Sr Principal, Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

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At Exact Sciences, we're helpingchange how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you're working to help others.

Position Overview

The Sr Principal, Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement will play a critical leadership role in driving transformational improvements across Exact Sciences' business operations. This position is responsible for leading enterprise-level operational excellence initiatives by applying advanced problem-solving methodologies and delivering strategic, high-impact outcomes across functions.

This individual will partner closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to accelerate performance, reduce complexity, and embed a culture of continuous improvement. The role requires a strategic thinker with deep experience in Lean, Six Sigma, and business transformation practices, as well as a proven ability to influence at all levels of the organization.

Essential Duties

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

Enterprise Transformation & Performance Improvement

• Lead large-scale, cross-functional transformation initiatives with a focus on improving quality, cost, delivery, and scalability.
• Translate business strategy into executable improvement roadmaps, leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven approaches.
• Solve enterprise-wide challenges by partnering with stakeholders to identify opportunities, uncover root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.

Lean & Continuous Improvement Strategy

• Champion the development and deployment of Lean and CI practices across Exact Sciences' operating model.
• Coach and mentor business leaders and functional teams on CI tools and behaviors to drive a culture of operational excellence.
• Identify and implement standard work, KPIs, visual management, and governance processes that support continuous learning and accountability.

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Leadership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and operational teams, enabling transformation through facilitation, coaching, and strategic insight.
• Lead workshops, kaizen events, and value stream mapping to support team alignment and problem solving.
• Act as a key voice for change, helping to engage and align teams around transformation goals and performance metrics.

Capability Building & Knowledge Sharing

• Develop training and capability-building programs that grow continuous improvement knowledge across the organization.
• Drive the evolution of Exact Sciences' OE/CI methodology, tools, and templates in collaboration with the broader Strategy & Transformation team.
• Promote a learning culture by sharing best practices, celebrating wins, and creating forums for cross-functional learning.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in operational excellence, business transformation, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise-level CI initiatives in complex, regulated environments.
• Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem solving (e.g., A3, DMAIC).
• Exceptional facilitation and coaching skills with the ability to influence and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, Operations, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA, MEng) or certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt.
• Experience in healthcare, biotech, diagnostics, or similar industries.
• Familiarity with digital transformation, process automation, or technology-enabled optimization.

Core Competencies

• Strategic and Systems Thinking
• Lean Methodology and Analytical Rigor
• Influential Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
• Leadership Coaching and Capability Development
• Results Orientation and Execution Discipline

Salary Range:

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits.

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us here.

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We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

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