Sr. Operational Excellence Engineer

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life‑threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we develop advanced cell therapies across a diverse array of technology platforms, including autologous and allogenic chimeric antigen receptor T‑cell, T‑cell receptor (TCR‑T), and natural killer (NK) cell‑based immunotherapy.

We collaborate with Janssen, a pharmaceutical company of Johnson & Johnson, to jointly develop and commercialize ciltacabtagene autolecuel (cilta‑cel) for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Legend Biotech is seeking a Sr. Operational Excellence Engineer as part of the Technical Operations team based in Raritan, NJ.

This position will be responsible for driving the operational excellence / continuous improvement program at the Raritan cGMP Clinical and Commercial Cell Therapy Manufacturing plant. It involves leading complex, cross‑functional continuous improvement projects with support from various site functions to support strategic and tactical objectives.

The role requires ownership of safety, quality, delivery, cost‑saving and efficiency improvements, and alignment with plant objectives. Lean leadership and expertise in disciplined problem solving and continuous improvement in a cGMP environment are essential. The position is highly visible and requires strong communication, coordination, and collaboration across cross‑functional partners and site leadership. It reports to the Lead, Operational Excellence Execution.

• Identify and execute a Lean and Continuous Improvement strategy with functional areas and the Operational Excellence team to enable the site to achieve its SQPDC objectives.
• Implement the continuous improvement program using lean and six sigma methodologies such as DMAIC, root cause problem solving, daily management system (tier process), leader standard, standardized work, visual tools, PDCA, Kanban, pull systems, SMED, Pareto, FMEA, A3 thinking, time studies, poke‑yoke, value stream/process mapping, and others.
• Report progress updates of programs and projects to leadership and key stakeholders.
• Serve as the Lean Coach for the Raritan site, mentoring Lean Practitioners and leadership to adopt a continuous improvement mindset.
• Lead, facilitate, and teach others to facilitate kaizen events and enhance continuous improvement skills.
• Apply and teach change management methodology across all operational excellence efforts.

• B.S. in a STEM‑related field required; M.S. in a STEM‑related field preferred or desirable.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience with a B.S. or 8+ years of experience with a M.S. leading and supporting continuous improvement efforts and/or Kaizen programs in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated track record of quantifiable improvements in SQPDC pillars across multiple site functions (Production, Engineering, Facilities, Maintenance, QA, QC, etc.).
• Lean and six sigma training required;
  Six Sigma Black Belt (with projects) preferred; certification from reputable 3rd‑party organizations such as ASQ or SMD is preferred.
• Routine application of lean and six sigma problem‑solving tools to drive substantial business results.
• Superior knowledge and execution of continuous improvement and lean tools and techniques.
• Proficiency in change management and communication in a highly matrixed environment.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel (pivot tables, etc.).
• Proficiency with process mapping software (Visio, etc.).
• Advanced proficiency in statistics and data analysis in a manufacturing setting, using statistical analysis software such as Minitab, JMP, etc.

Performance‑based bonus and/or equity is available to employees in eligible roles.

$146,410—$192,164 USD

Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with company match that vests fully on day one; eight (8) weeks of paid parental leave after three (3) months of employment; paid time off including vacation, personal, sick time, floating holidays, and eleven (11) company holidays; and voluntary benefits such as flexible spending accounts, health…