Operations Technology Business Analyst - Erlanger, KY

Operations Technology Business Analyst - Erlanger, KY

Position Summary
The Operations Technology Business Analyst serves as the key link between Manufacturing, Operations, Technology, Engineering, and project teams to successfully implement and sustain manufacturing technology, automation, digital transformation, and operational improvement initiatives. This role will act as the business voice for Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and other digital manufacturing initiatives, and as such will champion business readiness, operational integration, testing, deployment, and adoption activities across the full project lifecycle, ensuring new systems and processes deliver measurable business value and operational performance improvements.
The position is responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams, identifying and mitigating risks, aligning business requirements with technical solutions, and driving successful project launches. The ideal candidate combines strong manufacturing knowledge with project leadership, business process expertise, and the ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority.
This role will initially support Manufacturing Execution System (MES) deployment activities and will serve as a flexible business deployment resource for future digital manufacturing, automation, operational excellence, and site transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Business Readiness

• Supports projects from requirements gathering and solution design through testing, implementation, stabilization, and transition to operational ownership
• Develop and execute integrated readiness and launch plans that support production, staffing, equipment, data readiness, training, materials, and systems requirements.
• Coordinate go-live activities, cutovers, process simulations, hyper-care support, and post-launch stabilization.
• Ensure business continuity throughout implementation while maintaining focus on safety, quality, customer service, and production performance.

Manufacturing Systems & Digital Transformation

• Serve as the primary business deployment lead for MES and digital manufacturing initiatives.
• Partner with Operations, IT, OT, Engineering, and external vendors to support system implementation and integration activities.
• Translate manufacturing requirements into practical execution processes and workflows.
• Support integration of manufacturing systems with ERP platforms and related technologies.
• Drive operational adoption and ensure solutions align with manufacturing and business objectives.

Business Process Integration

• Facilitate development of future-state manufacturing processes and operating models.
• Evaluate impacts on production flow, inventory management, scheduling, quality systems, labor utilization, and equipment performance.
• Lead cross-functional discussions to resolve process gaps, clarify requirements, and improve operational effectiveness. 
• Identify risks and unintended consequences prior to implementation and recommend practical solutions (aka pre-mortem).

Testing, Validation & Deployment Support

• Coordinate User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Day-in-the-Life testing, process simulations, and operational readiness assessments.
• Ensure testing reflects actual manufacturing conditions and business requirements.
• Manage issue identification, prioritization, corrective actions, and final validation activities.
• Establish readiness criteria and provide recommendations regarding deployment preparedness.

Change Management & User Adoption

• Support Management of Change (MOC) activities for assigned initiatives.
• Coordinate development of procedures, training materials, work instructions, communications, and job aids.
• Develop super-user and champion networks to ensure long-term site ownership.
• Partner directly with manufacturing teams to validate processes, address concerns, and drive adoption.
• Monitor post-launch performance and facilitate corrective actions where needed.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, simplify processes, and enhance productivity through technology and process improvement.
• Support automation, digital manufacturing, and capacity improvement initiatives.
• Apply Lean principles and structured problem-solving techniques to resolve operational challenges.
• Ensure project benefits are translated into measurable business results.

Stakeholder Engagement & Governance

• Lead cross-functional workstreams and drive accountability across project teams.
• Serve as a liaison among Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Technology, vendors, and leadership teams.
• Communicate project status, risks, decisions, and readiness metrics to stakeholders.
• Support project planning, resource coordination, business case development, and benefit realization activities.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, Information Systems, Supply Chain, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing operations, manufacturing systems, operational excellence, project deployment, or related functions.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex cross-functional projects through implementation and sustainment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, material flow, production planning, inventory management, quality systems, and operational processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively engage frontline employees, technical teams, leadership, and external partners.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and drive results without direct reporting authority.

Preferred

• Experience with MES, ERP, digital manufacturing, automation, or manufacturing technology implementations.
• Experience with BatchMetrics, MAPICS/AS400, SAP, or similar manufacturing systems.
• Experience within food, flavor, chemical, pharmaceutical, or batch manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Project Management, Management of Change (MOC), and operational readiness methodologies.

Before applying for an exempt, non-exempt or hourly job opportunity, you are expected to initiate a discussion and share your intentions with your supervisor.  * If you’ve been in your current position for more than 18 months, supervisor approval is not required.  * If you’ve been in your current position for less than 18 months, verbal supervisor approval is required.  
​Hiring Manager- Ronald Fogel    ​
Recruiter- Ashley Medina 

 

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.