Manufacturing Excellence Lead needed at Bayer

Main Purpose: 

• This role is responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation and long-term sustainability of the Product Supply System (onePSS) at the site level. It will drive success through continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging lean practices to embed cultural change
• The role will coordinate implementation and sustainability by working closely with the Site Leadership Team, Implementation Task Force Team, Process Leads – Team Leads, Seed Techs, Seasonal Temps; Regional Implementation Lead, Global Implementation Lead, Continuous Improvement networks and Change Management / HR team ensuring systems are used to drive opportunities and one common standard through employee empowerment and a focus on customer needs. 

Key Tasks & Responsibilities: 

• Drive together with the site to accelerate onePSS implementation across site, working collaboratively to increase maturityand effectiveness.
• Apply a deep understanding of the onePSS implementation methodology, Lean principles, and change-management practices to ensure sustainable adoption at Thobontle.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Lean practices and lead the site’s continuous-improvement journey.
• Provide hands-on support, coaching, and guidance to accelerate onePSS deployment and other continuous-improvement initiatives
• Drive continuous improvement by leveraging expertise to deliver significant operational-excellence gains.
• Lead Quality and Safety initiatives broadly and build a culture to maintain a healthy and safety  Quality Management System (QMS)
• Ensure that change-management requirements are met and coordinate change-related efforts to implement and sustain improvements.
• Develop and review site Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure clear performance tracking and data-driven decision-making.
• Provide oversight of processes related to product quality in cooperation with seed production management and other stakeholders including but not limited to the Bayer Global Quality & Compliance Assurance and Control teams
• Conduct improvement studies to identify opportunities in quality, performance, and cost reduction; analyze process variables; and recommend actions to prevent deviations impacting production, quality, safety, or the environment.
• Facilitate discussions with plant representatives on best practices, performance results, and new technologies; deliver operational training as needed.
• Represent the Optimization team in global studies and lead cross-country projects to exchange best practices.
• Lead and execute Lean & Six Sigma projects, providing direction, prioritization, and support as a project champion for engineers and multidisciplinary teams
• Lead the justification and support the development of capital projects
• Lead HSE efforts according ISO45001 standards focusing on legal compliance and identifying safety risks applying the HIRA methodology.
• Ensure compliance with ISO9001:2015 Quality Management System.
• Actively record safety observation and near misses
• Participate in 5WHY problem solving identifying corrective and preventative actions.
• Adhere to all applicable legislation, Bayer safety policies and procedures
• Adhere to requirements of legal appointments
• Actively promote the Bayer safety culture and best practices

Mission & Squad Connections: 

• Operate in End-to End Mission Squad
• Squad Connections:
• Plant Mission Team
• Advanced Technologies Squad
• Planning Squad
• Data Squad
• One Management System Squad (QMS, HSE, OnePSS)
• Quality Testing
• Production Research
• Field Mission

Qualifications & Competencies: 

• Degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering.
• At least 4 years of experience in manufacturing and or seed agricultural industry
• At least 4 years’ experience in plant operations / optimization / projects and Operational Excellence
• Qualification in Lean/6 Sigma preferred.
• Experience in leading and developing teams
• Skilled at leading, managing conflict and negotiating with cross-functional teams
• Coaching / mentoring group facilitation skills
• Strong communication skills (written and oral – open, honest and persistent)
• Deliver results in a changing environment
• Problem solving skills