Operational Excellence Principal

Hovione is an independent family owned international group of companies. From the beginning, we have set ourselves above and apart through our innovative technological and productive capabilities, reaching a top spot in the world market as an integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing Company dedicated to helping Pharmaceutical Customers bring new and off-patent drugs to market.

Our people are the main asset for our continued success. Reaching over 1950 team members, from 36 different nationalities, that are located across Asia, Europe and North America (Portugal, US, Macao, Ireland, China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, and Switzerland), including 4 production sites.

Working at Hovione means reaching for innovation and excellence in everything we do: for our clients, our partners and, above all, our patients. That is why we are In it for life.

• Contribute to the development of the Operational Excellence Roadmap to deliver the long term needs of the organisation by leading the establishment systems such as:
• Tiered Performance Management in production and supporting functions.
• Visual Management.
• Root Cause Problem Solving.
• Production Process Optimisation.
• Standardised Work including Leaders Standard Work.

• Lead the optimisation of Production, QC, Maintenance, and other supporting processes using fact-based analysis.

• Identify the areas for improvement through data analysis and direct observation.
• Identify the appropriate operational excellence tools to deliver and sustain these improvements.
• Lead the implementation of these tools addressing the adoption of new ways of working by team members as well as the technical application of tools.

• Play a leading role in the establishment of a culture and mindset of continuous improvement across the business.
  • Influence team members across all levels of the organisation to adopt a new ways of working.
  • Coach team members to develop their continuous improvement skills.
  • Implement the systems to reinforce a new way of working.
• Synthesise detailed analysis for ease of communication across the organisation, from the production floor to senior leadership.
• Participate in tiered performance management meetings in a coaching role
• Execute professional activities in compliance with GMP and HSE guidelines, internal and external requirements as well as promote the implementation and maintenance of Hovione´s policies, systems, and procedures (COPs, HBR, SOPs and others).
• Carry out assigned tasks and duties in a safe manner, in accordance with instructions, and to comply with environmental, health & safety rules/procedures, regulations and codes of practice.

• University, or equivalent, qualification in a field of Science or Engineering or similar scientific field (mandatory), Chemical / Process Engineering preferred.

• Lean / 6 Sigma black belt or equivalent experience

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in Industry related Continuous Improvement Initiatives and in the application of cGMP´s, ICH/CFR guidelines, ISO Norms and Industrial Safety guidelines.

• Strong Leadership and Influencing skills.

• Demonstrated track record of process optimization, continuous improvement, and business transformation projects.

• Experience in tools such as:
  • Lean Manufacturing Improvement Tools
  • Process Mapping
  • DMAIC methodology
  • Statistical analysis
  • Process Plant Support
• Deep specialized knowledge of Process Optimization with the ability to teach others.
• Knowledge and application of statistical tools with the ability to teach others.
• Demonstrated skills in training others.
• Fluency in English is a requirement.
• Computer literate with good working knowledge of the MS Office package
• Must have the Knowledge, Experience and Skills to conduct their tasks in accordance with the rules and procedures set down.

Hovione is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer

Inclusion and diversity are key to us. At Hovione, that means a work environment where differences are valued, and everyone is treated with fairness and respect. We want all our team members worldwide to feel supported, respected, and have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their age, gender, religion, disability, sexual orientation or ethnicity.