Senior Systems Specialist - MES

Cochlear’s mission is to help people hear and be heard. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, Cochlear is dedicated to helping people with moderate to profound hearing loss experience a world full of sound. We aim to transform the way people understand and treat hearing loss and innovate to connect people with future technologies. Our employees tell us that the number one reason they enjoy working for Cochlear is the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. Learn and grow with us as we tackle the most complex challenges in helping more people to experience a lifetime of hearing.

This position will play a pivotal role in enhancing manufacturing operations through effective MES management, ensuring the system meets the site's needs while aligning with global standards and strategic objectives.

The Senior Systems Specialist is responsible for the implementation, support, and continuous improvement of the Manufacturing Execution System at a site level. This role includes acting as a functional Subject Matter Expert (SME), driving change management and training initiatives, and ensuring successful MES implementation and ongoing support.

Accountability 1: Functional SME

• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the go-to expert for MES functionalities, providing in-depth knowledge and guidance on system capabilities, best practices, and industry standards.
• Requirements Analysis: Work closely with manufacturing, logistics, quality, and engineering teams to understand business needs and translate them into MES requirements.
• Master Data management: Responsible for MES modelling and maintaining site specific MES master data such as process steps, process flows, products, Bill-Of-Materials (BOM) resources (equipment), tools, checklists, and documents
• System Configuration: Responsible for the configuration of the MES to meet site-specific operational needs, ensuring alignment with global standards and practices. Drive towards consistent methods cross-site rather than unique site solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for system enhancements and process optimizations, leveraging MES functionalities to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
• Technical Liaison: Act as the primary liaison between site operations and IT/OT teams, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration on MES-related matters.

Accountability 2: Change Management & Training

• Change Management Strategy: Assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive change management strategy to facilitate smooth adoption of MES initiatives, addressing resistance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with key stakeholders at all levels to communicate the benefits of MES, gather feedback, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Training Programs: Assisting in the coordination of training programs for MES users, including operators, supervisors, and maintenance personnel.
• Performance Monitoring: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs, advising adjustments as needed to improve knowledge transfer and user competence.

Accountability 3: MES Implementation & Support

• Project Management: Lead MES implementation projects at the site, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery.
• Testing and Validation: Responsible for the execution of site-specific test plans and scripts to validate system functionality, performance, and reliability before go-live.
• Support and Troubleshooting: Provide ongoing support for MES users, addressing issues, resolving / escalating system errors, and ensuring minimal disruption to production operations.
• Performance Optimization: Continuously monitor MES performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions to enhance system efficiency and reliability.
• Compliance and Documentation: Ensure all MES-related activities continue to comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards, maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation.

Accountability 4: Communication

• Stakeholder Communication: Develop and maintain clear and consistent communication channels with all stakeholders, including site leadership, IT/OT teams, production staff, and external partners.
• Reporting: Prepare and deliver regular reports on MES performance, project status, and key metrics to site leadership and relevant stakeholders. Drive towards standardized metrics cross-site.
• Feedback Mechanism: Establish mechanisms for collecting and addressing feedback from MES users, ensuring their concerns and suggestions are considered and acted upon.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Facilitate cross-functional meetings and workshops to discuss MES-related topics, share updates, and align on priorities.

Team Role (Individual contributor):

• Follow relevant quality procedures to deliver quality products and services and identify and support the implementation of continuous improvement.
• Contribute ideas on systems and process methods to improve deliverables.
• Work safely, complying with all safety procedures, rules, and instructions; and reporting workplace hazards, incidents or injuries to manager.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality control, and industrial automation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in change management and training development.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to manufacturing operations, such as FDA regulations or ISO standards.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies to effectively plan, execute, and monitor project initiatives.
• Experience in executing manufacturing projects (MES) & support in Medical Devices, Electronics or Semiconductor industries (preferred).
• Experience in implementation of Critical Manufacturing MES or any other MES COTS products (added advantage).

Desired Skills

• Experience working within the Agile framework.
• Experience with MES / ERP software.

Certifications & Education ­­­­­­­­

• Minimum - Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Work Experience
• Minimum 5+ years in a similar position.

If you feel that you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role and take on new challenges to build your career with Cochlear, please start your application by clicking the apply button below.

#CochlearCareers

How we recognise your contribution

At Cochlear we value and welcome the unique contributions, perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of our employees and aim to build a culture that celebrates and leverages these differences, creating a sense of belonging and enabling our people to realise their full potential. Through our internal programs and employee benefits, we aim to create an environment where our people will feel value and supported. Whether your focus is on continuous learning, professional development or simply finding an environment which enables you to thrive whilst balancing family or personal life commitments, then we have several programs in place to support you.

For more information about Life at Cochlear, visit www.cochlearcareers.com