OMS & Process Improvement Specialist

About the Role and Company

Bayer is dedicated to addressing global challenges with the vision of 'Health for all, Hunger for none.' The company fosters an environment of innovation, curiosity, and diverse perspectives to empower employees to make impactful contributions. Join a community committed to making a significant difference through meaningful and varied career opportunities.

Position Summary

The OMS & Process Improvement Specialist will fully implement and maintain the One Management System (OMS) requirements and act as the primary coordinator for process improvement initiatives at the site level. This role operates primarily in Kenya and Ethiopia and reports to the RC East Africa Production Lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure all site processes are thoroughly mapped, documented, and continuously updated to reflect actual operations.
• Lead the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the Integrated Management System (IMS), ensuring compliance with Bayer's standards.
• Foster a strong culture of investigation into quality and process deviations, working closely with teams to identify root causes and apply corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Share insights and lessons learned related to process and quality failures throughout the organization.
• Implement change management protocols rigorously when introducing process modifications, including monitoring the Management of Change (MOC) system.
• Promote proactive risk analysis and mitigation practices on site using tools such as the Intelex platform.
• Maintain IMS health by tracking vital performance indicators like CAPA closure rates, audit findings resolution, and document validity in various forums.
• Organize and facilitate production retrospectives and management reviews on a 90-day cycle, utilizing performance data from across the seed value chain.
• Conduct IMS awareness and compliance training for cross-functional teams to ensure broad understanding and adherence.
• Coordinate both internal and external audits and assure timely and thorough resolution of all audit findings.
• Represent the site within regional forums to exchange and implement best practices in quality management.
• Support utilization of quality management tools including Intelex and Mydoc, acting as the site’s primary contact point for these systems.
• Lead end-to-end process mapping, waste reduction, and standardization efforts using Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methods.
• Leverage data from multiple sources to drive informed site-wide improvements and optimization decisions.
• Collaborate with the Regional Operational Excellence Business Partner to implement OnePSS initiatives effectively.
• Champion digitalization and automation within documentation and traceability systems.
• Manage IMS-related innovation and optimization projects by updating documentation, providing technical support, and monitoring key performance indicators throughout project lifecycles.
• Accelerate OnePSS implementation maturity in partnership with site teams.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Lean methodologies and guide the site’s continuous improvement efforts.
• Coach and mentor teams to fast-track OnePSS deployment and other continuous improvement programs.
• Drive operational excellence gains by applying advanced continuous improvement expertise.
• Develop and maintain site Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for clear performance tracking and data-driven decisions.
• Engage in problem-solving exercises such as 5 WHYs to define corrective and preventive measures.

Collaboration and Key Interactions

• Field mission team
• Plant mission team
• Product Quality team
• Quality Testing team
• Supply Chain mission team
• Site and country leadership
• HSE Coordinator
• Regional One Management System business partners

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Quality Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience within the seed industry and/or manufacturing sectors.
• Comprehensive understanding of production systems and quality standards.
• Certified Lead Auditor in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 45001 is an advantage.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification required.
• Strong practical background in process improvement methodologies.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities utilizing root cause analysis tools.
• Advanced skills in data management and analysis.
• Excellent documentation and project management capabilities.
• Highly effective influencing and leadership skills with experience managing conflicts and negotiations across teams.
• Proficient in coaching, mentoring, and group facilitation.
• Demonstrates courage, candor, initiative, and the ability to deliver results in dynamic environments.
• Familiarity with regulatory or seed certification standards preferred.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with attention to detail and commitment to compliance.

Additional Information

Bayer is committed to inclusion and provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities during the application and interview process.

Location and Division

Position is based in Kenya with responsibilities spanning Kenya and Ethiopia in the Crop Science division.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bayer welcomes applications from individuals regardless of race, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social background, disability, union membership, religion, family status, or pregnancy. The company is dedicated to fair treatment of all candidates, with no discrimination.