BD
Associate Director, Operations Excellence
The Associate Director, Operations Excellence (OpEx) is a strategic and ISC LT member leader responsible for developing, governing, and accelerating the ISC Continuous Improvement (CI) strategy across the global manufacturing network. This role provides functional leadership, coaching, and oversight to CI leaders embedded within each plant (dotted-line), ensuring alignment, standardization, measurable, and sustained improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
The Associate Director partners closely with Plant Managers, Operations Directors, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, GP Task Force, and Finance to drive a culture of operational excellence and sustain CI as a core business capability.
Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Governance
Develop, deploy, and continuously refine the DS ISC OpEx strategy, roadmap, and annual objectives in alignment with ISC priorities.
Establish CI standards, methodologies, and best practices (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Problem-Solving, Value Stream Management).
Govern plant CI maturity, ensuring consistent application of tools, frameworks, and performance expectations across the network.
Oversee and challenge CI project selection to ensure alignment with business priorities and financial benefit targets.
Network CI Leadership
Provide dotted-line leadership, coaching, and performance guidance to CI Managers/Leaders at each manufacturing site.
Facilitate a strong CI community of practice, driving alignment, knowledge sharing, and cross-site collaboration.
Support Plant Managers and regional Ops leaders in developing site-level CI strategies, annual improvement plans, and KPI targets.
Conduct site assessments (Gemba evaluations, maturity assessments) and provide actionable feedback to improve performance.
Operational Execution
Lead enterprise-wide CI initiatives that impact multiple plants, including productivity programs, waste elimination, flow optimization, and digital enablement.
Serve as the primary CI subject matter expert to functional leaders in Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, HR (training), and EHS.
Partner with Finance to validate project results, savings, and productivity impacts.
Support deployment of tiered accountability systems, CI training programs, and certification pathways (Lean/Six Sigma).
Culture & Capability Building
Build CI capabilities across all levels of the organization—from frontline associates to senior leaders.
Enable and coach leaders in behaviors that reinforce a continuous improvement mindset.
Support change‑management efforts to ensure CI initiatives are adopted, sustained, and integrated into daily operations.
Metrics & Performance Management
Establish and maintain enterprise CI dashboards and KPIs (productivity, OEE, labor efficiency, scrap, service/delivery, etc.).
Track and report progress of major CI initiatives, ensuring transparency to the VP ISC and executive leadership.
Drive accountability for results at both the plant and enterprise level.
Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field required.
Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
Experience
8+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or supply chain roles.
Proven track record leading CI/Lean transformations in a multi‑site environment.
Experience influencing without authority and leading dotted‑line teams.
Strong experience with Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and structured problem‑solving (A3, DMAIC).
Experience in regulated manufacturing (medical device, pharma, food, industrial) preferred.
Certifications
Lean/CI certification required.
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred.
Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership and coaching capability.
Ability to influence cross‑functionally and drive change at all levels.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
Data‑driven decision‑making with strong analytical capability.
Ability to manage complex initiatives and balance enterprise vs. site‑level priorities.
Travel
Up to 40–60% travel to manufacturing sites as needed.
Why Join Us? A career at BD means being part of a team that values your opinions and contributions and that encourages you to bring your authentic self to work. It’s also a place where we help each other be great, we do what’s right, we hold each other accountable, and learn and improve every day.
To learn more about BD visit bd.com/careers
Equal Opportunity Employer Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally‑protected characteristics.
Salary Range 137,100.00$ – 226,300.00$ USD Annual
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The Associate Director partners closely with Plant Managers, Operations Directors, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, GP Task Force, and Finance to drive a culture of operational excellence and sustain CI as a core business capability.
Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Governance
Develop, deploy, and continuously refine the DS ISC OpEx strategy, roadmap, and annual objectives in alignment with ISC priorities.
Establish CI standards, methodologies, and best practices (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Problem-Solving, Value Stream Management).
Govern plant CI maturity, ensuring consistent application of tools, frameworks, and performance expectations across the network.
Oversee and challenge CI project selection to ensure alignment with business priorities and financial benefit targets.
Network CI Leadership
Provide dotted-line leadership, coaching, and performance guidance to CI Managers/Leaders at each manufacturing site.
Facilitate a strong CI community of practice, driving alignment, knowledge sharing, and cross-site collaboration.
Support Plant Managers and regional Ops leaders in developing site-level CI strategies, annual improvement plans, and KPI targets.
Conduct site assessments (Gemba evaluations, maturity assessments) and provide actionable feedback to improve performance.
Operational Execution
Lead enterprise-wide CI initiatives that impact multiple plants, including productivity programs, waste elimination, flow optimization, and digital enablement.
Serve as the primary CI subject matter expert to functional leaders in Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, HR (training), and EHS.
Partner with Finance to validate project results, savings, and productivity impacts.
Support deployment of tiered accountability systems, CI training programs, and certification pathways (Lean/Six Sigma).
Culture & Capability Building
Build CI capabilities across all levels of the organization—from frontline associates to senior leaders.
Enable and coach leaders in behaviors that reinforce a continuous improvement mindset.
Support change‑management efforts to ensure CI initiatives are adopted, sustained, and integrated into daily operations.
Metrics & Performance Management
Establish and maintain enterprise CI dashboards and KPIs (productivity, OEE, labor efficiency, scrap, service/delivery, etc.).
Track and report progress of major CI initiatives, ensuring transparency to the VP ISC and executive leadership.
Drive accountability for results at both the plant and enterprise level.
Qualifications Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field required.
Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
Experience
8+ years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or supply chain roles.
Proven track record leading CI/Lean transformations in a multi‑site environment.
Experience influencing without authority and leading dotted‑line teams.
Strong experience with Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, and structured problem‑solving (A3, DMAIC).
Experience in regulated manufacturing (medical device, pharma, food, industrial) preferred.
Certifications
Lean/CI certification required.
Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred.
Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership and coaching capability.
Ability to influence cross‑functionally and drive change at all levels.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
Data‑driven decision‑making with strong analytical capability.
Ability to manage complex initiatives and balance enterprise vs. site‑level priorities.
Travel
Up to 40–60% travel to manufacturing sites as needed.
Why Join Us? A career at BD means being part of a team that values your opinions and contributions and that encourages you to bring your authentic self to work. It’s also a place where we help each other be great, we do what’s right, we hold each other accountable, and learn and improve every day.
To learn more about BD visit bd.com/careers
Equal Opportunity Employer Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally‑protected characteristics.
Salary Range 137,100.00$ – 226,300.00$ USD Annual
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