Operational Excellence Lead, Execution

Company: Legend Biotech
Location: Raritan
Posted on: January 10, 2026

Job Description:

Legend Biotech is a global biotechnology company dedicated to treating, and one day curing, life-threatening diseases. Headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, we are developing 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. From our three R&D sites around the world, we apply these innovative technologies to pursue the discovery of safe, efficacious and cutting-edge therapeutics for patients worldwide. Legend Biotech entered into a global collaboration agreement with Janssen, one of the pharmaceutical companies of Johnson & Johnson, to jointly develop and commercialize ciltacabtagene autolecuel (cilta-cel). Our strategic partnership is designed to combine the strengths and expertise of both companies to advance the promise of an immunotherapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Legend Biotech is seeking an Operational Excellence Lead, Execution as part of the Technical Operations team based in Raritan, NJ. Role Overview This position will be responsible for providing operational excellence leadership to the cGMP Commercial Cell Therapy Manufacturing plant. This individual will partner with Raritan Site Leadership Team and various Technical Operation and Quality functions to support cell therapy operations through safe and compliant methodologies according to cGMP requirements. The role will require proven leadership and expertise that drives effective communication, coordination and collaboration across relevant cross functional groups to establish a strong continuous improvement and problem-solving culture and project management to enable robust production, testing and release of product to patients. Key Responsibilities Plans, leads, develops, provides expertise, trains, coaches, drives and manages an effective, holistic continuous improvement, problem solving and to improve safety, compliance, cost, process stability build quality and efficiency into processes to improve lead times and reliability to deliver products to patients. Implement a continuous improvement program using lean and six sigma manufacturing methodologies such as standardized work, daily management system (e.g. tier process), metrics, visual tools, PDCA, Kanban, pull systems, SMED, pareto, FMEA and others. Implement the routine use of disciplined problem solving such as DMAIC. Develop, teach, implement and coach the effective use of tools such as kata methodology, A3 thinking, 4Ups, 6S and others. Lead Kaizen events and teach others to lead and participate in such events. Facilitate, lead and teach others to participate and lead value steam analysis events. Identify and reduce sources of waste to help the site achieve its productivity goals. Implement strategic thinking with hoshin planning. Apply and teach, change management methodology in all aspects of the plant operational excellence efforts. Build and lead an empowered team of OpEx professionals working toward the site objectives. Engage Raritan Site Leadership Team and other functional plant leaders to embody a continuous improvement mindset and culture. Job duties performed routinely may require limited exposure to and handling of biological materials and hazardous chemicals. Ability to interact with all levels within the organization. With Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Warehouse, Training, QC, EM, Operations Technical Support, Facilities and Engineering. Requirements BS/BA required in technical discipline: Engineering, science or similar field. Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt required. Master Black Belt preferred. Experience in several operational functions, e.g. Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Technical Operations. Demonstrated track record in streamlining processes, shortening lead times, and reducing costs in a growing business. Toyota Production System training and application. Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently build teams and drive change within an organization. Experience in a growth environment managing the fast pace of change, balancing day to day operational demands with the need to extend and improve the planning horizon to prepare for tomorrow. A history of developing and building cohesive, high performing teams with a strong sense of mission, providing training and mentoring to build sufficient management depth throughout the organization and ensure strong succession planning. Communicates effectively with people at all levels, including the ability to understand their priorities, and to earn their respect and trust, along with the willingness to provide them with the best decisions in time-sensitive situations. Capable of thriving in a fast-paced, challenging, entrepreneurial and team-oriented environment. Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills with ability to influence and build strong working relationships at all levels. Effective Change Agent with the experience to effectively engage all levels of the organization, from site leadership to the shop floor in continuous improvement. Proven experience working and leading in a matrix environment. Ability to lead with influence. cGMP manufacturing. Able to manage shifting priorities to meet critical deadlines in a fast paced and dynamic, growing environment, while providing clear direction to team members. Strong analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Transparent, Passionate, Fearless and Accountable. Li-BZ1 Li-Hybrid The anticipated base pay range is $163,468 - $214,551 USD Benefits We are committed to creating a workplace where employees can thrive - both professionally and personally. To attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive industry, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that supports well-being, financial stability, and long-term career growth. Our offerings are designed to meet the diverse needs of our team members and their families, ensuring they feel valued and supported every step of the way. Highlights include medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with company match that vest fully on day one. Equity and stock options are available to employees in eligible roles. We offer eight weeks of paid parental leave after just three months of employment, and a paid time off policy that includes vacation days, personal days, sick time, 11 company holidays, and 3 floating holidays. Additional benefits include flexible spending and health savings accounts, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, legal assistance, and supplemental plans such as pet, critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance. We also provide commuter benefits, family planning and care resources, well-being initiatives, and peer-to-peer recognition programs - demonstrating our ongoing commitment to building a culture where our people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to do their best work. Please note: These benefits are offered exclusively to permanent employees. Contract employees are not eligible for benefits through Legend Biotech. EEO Statement It is the policy of Legend Biotech to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances. Employment is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause or notice by the employee or the company. Legend may adjust base salary or other discretionary compensation at any time based on individual, team, performance, or market conditions. Legend Biotech maintains a drug-free workplace.

Keywords: Legend Biotech, Cherry Hill , Operational Excellence Lead, Execution, Manufacturing , Raritan, New Jersey