Operational Excellence (OPEX) Leader - Packaging
Toronto, Canada, Ontario, M1B2K9
We Are Teva
Our Team, Your Impact
The Operational Excellence (OPEX) Leader supports the Director of Operations in implementing, executing, and sustaining the site Continuous Improvement program. This role leads departmental CI activities, including data collection and analysis, project prioritization, and development of implementation plans that drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, service, and cost.
A core expectation of this role is demonstrated expertise in pharmaceutical solid‑dose manufacturing, with a specific focus on bottle and blister packaging optimization, including line performance, material yield, changeover efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
The OPEX Leader will develop a strong working knowledge of the Teva Lean Management System (TLMS) and complementary Lean/continuous improvement methodologies, using these tools to deliver step‑change performance improvements while actively engaging, coaching, and empowering site employees.
How You’ll Spend Your Day
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Continuous Improvement & Results Delivery
- Independently generate, lead, and execute continuous improvement initiatives that deliver significant and sustainable financial savings to the site.
- Lead solid‑dose bottle and blister packaging optimization initiatives, including throughput improvement, OEE improvement, line balancing, changeover reduction, waste elimination, and material yield improvement.
- Apply structured problem‑solving methodologies (Lean, TPS, root cause analysis) to address chronic performance losses in manufacturing and packaging operations.
- Partner with site leadership to achieve quarterly and annual savings targets.
- Work closely with project leads to ensure timely execution and benefit realization of CI initiatives.
- Prepare and facilitate bi-weekly Steerco meetings, including performance reviews, risk management, and action tracking.
Strategy, Metrics & Performance Management
- Support the development and execution of the site Long Range Plan (LRP).
- Support site initiatives, including data analysis and governance of OEE metrics, with emphasis on packaging line performance for bottle and blister operations.
- Ensure performance improvements are sustained through standard work, visual management, and leader routines on the shop floor.
People Development & Engagement
- Coach and mentor team members on OPEX methodologies, problem‑solving tools, and continuous improvement mindset.
- Support shop‑floor sustainment of active OPEX programs and Kaizen outcomes.
- Support and promote the CI Loop Program to drive employee engagement and bottom‑up improvement.
- Support the planning, execution, and timely closure of Kaizen events and improvement projects.
- Ensure TLMS pillar confirmations are completed with appropriate corrective actions.
Cross‑Functional & Global Collaboration
- Collaborate with Operations, Packaging, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to ensure improvements are compliant, scalable, and sustainable in a regulated pharmaceutical environment.
Your Skills and Experience
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required in a technical discipline, such as Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
Experience
- 5+ years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment.
- Preferred: Minimum 3 years of experience in a Lean or Operational Excellence role, ideally within a pharmaceutical manufacturing organization, Lean 6 sigma green belt. Preferred L6Sigma Black Belt.
- Demonstrated experience in solid‑dose pharmaceutical packaging, with strong preference for hands‑on experience in:
- Bottle filling and blister packaging operations
- Packaging line efficiency and OEE improvement
- Regulated manufacturing environments (cGMP)
Technical & Professional Skills
- Working knowledge of ERP systems, Microsoft Office (Excel proficiency preferred), QMS, Maintenance Management systems, PowerBI and automated OEE systems environments.
- Ability to analyze packaging data and translate insights into actionable improvement plans.
- Proven capability to lead, teach, and develop team members in continuous improvement methodologies.
Industry Experience
- Experience in the pharmaceutical industry required.
- Experience in food, beverage, or high‑speed consumer packaging environments is considered an asset
How We’ll Take Care of You
At Teva Canada we provide a rewarding and collaborative work experience, with career growth and development opportunities for employees, in a safe and caring environment! The typical hiring range for this position is $80,560-$100,700. The base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, this role may qualify for an annual bonus based on employment type. Certain positions may also be eligible for a sales commission structure as part of the overall compensation package. Beyond base pay, Teva also offers a comprehensive suite of wellness and benefits programs tailored to role and employment type, that continue to rank among the best in our industry! Our competitive offerings are designed to provide flexibility, security, and meaningful choices, empowering employees to thrive both personally and professionally throughout their journey with us.
As part of our commitment to well-being, employees may have access to:
- Teva Canada’s choices Benefit Plan including Health, Dental, Disability, Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program & Virtual Health Programs
- Retirement Savings Programs
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
- Time for yourself or those you care about, through paid time for Vacation, Wellness days, Care/Sick days, Teva Days and Volunteer Days
- Education Assistance Program
- Recognition programs such as Employee Service Awards
- Employee Discounts
- And much more!
More exciting details on the specific total rewards offerings to be provided at the offer stage depending on the position and employment type hiring for. This position will fill a current vacancy and Teva Canada may use an artificial intelligence (AI) system to assist with the initial screening and evaluation of job applications by analyzing for relevant skills, professional experience, and education, that best match the posted job qualifications. It is important to note that all final decisions in this process are made by a member of the hiring team.
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