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Title:  Process Excellence Manager

Requisition ID:  73394
Date:  Mar 25, 2026
Location: 

Kearney, NE, US

Department:  Operations
Description: 

 

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?  

 

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.  

 

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.  

Job Summary

This is a fully onsite position.The duties of the process excellence manager are to function as a member of the plant managers staff and to identify problems, clearly and accurately define problem statements and apply structured/disciplined methodology (Lean and/or Six Sigma) addressing data-driven root causes. Lead process improvement projects that are focused on delivering sustainable increases in productivity, profitability and customer satisfaction across a range of business processes and functions.  Manage all site tooling including validation, repair, replacement, etc.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Manage and direct the process engineering group. Manage of 3 or more people is typical.
  • Prepare objectives, appraisals and development plans for direct reports.
  • Collaborate with Global and Local Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to standardize best practices, drive continuous improvement, and ensure alignment with enterprise initiatives.
  • Partner cross-functionally with all departments (Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, etc.) to support quality improvements, cost reduction initiatives, and production performance.
  • Serve as an active member of the Site Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, operational decision-making, and business performance reviews.
  • Facilitate the Plant Team to reduce variation, yield savings, improve quality, meet Customer’s needs while achieving Plant and Corporate goals.
  • Accountable for delivering tangible results, effective change management approaches and best practice project management techniques.
  • Interact with all departments to support quality, cost savings and production needs.
  • Provide project leadership by coordinating the efforts of the various departmental disciplines for the successful completion of projects according to plan and budget.
  • Develop initial project scope, timelines, savings and cost estimates.
  • Leads qualification of new and repaired equipment.
  • Guides the activities of technicians/operators performing process improvement functions.
  • Monitor projects to ensure they remain on schedule and budget and track delivered results.
  • Verify and track cost savings for Plant Bonus efforts.
  • Write technical reports as required.
  • Write and revise procedures and S.O.I.’s to ensure the equipment is operated and maintained according to good manufacturing practices.
  • Write design of experiments (DOE’s) as required to address plant issues or test new approaches.
  • Assists with facility/supplier audits and meetings, as required.
  • Perform other duties as directed

Education

  • High School Diploma/GED required.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, or Chemical) or similar degree highly preferred. 

Work Experience

  • Minimum 5 years of relatable experience and in leadership required

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent communication skills (in English)
  • Ability to assert technical solutions and standards in an international environment
  • Ability to collaborate well with people across different countries
  • Self-motivated, results- and solution-oriented personality
  • Working knowledge of SPC and Minitab software
  • Able to be aware of all relevant standard operating procedures as per Company policy as they are related to the position covered by this Job Description
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (or Green Belt with solid track of lean improvements).
  • Able to comply with the company’s safety and quality policies at all times

Travel Requirements

10%: Up to 26 business days per year

Physical Requirements

Sedentary-Exerting up to 10lbs/4kgs of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

Additional Requirements

  • Able to routinely use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Position operates in a professional office environment. May stand or sit for extended periods of time
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with written and oral skills, make quick decisions, interpret data, read and write, speak in front of groups, express and exchange ideas, understand direction and adhere to procedures
  • Organizational skills will enable planning, prioritization and achievement of goals especially of importance for the successful execution of related activities
  • Read and interpret data, information and documents
  • Must maintain the ability to work well with others in a variety of situations
  • Must be able to multi-task, work under time constraints, problem solve, and prioritize
  • Ability to make independent and sound judgments
  • Observe and interpret situations, analyze and solve problems

 

 

 

West embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We foster an environment where all individuals are safe, treated fairly, valued and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Where permitted by law, employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of post-offer background screening.  

 

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