs to understand the fundamentals of analytical quality control testing through hands on lab experience.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

Lean or Six Sigma Certification

Strong presentation skills, enabling clear and precise communication at all organizational levels.

Prior experience leading cross-functional teams.

Experience working in a GMP environment

Additional Information:

Travel: Required travel up to 30% including international travel.

Location: Global Elanco Headquarters-Greenfield, IN - Hybrid Work Environment

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

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