Job Description
The Operational Excellence Director is a key leader and partner to all functions at Illumina. In this role, you will partner with the leadership team and their functions to drive transformations in support of our company strategy, deploy our Operational Excellence business systems and build self-sustaining capabilities. You thrive on solving complex problems, navigating across various disciplines and functions, and empowering/inspiring/mentoring others to make their work easier and drive improvements with significant business value. This role will also support our AI journey at Illumina and will be instrumental to provide guidance and build capabilities.
Position Summary
Leads process improvement initiatives through the disciplined use of measurements, accountability, analysis and discussion of process alternatives to arrive at best practices.
Plans, manages, and controls the activities of a team that provides operational support for a business segment, group or team.
Brings expertise or identifies subject matter experts in support of multi-functional efforts in process improvement, data capture and analysis, infrastructure support, tool ownership and compliance with procedures, etc.
Advises business groups by providing strategic direction to initiative prioritization, integration and resource application.
Ensures that policies and procedures align with corporate vision.
Drive the adoption, scaling, and impact of AI and intelligent automation across Illumina.
Changes to individual responsibilities may occur due to business needs and other related duties may be assigned.
Responsibilities
Partner with Sr Leaders and their leadership teams in Lean/Operational Excellence system deployment and maturity
Supports and leads complex improvement and optimization projects/initiatives in the areas of Safety, Quality, Productivity and Cost savings
Conducts training in continuous improvement methodologies and mentor others in the application of these methods
Facilitates/assists business process management and the teams supporting continuous improvement.
Contributes to/Drives business process management and helps to ensure sites have installed and are effectively practicing business processes
Coordinate stakeholders to develop area specific roadmap as part of site/functional strategy.
Lead functions to development, implementation and monitoring of goals and KPI’s through strategy deployment
Oversees functional Operational Excellence Project Portfolio and chairs the Operational Excellence Steering committee
Promote site level communication and sharing through network
Capabilities
Partners with executive and functional leadership to drive enterprise transformations that directly support company strategy through the deployment of Operational Excellence business systems.
Leads the design, deployment, and sustainment of scalable Operational Excellence management systems (e.g., problem solving, performance management, standard work, and continuous improvement) that deliver measurable business value.
Builds self‑sustaining continuous improvement capabilities across functions by coaching, mentoring, and empowering leaders and teams to solve complex problems and improve their own work.
Sponsors and leads highly complex, cross‑functional improvement initiatives requiring systems thinking, advanced problem solving, and the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments.
Serves as a trusted advisor and thought partner to senior leaders, influencing decisions through data‑driven insights, structured problem solving, and change leadership.
Navigates across multiple disciplines and functions to align stakeholders, remove barriers, and embed new ways of working while preserving strong, trust‑based relationships.
Plays a key role in Illumina’s AI journey by providing guidance, governance, and capability building to ensure AI is effectively integrated into Operational Excellence practices.
Leads and develops experienced professionals and/or enterprise capabilities, exerting significant influence over improvement priorities, methodologies, and resource deployment through direct, matrixed, or influence‑based leadership.
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in technical/quantitative field
Preferred: PhD / MBA / MS Preferred Area of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
Required: 18 years of experience. 10 years in business process transformation/ Operational Excellence deployment and 10 years of Management experience
Preferred: 10 years of experience from within a regulated healthcare environment.
Strong leader with the ability to establish clear strategy that can inspire others to deliver and influence to drive change
across the organization
Demonstrated experience in driving continuous improvement culture and operating system across an enterprise and ability to navigate and influence across all levels of an organization, translating strategic vision into tangible outcomes
Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt/Master Blackbelt
Ability to interact effectively in a complex organization and in ambiguous situations; ability to manage sensitive situations with exceptional judgment and discretion
Consistent track record of collaboration, including the ability to work with cross-functional teams, and across complex ecosystems
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills (including articulating \ vision, inspiring teams, and presenting to senior executives).
Strong sector AND enterprise mindset & strong business/financial acumen
Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills required
Excellent stakeholder management and networking skills required.
We are a company deeply rooted in belonging, promoting an inclusive environment where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Built on a strong foundation, Illumina has always prioritized openness, collaboration, and seeking alternative perspectives to propel innovation in genomics. We are proud to confirm a zero-net gap in pay, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or race. We also have several Employee Resource Groups (ERG) that deliver career development experiences, increase cultural awareness, and offer opportunities to engage in social responsibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, citizenship status, and genetic information. Illumina conducts background checks on applicants for whom a conditional offer of employment has been made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal laws. Background check results may potentially result in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. The background check process and any decisions made as a result shall be made in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Illumina prohibits the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the application and interview process. If you require accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. To learn more, visit: https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf. The position will be posted until a final candidate is selected or the requisition has a sufficient number of qualified applicants. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.