Operational Excellence Specialist

This is where you save and sustain lives

At Baxter, we are deeply connected by our mission. No matter your role at Baxter, your work makes a positive impact on people around the world. You’ll feel a sense of purpose throughout the organization, as we know our work improves outcomes for millions of patients. 

Baxter’s products and therapies are found in almost every hospital worldwide, in clinics and in the home. For over 85 years, we have pioneered significant medical innovations that transform healthcare.

Together, we create a place where we are happy, successful and inspire each other. This is where you can do your best work. 

Join us at the intersection of saving and sustaining lives— where your purpose accelerates our mission. 

Your role at Baxter

The Operational Excellence Specialist is responsible for identifying opportunities to support the Margin Improvement Projects pipeline of the Round Lake Drug Delivery site and is instrumental in the implementation of the Baxter Operating System (BOS) strategy for each value stream within the plant. This role will require the ability to be multidisciplinary, utilize DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to problem solve, and interact/partner with many groups within the plant (Manufacturing, Chem Lab, Warehouse, Maintenance, etc) to unlock value for the site.

The scope of the position is also to be a coach for the organization in the following areas: Kaizen Culture, Daily Accountability & Visual Management Systems, Lean Transformation, Value Stream Mapping, Workshop creation and facilitation, Problem Solving, use of lean and six sigma tools and basic statistical analysis. This individual should have good business acumen as well as good interpersonal, and communication skills. This position reports to the Operational Excellence Sr. Manager, but will be imbedded within a value stream of the site (Ceph, Non-Ceph, Peni).

What you'll be doing

• Be a leader and enabler of the deployment/sustaining of BOS and project creation and management within the VCD system and ideation through implementation and control using DMAIC methods.
• Work as a change agent and drive the continuous improvement cultural transformation for the plant.  
• Coach and assist on resolving priorities and achieving results. Oriented toward value added process improvements and program management (EMS, Kaizen Culture, Certification Programs, Project Management Office, iCare and others)
• The position can lead and support continuous improvement initiatives for waste elimination and reducing process variation through Kaizens and problem-solving workshops, assessments and trainings.
• The position can lead the Value Improvement Program, by identifying and helping other areas in the execution of the projects to accomplish yearly targets.

• Identifies areas of improvement for complex plant opportunities. Works closely with plant staff to drive changes and improvements that impact the bottom-line results on Quality, Service, Delivery and Cost.
• Deliver improvement projects through the appropriate project management and benefits realization.

What you'll bring

• BS/BA degree or equivalent degree in Business Management, Engineering, or other related field of study. with 2 or more years of experience in manufacturing environments in areas such as: Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality or Operational Excellence.
• If candidate has no BS/BA degree or equivalent, then at minimum 5-7 years of manufacturing experience with a foundational understanding of DMAIC and Six Sigma.
• Must have working knowledge and understanding of Continuous Process Improvement methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma.
• Green Belt, Root Cause Problem Solving or Lean Training/Certification required.
• Black Belt training/Certification highly desirable.
• Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as exhibit initiative and a high level of energy.
• Must have strategic planning and business acumen skills.
• Very good coaching, facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects simultaneously and drive change.
• Exhibits cross functional leadership, teamwork and influencing skills.
• Good analytical/statistical problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate in the complex, matrixed environment.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $76,000 - $104,500 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors. This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)

This is where your well-being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount, and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees. For additional information regarding Baxter US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Baxter

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Reasonable Accommodations

Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.

Recruitment Fraud Notice

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