Operation Excellence Lead

About Zimmer Biomet

Zimmer Biomet is a global leader in medical technology that has been innovating for nearly a century, improving patient mobility worldwide. Every eight seconds, a Zimmer Biomet product or technology enhances a patient's mobility. The company fosters a culture of inclusion, respect, empowerment, and recognition, offering development opportunities, employee resource groups, wellness incentives, flexible working arrangements, competitive rewards, and performance awards.

Role Overview

The Operations Excellence Lead plays a crucial leadership role focused on driving strategic initiatives to reduce operating costs, improve organizational efficiency, eliminate waste, and support Lean transformation and cost savings across the manufacturing sites in Ireland. This role will lead Rapid CI activities, promote a culture of continuous improvement, and guide sites towards World-Class and Shingo certification standards. Close collaboration with senior leadership and the Irish Senior Leadership Team is key.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Operational Excellence strategy aligned with Zimmer Biomet's Ireland and global goals, fostering continuous improvement culture across all levels and shifts.
• Develop and manage high-performing teams focused on integrity, accountability, and collaboration.
• Design and implement strategies to enhance Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People performance.
• Identify and integrate innovative methodologies to strengthen operational capabilities.
• Manage cross-site and cross-shift stakeholder relationships to ensure cohesion and successful program delivery.
• Drive efficiency and performance improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing and Kaizen methods.
• Redesign and evolve manufacturing systems ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Manage operational budgets actively to meet cost reduction targets.
• Ensure organizational alignment with annual objectives alongside the Project Management Office.
• Attract, mentor, and retain talented future leaders within the organization.
• Support new product launches, technology transfers, and production line expansions aligned with growth plans.
• Champion Industry 4.0 initiatives in partnership with the MES team.

Preferred Qualifications & Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for complex information delivery.
• Strong problem-solving abilities applicable to operational and strategic challenges.
• Proven leadership in managing and developing People Leaders to meet business goals.
• Strategic thinker with foresight to anticipate needs and plan for long-term success.
• Comprehensive knowledge of medical device industry regulations and legal requirements.
• Creative and analytical mindset with innovation experience in manufacturing process improvement.
• Expertise in Lean methodologies with a measurable impact on productivity.
• Resilience and adaptability to lead teams effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrates boldness by challenging norms and inspiring innovation and action.
• Insightful with a global outlook, leveraging data and experience to drive strategy execution.
• Collaborative leadership focused on building shared purpose and diverse team strengths.
• Proactive with a strong drive and urgency to reach goals despite challenges.
• Agile in learning and adapting methods to consistently deliver results.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, technical, or business field (or equivalent).
• 7-10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, quality, or development engineering, including 3-5 years in supervisory or managerial roles, or equivalent combined education and experience.
• Experience with manufacturing technologies in regulated environments.
• Proven ability leading large-scale, rapid change initiatives boosting innovation, quality, service, and efficiency.
• Skilled in team building, capacity planning, budgeting, quality/productivity planning, new product introduction, process development, and manufacturing flow analysis.
• Documented success implementing Lean to enhance performance.

Additional Information

• Travel requirement up to 20%.

Zimmer Biomet is an equal opportunity employer embracing diversity and inclusion.