Operational Excellence Change Agent at Elanco in Elwood, Kansas

Job Description:

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role: Operational Excellence Change Agent

The Operational Excellence Change Agent is responsible for strategic development, leadership, and execution of the Operational Excellence program at the Elwood, Kansas monoclonal antibody (mAb) manufacturing facility.  This position will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies, processes, and best practices that drive continuous improvement, optimize performance, reduce waste, and enhance overall operational effectiveness.  The Operational Excellence Change Agent is a dynamic role with a diverse set of responsibilities and is a key member of the Site Leadership Team. 

Your Responsibilities:  

• Establish a culture of continuous improvement by implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies and other best practices to drive operational excellence (OpEx) initiatives by optimizing workflows, eliminating waste, and enhancing overall productivity.


• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of operational processes and foster an environment that encourages knowledge sharing and cross-functional problem-solving.


• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of operational processes and digital initiatives; Conduct regular performance reviews and data analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring intervention.


• Lead change management efforts associated with process improvements and provide training and support to employees to enhance their skills and capabilities in adopting new technologies and operational practices.


• Lead digital transformation initiatives and champion the adoption of digital tools and platforms to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve decision-making capabilities.


• Provide coaching and training to manufacturing site teams on OpEx principles and practices, Elanco Manufacturing & Quality Ways of Working, and the site Operational Excellence program.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications): 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Science, Engineering, Business, etc.) with a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB) or higher.

• Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of experience in functional leadership, leading and directing individuals and groups, and influencing decisions in a matrix organization (including 2+ years of Operational Excellence related professional experience).

• Experience operating in a regulated, commercial manufacturing environment including Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals, Biologics, or other highly regulated industries such as Food, Automotive, Aerospace, etc.


• Influential leader who will engage all organizational levels and lead sustained improvement.


• Demonstrated success implementing continuous improvement programs with quantifiable business results.

Additional Information:  

• Travel: <5%

• Location: This is considered an on-site position at the Elwood, KS facility.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!  

Elanco Benefits and Perks: 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include: 

• Multiple relocation packages 

• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO) 

• 8-week parental leave 

• 9 Employee Resource Groups 

• Annual bonus offering 

• Flexible work arrangements 

• Up to 6% 401K matching

#LI_MNLC

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status