Job Information
The Estee Lauder Companies Director, Quality Operations in Melville, New York
Description
This position will be responsible for all Quality Assurance operations at the Melville site and is responsible for helping establish and implement the site Quality strategy. This will include overseeing the development and implementation of corporate and local SOPs supporting product release. The person will be responsible for managing the Quality Assurance staff and associated programs to ensure that ELC maintains our high standards of regulatory compliance regarding commercial product release testing of cosmetic and over the counter drug products. This technical management position requires a high degree of quality operations expertise and working knowledge of SOPs, FDA guidelines and cGMP’s within an over-the-counter drug manufacturing environment.
Long Description
Strategic Execution & Governance
Lead the development and execution of the site’s Operational Master Plan (OMP) , ensuring alignment with long-term strategic goals and translating them into actionable, measurable outcomes.
Serve as a Change Agent to drive operational transformation, embed a culture of excellence, and achieve step-change improvements in business results.
Champion a proactive safety culture , targeting zero workplace injuries through engagement and systems-level thinking.
Collaborate across functions to enable execution of key priorities in maintenance, reliability, process control, and performance.
Prestige Performance System (PPS) Leadership
Oversee deployment, sustainment, and advancement of the Prestige Performance System (PPS) to deliver continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and employee engagement.
Develop tools, coaching methods, and KPIs to monitor and enhance PPS maturity across all areas of the site.
Promote site-wide alignment to PPS principles including standard work, tiered accountability, daily management systems, and structured problem-solving.
Technical & Facility Leadership
Drive the plant’s technology transformation through automation, smart factory technologies, and process innovation.
Specify and implement process control strategies , automation systems, and reliability enhancements.
Design and optimize facility infrastructure (HVAC, electrical, process water, compressed air, etc.) with focus on long-term lifecycle efficiency.
Ensure all upgrades and projects comply with relevant regulations, codes, and quality requirements.
Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
Lead education and capability building in basic problem solving and lean methodologies , ensuring knowledge is embedded at all levels of the organization.
Facilitate learning and development programs that build internal problem-solving muscle using A3 thinking, 5 Whys, and other lean tools.
Coach teams through real-time problem solving and CI initiatives to eliminate waste and streamline operations.
Project & Performance Management
Manage large-scale plant improvement projects with a focus on automation, equipment upgrades, and infrastructure reliability—not including product launch scope.
Build execution capabilities across the team using project management best practices, including risk mitigation, validation, and stakeholder communication.
Develop cost optimization strategies around capital and operational budgets , ensuring effective use of resources.
Talent Development & Engagement
Coach, develop, and empower a cross-functional team of engineers, maintenance professionals, and technical trainers.
Foster an environment of accountability, inclusion, and collaboration.
Support implementation of Autonomous and Preventive Maintenance programs to grow team capabilities and improve uptime.
Qualifications
Minimum 10 to 15 years’ experience in managerial/leadership positions, preferably in a fast-paced consumer goods company with cosmetic/drug manufacturing.
Successful in managing/leading multiple functional areas within the Quality Assurance team (Components, Compounding and Filling) in a cGMP environment.
Requires experience in developing and implementing SOPs, Test Methods, and root cause problem solving techniques.
Strong communication, leadership, and human relation skills- able to work well with all elements within and outside of the organization.
Experience in dealing with technical and statistical data, developing, and implementing quality systems, and driving strong GMPpractices within a large manufacturing site. Computer literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft products including statistical assessments of data
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is Company's policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The Company will endeavor to provide a reasonable accommodation consistent with the law to otherwise qualified employees and prospective employees with a disability and to employees and prospective employees with needs related to their religious observance or practices. Should you wish to apply for this position or any other position with the Company and you believe you require assistance to complete an application or participate in an interview, please contact USApplicantAccommodations@Estee.com.