Job Description
Job Description – Operational Excellence (OE) Lead, IPDO
Role Overview
The OE Lead – IPDO will champion a DFSS‑Design For Six Sigma driven transformation agenda across the R&D ecosystem. The role identifies and delivers improvement opportunities across Productivity, Quality, Delivery, Safety, Cost, and Morale (PQDSCM). The incumbent will drive Design Thinking, Lean, and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize R&D processes, strengthen operational resiliency, and embed a culture of continuous innovation and excellence.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy Development & Deployment
- Co-create and deploy an R&D Operational Excellence strategy grounded in Design Thinking, Lean, and Six Sigma principles.
- Translate the enterprise strategy into X‑Matrix/Hoshin Kanri goals for IPDO.
- Assess the impact of new business initiatives on OE priorities and alignment with DLSS practices.
2. Transformation Methodology (DFSS Framework)
- Develop and own a unified DFSS transformation methodology for R&D, integrating:
- Design Thinking (empathy → define → ideate → prototype → test)
- Lean (flow, waste reduction, standardization, value creation)
- Six Sigma (DMAIC, statistical rigor, variability reduction)
- Train leaders & teams to apply DLSS for structured problem-solving and breakthrough solutioning.
- Build internal capability through tools, templates, playbooks, and community of practice.
3. Design Thinking & Innovation Enablement
- Drive human‑centric solutioning by engaging end-user groups across R&D functions.
- Facilitate co-creation workshops, rapid prototyping, and iterative solution testing.
- Strengthen innovation pipelines by identifying unmet needs across R&D value streams.
4. Cross‑Geography Deployment & Value Realization
- Lead DLSS interventions across global and India R&D teams.
- Ensure measurable value delivery (cost, quality, cycle time, productivity) with 12–18 month sustainability plans.
- Standardize best practices across units and ensure harmonized execution.
5. Knowledge Management & Change Communication
- Institutionalize learnings by embedding them into KM systems, DLSS knowledge assets, and digital repositories.
- Create powerful narratives, case studies, and dashboards to communicate transformation outcomes.
6. Continuous Improvement (Lean + Six Sigma)
- Drive a standardized CI ecosystem across IPDO using common tools & training.
- Lead DMAIC projects, Kaizens, A3 problem solving, value stream mapping (VSM), and waste elimination sprints.
- Monitor KPIs and ensure alignment with annual operating plan.
- Provide technical expertise in Lean methodologies, statistical analysis, and systemic problem solving.
- Track project execution rigor, milestone adherence, and governance discipline.
7. Benchmarking & Manager Model Area Development
- Define the critical R&D value stream to be developed as the Model Area.
- Implement maturity models to achieve top‑quartile performance across PQDSCM.
- Build autonomous, self-managed, zero‑failure work systems using Lean Daily Management, visual controls, and standard work.
- Conduct deep-dive process studies, RCA, FMEA, and risk modeling.
8. Financial & Budget Leadership
- Own the annual OE budget, CapEx proposals, and benefit tracking.
- Ensure financial governance of OE projects, including validation of savings.
- Provide insights to management for critical OE-linked financial decisions.
9. Change Management & Culture Transformation
- Serve as the catalyst for OE-driven cultural transformation across IPDO.
- Shape behaviours aligned to Lean thinking, customer centricity, and daily standard work.
- Manage stakeholder expectations, resistance, and change adoption.
- Strengthen R&D capability through structured development plans and succession planning.
Required Skills & Capabilities
Technical Skills
- Strong command over Design Thinking, Lean tools, Six Sigma DMAIC, Kaizen, Hoshin Kanri, and X‑Matrix deployment.
- Proven experience in driving transformation and large CI programs in R&D or regulated industries.
- Understanding of R&D value chain (FDD, ARD, PM, QA, RA, BE, Packaging Development).
- Deep expertise in statistical tools (Minitab, JMP), data analytics, process mapping, and problem-solving frameworks.
Behavioural Competencies
- Strategic mindset with enterprise perspective
- Strong leadership & influencing capability
- Excellent stakeholder management and customer orientation
- High resilience, decision-making ability, and crisis management
- Negotiation, conflict resolution, and team-building skills
- Strong facilitation and communication abilities
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- B.Tech / BE ad/or MBA (Operations preferred) from a premier institute.
- 8–16 years of relevant experience in OE/Lean Six Sigma/Business Transformation.
- Black Belt certification preferred; Design Thinking certification desirable.
