Global Operational Excellence Manager, Cell Therapy, Leiden/NL

Pleased to meet you, we are Galapagos, a dynamic growing Biotech company with offices across Europe and in US, headquartered in Mechelen, Belgium.

We are in the business of changing lives. Focusing on high unmet medical needs, we synergize compelling science, technology, and collaborative approaches to create a deep pipeline of best-in-class small molecules, CAR-T therapies and biologics in oncology and immunology. With capabilities from lab to patient, including a decentralized, point-of-care CAR-T manufacturing network, we are committed to challenging the status quo and delivering results for our patients, employees and shareholders.

We pioneer for patients. We need thought leaders and rapid thinkers, entrepreneurs in spirit and status quo-fighters. Collaborative innovators and perseverant idealists. We need the best-in-class. In other words, we need you : The ‘make-it-happener’.

We are looking for a Global Operational Excellence Manager, Cell Therapy, Leiden/NL

Scope of the job

As our Global Operational Excellence Manager, you will be responsible for driving process improvement initiatives across all facets of the Cell Therapy value chain (supply chain, manufacturing, network management, lab operations, ..).

The scope covers both internal operational activities and activities related to our global network of decentralized manufacturing units for CAR-T cell therapy.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, leveraging Lean methodologies and other process improvement tools to enhance operational efficiency and reliability and to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Your role

Process Design & Improvement:

• Deliver on strategic objectives of the Cell Therapy roadmap by leading initiatives to design and optimize processes based on proven methodologies (value stream mapping, six sigma, 5S, network analysis, ..)

• Analyze current operational processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement (reliability, agility, cost, compliance, ..)
• Develop and maintain metrics to track the success of improvement initiatives.

• Manage multiple improvement projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business objectives.

Leadership and Strategy:

• Develop and execute an operational excellence strategy aligned with the company’s overall goals.
• Foster a continuous improvement culture. Be a change agent and train / coach employees on Lean methodologies.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with department heads and team members to understand operational challenges and opportunities.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels to ensure buy-in and support for improvement initiatives.
• Report on the progress and impact of operational excellence initiatives to senior management.

In this role, you will be part of a team of dynamic Operational Excellence leads and you will report to the Senior Director Global Business Excellence.

Who are you ?

Experience

• Scientific master’s degree (e.g. Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, ..). An additional business degree is a plus
• At least 6 years of relevant experience within Operations (Supply Chain, Manufacturing and/or Technical Operations) in the Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology industry. Experience in Cell Therapy is preferred.
• Strong experience and proven track record working on Operational Excellence / Lean Management. Lean Green / Black belt strongly preferred
• Strong project management skills and experience leading cross-functional teams. Consultancy experience and/or experience with Agile Project Management is a plus
• Previous experience working in a global setting

Key Comptencies

• You have a passion for continuous improvement and you have strong strategic thinking skills
• You enjoy working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Result-driven and agile mindset, without compromising quality and compliance
• Ability to zoom-in & zoom-out depending on the situation
• You have good interpersonal skills and written and spoken fluency in English

What’s in it for you ?

At Galapagos, we prioritize your continuous growth and development, fostering a culture of empowerment. Our employees are the driving force behind our mission to lead in pharmaceutical research and innovation.

We offer a competitive compensation package and a supportive work environment with strong focus on your health and well-being. Join us in our journey towards sustainability, as we strive to make a lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.

We are Galapagos : together we can make it happen…!

Galapagos is dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities. Our hiring decisions are based on merit, considering qualifications, skills, performance, and achievements. We strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or job applicant based on personal characteristics that are unrelated to their job.