Vice President, Operational Excellence

The Opportunity:

The Vice President of Operational Excellence (OpEx) is a key driver of Avantor’s strategic agenda, responsible for shaping and executing enterprise-wide operational strategies that align with corporate objectives. Acting as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, this role ensures operational excellence is embedded in every strategic decision.

The VP will lead initiatives to optimize processes, enhance customer experience, and leverage technology for sustainable growth and profitability. As the architect of the OpEx framework, this leader defines and implements a multi-year roadmap that integrates Lean principles, advanced analytics, and digital tools. Partnering with executive leadership and cross-functional teams, the VP embeds operational excellence across all business units.

This position demands a visionary leader with global experience, capable of influencing at the C-suite level and delivering measurable results in efficiency, quality, and cost optimization. The VP oversees strategic initiatives—including chemical sourcing optimization, fluid handling standardization, and distribution network redesign—while driving Avantor Business Systems and digital transformation programs that enable predictive analytics, automation, and real-time visibility.

The successful candidate combines strategic foresight with operational execution, building capabilities for long-term competitiveness while meeting current performance targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead global Operational Excellence strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
• Influence executive leadership to secure alignment and sponsorship for enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Integrate operational goals with corporate strategy to drive growth, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Deploy Lean, Six Sigma, and PPI methodologies: lead Kaizen events and root cause analysis.
• Standardize best practices across global sites for scalability and consistency.
• Strengthen operational rigor and cross-functional collaboration through Avantor Business System.
• Oversee performance improvement across production, quality, engineering, and supply chain.
• Drive digital transformation and automation for agility and data-driven decisions.
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory standards and GMP requirements.
• Define and monitor KPIs; report progress and recommend strategic adjustments.
• Lead operational reviews aligned with financial and strategic objectives.
• Build and lead a high-performing team; attract and develop diverse talent.
• Foster collaboration across Avantor to deliver value for customers and colleagues.

Qualifications

• 20+ years in life sciences, medical devices, or biotech; bioprocessing experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s in Engineering or Life Sciences (Master’s/MBA preferred).
• Proven expertise in global operational strategy, large-scale transformation, and OpEx leadership.
• Strong ability to influence executive leadership and drive enterprise-level strategies.
• Deep knowledge of GMP, EHSS&S, biologics production, and regulated markets.
• Skilled in Lean, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), and digital manufacturing.
• Experience with mergers and acquisitions, integration, and global change management.
• Executive presence with exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Strong business acumen and ability to lead cross-functional teams in complex environments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Creation of strategy roadmap and driving execution process.
• Degree of strategic alignment achieved between OpEx initiatives and corporate objectives.
• Operational cost reduction and productivity improvement.
• Successful implementation of ABS and digital initiatives.
• Reduction in process cycle times and waste.
• Customer satisfaction and service level improvements via the deployment of lean tools.
• Employee engagement and talent development within OpEx.
• Creation of strategy roadmap and driving execution process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Culturally aware and knowledgeable of how to operate in diverse global geographies.
• Comfortable working across all levels and functions.
• Superior skills in strategic analysis, planning, organizing, and communication.
• Strong understanding of financial and accounting metrics and tools.
• Superior interpersonal skills.
• Significant background in influencing internal stakeholders in a matrix environment.
• Significant experience in leading large, complex negotiations.
• Able to plan and execute complex projects.
• Travel up to 50%.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
 
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
 
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

$221,500.00 - $373,175.00

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.