Business Process Excellence Lead

THE POSITION
The Business Process Excellence Lead is a key role within Animal Health Operations, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement across the Pirbright site. The position leads strategic improvement initiatives, applies Lean and Operational Excellence methodologies, and partners with stakeholders across the business to deliver sustainable performance improvements and build organisational capability.

This is a site-based role in Pirbright, requiring a minimum of three days per week onsite. The position is offered on a fixed-term basis until December 2027.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Lean & Operational Excellence

• Lead the deployment and continuous development of the Business Process Excellence programme across the Pirbright site.
• Drive the application of Lean principles and methodologies to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost and People performance.
• Identify, prioritize and deliver improvement opportunities that remove waste, reduce variation and improve operational effectiveness.
• Lead Value Stream Mapping, Process mapping, Kaizen events, Rapid Improvement Workshops and structured problem-solving activities, to support business priorities.
• Promote process standardisation, simplification and sustainable business improvements
• Implement and sustain Lean management systems, including visual management, performance boards, tiered accountability and standard work.
• Support operational teams in achieving productivity, quality, service and cost improvement targets.
• Establish measures and governance to ensure sustainable benefits realization from improvement initiatives.

Continuous Improvement Portfolio Management

• Manage and deliver the site's continuous improvement portfolio aligned with strategic and operational priorities.
• Develop a pipeline of improvement opportunities and support leaders in prioritization and resource allocation.
• Track, monitor and report improvement benefits, risks and overall portfolio performance.
• Facilitate governance forums to review improvement initiatives and remove barriers to delivery.

Leadership & Capability Building

• Act as the site's Subject Matter Expert for Lean, Operational Excellence and Business Process Excellence.
• Train, coach and mentor leaders and employees in Lean and Operational Excellence tools and methodologies.
• Build organisational capability by developing internal Lean practitioners and improvement champions.
• Promote the sharing of best practices across site functions and the wider global network.

Stakeholder Management & Change Leadership

• Partner with functional leaders to identify performance improvement opportunities and drive change adoption.
• Engage and influence stakeholders across all business functions and organisational levels.
• Lead complex cross-functional improvement programmes delivering measurable business benefits.
• Communicate progress, achievements and improvement opportunities to senior leadership and key stakeholders.

Compliance

• Ensure all improvement activities are delivered in accordance with GMP, Biosafety, EHS and company requirements.
• Promote a culture of compliance, operational discipline and continuous improvement.
• Ensure Lean improvements support both operational performance and regulatory compliance requirements.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, Operations Management, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.
• Change Management certification preferred.
• Project Management certification would be advantageous.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in Business Process Management and Lean / Operational Excellence or Business Process Excellence methodologies.
• Strong track record of leading complex cross-functional process improvement initiatives and delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Strong expertise in Lean methodologies including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Standard Work, Visual Management, Daily Management Systems and Root Cause Analysis.
• Experience applying Lean Six Sigma tools to solve complex operational challenges and drive sustainable improvements.
• Demonstrated success in building organisational capability through coaching, training and mentoring others in Lean and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to lead change without direct authority.
• Experience managing continuous improvement portfolios and delivering multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a complex, fast-paced and highly regulated environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and relevant business applications.
• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology or other regulated manufacturing environments is advantageous.

WHY THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
Boehringer Ingelheim is recognised as a Top Employer in the UK, reflecting our commitment to exceptional workplace standards, career development and a purpose-driven culture. Our employees contribute to meaningful work, creating long-term value for people, animals and the environment.

Candidates may be asked to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)  Security check. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory DBS certificate.

Our Company

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. Our approximately 54,300 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow.