We are a French pharmaceutical industrial group, recognized for making affordable healthcare products that improve and simplify patients' lives to as many people as possible.
With 30 years of technological expertise, we position ourselves as a world leader in sterile single dose with 10 sites on 4 continents and more than 2000 employees.
Since 2013, our site Unither Manufacturing LLC. based in Rochester (NY), specializes in the manufacture of Blow-Fill-Seal, Liquid Stick-Packs, Pharmaceutical bottles, Tablets and Capsules. It has more than 300 employees.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Lead Operations Industrial Engineer is responsible for driving operational excellence initiatives across manufacturing operations through the application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured continuous improvement methodologies. They are a change agent driving our teams forward through expertise and cross-functional collaboration. This role leads the Industrial Engineering function and partners cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain to improve productivity, reduce waste, optimize workflows, and enhance overall manufacturing performance.
The position will lead and develop a team of Industrial Engineering personnel while implementing sustainable process improvements, standard work, KPI management systems, and data-driven problem-solving methodologies. The ideal candidate combines strong technical manufacturing knowledge with proven people leadership, change management capability, and hands-on continuous improvement execution.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operations Support
Participate in the writing of procedures for Operations activities linked to new equipment/processes.
Work with Manager and HR Department to implement training plans adapted to specific user profiles.
Determine and help ensure necessary documentation is in place, maintained and organized (e.g., troubleshooting guides, Process Flows, SOPs, etc.)
Develop and implement process improvements and technological upgrades.
Develop and implement Visual and Production documentation standards in cooperation with management and user personnel (5S floor zoning, furniture, line flow
Familiarize self with different key equipment (participation in the set-up and testing) and determine good practices of use (parameters, methods)
Train staff for new processes and provide instructions and manuals.
Represent Operations on Site Projects/Continuous Improvement Activities
Actively participate in the definition of needs in URS for both functional and technical specifications.
Represent plant operations during industrialization of new equipment/Line.
Review and approve Qualification and Validation documents.
Define and Lead action plan as necessary to get the equipment to match the expectations of the URS once installed/qualified
Identify users and assess levels required based on department and specific needs.
Implement LEAN practices (VSM, Continuous flow, Workplace organization 5S, Cycle time, takt time studies, Ergonomic, Define Waste, TPM program.
Lead plant continuous improvement initiatives aligned with safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
Facilitate Kaizen events and cross-functional problem-solving workshops.
Develop and monitor operational KPIs to drive accountability and performance improvements.
Drive standardization across manufacturing processes and operational workflows.
Identify systemic process constraints and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Drive measurable improvements in productivity, cycle time, equipment utilization, labor efficiency, manufacturing throughput, scrap reduction, and downtime reduction.
Management of Industrial Engineering Team
Lead, coach, and develop a team of Industrial Engineering Technicians and/or Engineers supporting manufacturing operations.
Establish team priorities, project roadmaps, workload balancing, and performance expectations aligned to operational goals.
Build organizational capability in Lean Manufacturing, structured problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Team That Consistently Delivers
Ensure regulatory compliance.
Assist supervisors and direction to staff and coordinates workflow within the work unit based on new equipment/process improvements.
Provide technical assistance, positively answer users' questions and request for support in resolving problems/external analysis
Keep abreast of all new technical knowledge and developments that impact performance and relay information to the Operations team.
Assist/lead the resolution of deviations by obtaining root cause and corrective actions in a timely manner with no disruption to operations activities.
Implement both short- and long-term corrective actions and process improvements to ensure continued compliance.
Assist with developing quantitative techniques to monitor process performance (KPI).
Analyze management information and continuous quality improvement data to identify ways to streamline, improve process quality and/or compliance while maintaining process effectiveness.
Ensure that all change control documentation is implemented, in a timely manner.
Ensure stakeholders are appropriately trained on the process and any process changes.
People Leadership & Talent Management Responsibilities
Provide direct leadership and oversight of assigned staff, including performance management, annual performance evaluations, ongoing coaching, mentoring, and goal setting.
Provide direct leadership and oversight of assigned staff, including performance management, annual performance evaluations, ongoing coaching, mentoring, and goal setting.
Conduct regular managerial touchpoints with supervisors and team members to reinforce expectations, increase engagement, and support individual and team development.
Partner with Human Resources to support workforce planning, staffing needs, interviewing, and selection of qualified candidates.
Actively participate in succession planning and organizational development initiatives, identifying high-potential talent and development opportunities within the manufacturing organization.
Support onboarding, training, and ongoing development to ensure employees are equipped to meet operational, quality, and compliance expectations.
Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to meet evolving business needs and HR-driven initiatives, including staffing adjustments, talent reviews, engagement efforts, and change management activities.
Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, engagement, and continuous improvement through consistent leadership presence and communication.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a related field such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations Research, or Supply Chain Engineering. 7+ years Manufacturing/Engineering experience.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Leadership skills to conduct workshops.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Works effectively on a team or individually.
Proficient with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Ability to encourage innovation and contribute new ideas to improve processes and drive continuous improvement.
Ability to challenge the status quo to foster creativity and enhance team performance. Ability to build excellent Cross-functional relationship(s)
SCOPE OF DECISION-MAKING: Decisions require complex analytical judgment. Plan and perform a wide variety of duties requiring general knowledge of company policies and procedures applicable within area of responsibilities and including their application to cases not routinely covered. Requires considerable judgment to work independently toward general results, devise methods, modify or adapt standard procedures to meet different conditions, make decisions based on precedent and company policies.
LEVEL OF SUPERVISION PROVIDED: Project direction of other employees performing the same or directly related work.
INTERNAL / EXTERNAL CONTACTS: Regular inside and outside: Requires contacts to carry out company policy and programs. Improper handling will have considerable effect on operating results. Must often deal with people of substantially higher rank on matters requiring explanation, persuasion and obtaining approvals.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ENVIRONMENT:
Must demonstrate visual acuity, color recognition, finger dexterity.
The ability to read, write and communicate in English.
Work responsibilities involve chemical and biological agents that have assigned biological and chemical hazards.
Sitting approximately 50% of day and standing approximately 50% of day.
Work responsibilities may involve repetitive use of the hands, simple grasping and fine manipulation.
Occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds.
Normal office and warehouse environment that may require personal protective equipment and occasional controlled environment work that may require removal of jewelry and cosmetics.
Occasionally subjected to weekend, holiday and irregular hours.
