Operational Excellence Project Lead

Operational Excellence Project Lead

The Operational Excellence Project Lead is responsible for executing projects that improve efficiency, quality, and performance across operational functions. This role leads initiatives from planning through implementation, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and cross-functional collaboration delivering measurable results. The Project Leader will work with a wide range of stakeholders including teams across Labs, IT, R&D, Sales & Marketing, Finance, Facilities, and more bringing structure, accountability, and visibility to key initiatives and ensuring teams work toward shared goals while supporting a culture of continuous improvement. This is a hands-on role requiring strong collaboration, clear communication, and the ability to manage competing priorities while keeping teams focused and results-driven.

Oversee the full lifecycle of assigned projectsdefining scope, setting timelines, tracking progress, and ensuring successful implementation. Ensure goals are clear, progress is steady, and results are measurable.

Translate high-level priorities into actionable projects that directly support the organization's strategic goals.

Bring together diverse teams and perspectives to ensure all areas of impact are considered.

Support adoption of new processes and ways of working through effective communication, training, and stakeholder engagement.

Establish clear roles, track performance metrics, manage risks, and keep all stakeholders informed and engaged.

Apply common tools, templates, and methods to create structure, transparency, and consistency across initiatives. Contribute to initiatives that enhance project management processes.

Other duties as assigned.

Stooping : Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

Reaching : Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Mobility : The person in this position needs to occasionally move between work sites and inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.

Communicate : Frequently and effectively communicate with others.

PPE : Biohazard laboratory environment that requires use of personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company policies.

ARUP Policies and Procedures : To conduct self in compliance with all ARUP Policies and Procedures.

Fine Motor Control : Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

Travel : Ability to travel 30% of time.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelor's Degree or better in Life Sciences or related field.

Experience

Required

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Business, or a related field

Five (5) years of experience leading cross-functional projects in a complex or regulated environment

Strong project management skills with an ability to manage timelines, risks, and diverse stakeholder needs

Strong communication and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization

Experience with enterprise systems (e.g., LIMS, ERP, QMS) in a regulated or lab operational environment

Preferred

Certification in Lean, Six Sigma, PMP, or similar methodologies

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

Lean Six Sigma