Operational Excellence Associate Manager - Columbia, MD

Changing lives. Building Careers. · Joining us is a chance to do important work that creates change and shapes the future of healthcare. Thinking differently is what we do best. To us, change equals opportunity. Every day, our colleagues are challenging what's possible and making ...

Job description

Changing lives. Building Careers.

Joining us is a chance to do important work that creates change and shapes the future of healthcare. Thinking differently is what we do best. To us, change equals opportunity. Every day, our colleagues are challenging what's possible and making headway to innovate new treatment pathways to advance patient outcomes and set new standards of care.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The Associate Manager, Operational Excellence supports improvement initiatives that enhance quality, service, cost, and operational stability. Reporting to the Director, Operational Excellence, his role applies core problem‑solving tools, executes defined projects within a value stream, and supports Lean capability building. Demonstrates strong fundamentals in Lean tools, Daily Management practices, Tier Reviews, and accountability management within the LSS methodologies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Support & Execution

• Execute well defined, small-medium scope Lean projects or workstreams that improve cost, quality, or service within a team or value stream.
• Conduct basic root-cause analysis using Lean toolsets, process mapping, Pareto analysis, fishbone diagrams, and 5 Whys.
• Partner with project leads to collect data, develop baselines, and validate findings.
• Apply basic statistical tools (SPC charts, capability studies, hypothesis tests) with coaching from LSS Black Belts
• Maintain project documentation, support scheduling, and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.

Lean Deployment & Daily Management Support

• Drive Lean activities within assigned areas, including 5S, waste identification, and standard work sustainment.
• Assist in Daily Management routines by updating visual boards, tracking KPIs, and identifying issues requiring escalation.
• Participate in Kaizen events and improvement workshops, contributing analysis and assisting with facilitation tasks.
• Help operational teams adopt visual controls, standard work, and problem solving‑ routines.

Coaching & Capability Building

• Support LSS training sessions by preparing materials, gathering examples, and sharing basic tools with peers.
• Serve as a role model for problem solving‑ discipline and adherence to Lean methods.
• Participate in skill building‑ activities to prepare for leading larger and more complex projects.

Operational Integration & Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing teams to solve operational issues.
• Ensure changes comply with required quality and regulatory processes by partnering closely with SMEs.
• Provide accurate data, observations, and documentation to support cross functional decision‑ making.

Performance Measurement & Reporting

• Update project dashboards, maintain control plans, and support sustainment reviews.
• Track assigned KPIs and escalate deviations following established processes.
• Prepare reports and summaries for project leads, site leadership, or value stream‑ stakeholders.

REQUIRED SKILLS & MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.

Experience

• 5–10 years of experience in operations, supply chain, engineering, or quality.
• Experience implementing Lean methodologies.
• Familiarity with Lean tools, and basic statistical analysis.

Skills & Competencies

• Effective communication skills with ability to collaborate within teams.
• Ability to follow structured problem-solving processes and sustain improvements.
• Organized, detail oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑ paced environment.

This role requires regular use of tools and equipment relevant to the work environment.

Examples include:

• General office equipment: Computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, and telephone communication systems.
• Additional tools may vary depending on the specific function (e.g., manufacturing, field service, or laboratory work) and will be defined in role-specific documentation.

Salary Pay Range:

$94, $129,950.00 USD Salary

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by several factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for bonus, commission, equity or other variable compensation. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Additional Description for Pay Transparency:

Subject to the terms of their respective plans, employees and/or eligible dependents are eligible to participate in the following Company sponsored employee benefit programs: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, business accident insurance, and group legal insurance, and savings plan (401(k)).

Subject to the terms of their respective policies and date of hire, Employees are eligible for the following

Integra LifeSciences is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees regardless of race, marital status, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

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