Manager, Continuous Improvement
Amgen
Summary
In this role the Manager, Continuous Improvement (CI) provides leadership for the site's CI organization and drives the development, execution, and sustainment of improvement programs to unlock capacity and scale growth. The role leads and develops the CI team, builds CI capability across the site through Yellow Belt and Green Belt programs, serves as the site's representative and lead (as needed) within the global CI network, and partners with manufacturing and cross-functional leaders (example: engineering, supply chain, quality, DTI) to identify and execute improvement priorities. The position combines people leadership, CI capability building, strategic program leadership, cross-functional influence, and operational improvement to strengthen the site's continuous improvement culture and deliver measurable business results.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop the CI team in Lean, Six Sigma structured problem-solving, project management, facilitation, and change management, building ownership and leadership capability.
- Align priorities and resources with site objectives; set clear expectations for execution, stakeholder engagement, documentation, and sustainment while fostering accountability, collaboration, and measurable results.
- Partner with site and functional leaders to translate manufacturing challenges and site objectives into a prioritized CI portfolio.
- Lead complex, cross-functional programs and establish portfolio governance, including ownership, milestones, success measures, escalation, and leadership reporting on progress, risks, and support needs.
- Coordinate Yellow Belt and Green Belt programs, aligning course planning, participants, instructors, and subject-matter experts with site development needs.
- Coach and mentor employees in applying consistent Lean and Six Sigma problem-solving methods to business challenges, building capability to independently lead improvements.
- Lead data-driven improvements in manufacturing throughput, capacity, reliability, process flow, efficiency, quality, and equipment utilization.
- Apply structured problem-solving to identify root causes and prioritize opportunities; track performance and benefits and replicate successful improvements across manufacturing areas.
- Champion employee participation in CI and embed data-driven problem-solving, root-cause analysis, experimentation, standardization, and learning into everyday operations.
- Recognize and communicate CI successes and business impact to strengthen engagement and expand improvement ownership beyond the dedicated CI team.
Requirements
- Doctorate or Master's degree and 3 years in Manufacturing, Facilities/Engineering or Quality experience in pharmaceutical, medical device or biotechnology companies
- Bachelor's degree and 5 years in Manufacturing, Facilities/Engineering or Quality experience in pharmaceutical, medical device or biotechnology companies
- Associate's degree and 10 years in Manufacturing, Facilities/Engineering or Quality experience in pharmaceutical, medical device or biotechnology companies
- High school diploma / GED and 12 years in Manufacturing, Packaging or Quality experience in pharmaceutical, medical device or biotechnology companies
- Experience directly managing people and/or leadership experience leading teams, projects, programs, or directing the allocation of resources
- Hands-on experience in either front-line manufacturing, facilities, equipment engineering, or manufacturing support within a GMP-regulated environment
- Demonstrated CI and AI (CI 2.0) mindset, with examples of identifying opportunities, questioning existing practices, and implementing practical, sustainable solutions to improve processes/systems
- Experience applying Lean, Six-Sigma structured problem-solving, or root-cause analysis to improve manufacturing performance, quality, reliability, or process efficiency
- Ability to analyze operational data, identify improvement opportunities, and clearly communicate findings and recommendations
- Strong collaboration and facilitation skills, with the ability to engage frontline colleagues and partner effectively with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and other functions
- Experience coaching colleagues, facilitating improvement activities, or leading project teams; prior direct people-management experience is a plus
- Lean or Six Sigma training or certification, preferably Green Belt, is a plus; practical application and demonstrated results are valued
Benefits
- Retirement and Savings Plan
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Annual Bonus Program
- Stock-Based Long-Term Incentives
- Paid Time Off
- Flexible Work Models
- Career Development Opportunities
Company overview
Amgen Inc. is a leading American multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California, founded in 1980. As one of the world's largest independent biotechnology companies, Amgen specializes in discovering, developing, manufacturing, and delivering innovative human therapeutics. The company focuses on six key therapeutic areas: inflammation, oncology/hematology, bone health, cardiovascular disease, nephrology, and neuroscience. Amgen's portfolio includes blockbuster drugs such as Enbrel for autoimmune diseases, Prolia and XGEVA for osteoporosis, Repatha for cholesterol management, Otezla for psoriasis, and Neulasta for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. With approximately 28,000 employees worldwide, Amgen operates as a component of both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq-100 indices. The company maintains a robust research and development pipeline with numerous clinical programs across various stages, leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology and human genetic data to address some of the world's most challenging diseases. Amgen's manufacturing capabilities span multiple global locations, and it distributes products through pharmaceutical wholesale distributors and direct-to-consumer channels.