Continuous Improvement Specialist III
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cincinnati, OH, United States
This job is with Thermo Fisher Scientific, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Laboratory Setting, Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Warehouse Job Description
Division/Site Specific Information This role is part of the Practical Process Improvement (PPI) / Continuous Improvement team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, supporting operational excellence initiatives across site operations. The position partners closely with site leadership, manufacturing, quality, finance, and other cross-functional teams to implement the PPI Business System and drive measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and customer experience.Working within a fast-paced, regulated environment, the Continuous Improvement Specialist III will lead improvement initiatives that support site, business unit, and enterprise strategies while strengthening a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Discover Impactful Work As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Our colleagues bring our Mission to life every day — enabling customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. In this role, you will support the deployment of the Thermo Fisher Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System, driving operational excellence through Lean Six Sigma principles and continuous improvement methodologies. Working with site leadership and cross-functional teams, you will facilitate Kaizen events, lead improvement initiatives, and help teams develop better processes that deliver measurable results in quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Day in the Life Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using the PPI Business System and Lean Six Sigma methodologies
Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, diagnostics, and “Just Do It” improvement activities to drive operational excellence
Partner with site leadership and functional teams to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement opportunities
Conduct value stream mapping and process diagnostics to identify waste, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities
Implement and sustain operational excellence tools including 5S, Visual Management, Standard Work, Flow Dynamics, Pull Manufacturing, and Total Productive Maintenance
Perform basic cost-benefit analysis and financial validation of improvement initiatives in collaboration with Finance
Lead cross-functional projects to improve productivity, quality, safety, and customer experience
Develop and deliver lean training and mentoring to teams across the organization
Support development and execution of site operational excellence strategies aligned with Thermo Fisher Scientific goals
Track and report improvement project progress, savings, and operational impact
Collaborate with Quality, Safety, Finance, and project sponsors to ensure successful project outcomes
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and customer focus
Keys to Success Education Advanced Degree plus 3 years of experience, or
Bachelor’s Degree plus 5 years of experience leading continuous improvement initiatives
Preferred fields of study: Engineering, Science, Business, Operations, or related discipline
Experience Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing, laboratory, or regulated environments
Experience implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies and operational excellence systems
Proven ability to lead cross-functional improvement projects
Experience facilitating Kaizen events and process improvement workshops
Demonstrated success delivering measurable operational improvements
Experience working in cGMP or regulated environments preferred
Experience collaborating with Finance to validate project savings
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Knowledge Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
Operational excellence frameworks and process optimization techniques
Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies
Skills Lean Six Sigma tools including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, and Kaizen facilitation
Project management and cross-functional leadership
Data analysis and problem-solving
Strong communication and presentation skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with PowerBI, Minitab, or similar analytics tools preferred
Abilities Ability to lead multiple improvement initiatives simultaneously
Strong stakeholder engagement and change management capabilities
Ability to work independently within a matrixed organization
Capability to mentor and coach teams on Lean methodologies
Ability to translate operational improvements into financial impact
Physical Requirements / Work Environment Ability to work in manufacturing, laboratory, or operational environments
Occasional travel within site or regional operations may be required
Ability to participate in on-site improvement events, workshops, and operational reviews
Excellent Benefits Thermo Fisher Scientific offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits effective Day 1
Paid Time Off & Designated Paid Holidays
Retirement Savings Plan
Tuition Reimbursement
Annual Incentive Plan Bonus
Career development opportunities within a global organization
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for Integrity, Intensity, Involvement, and Innovation.
Relocation assistance is not provided. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now or in the future without sponsorship. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening.
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Work Schedule Standard (Mon-Fri)
Environmental Conditions Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Laboratory Setting, Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Warehouse Job Description
Division/Site Specific Information This role is part of the Practical Process Improvement (PPI) / Continuous Improvement team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, supporting operational excellence initiatives across site operations. The position partners closely with site leadership, manufacturing, quality, finance, and other cross-functional teams to implement the PPI Business System and drive measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and customer experience.Working within a fast-paced, regulated environment, the Continuous Improvement Specialist III will lead improvement initiatives that support site, business unit, and enterprise strategies while strengthening a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Discover Impactful Work As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Our colleagues bring our Mission to life every day — enabling customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. In this role, you will support the deployment of the Thermo Fisher Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System, driving operational excellence through Lean Six Sigma principles and continuous improvement methodologies. Working with site leadership and cross-functional teams, you will facilitate Kaizen events, lead improvement initiatives, and help teams develop better processes that deliver measurable results in quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Day in the Life Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives using the PPI Business System and Lean Six Sigma methodologies
Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, diagnostics, and “Just Do It” improvement activities to drive operational excellence
Partner with site leadership and functional teams to identify, prioritize, and execute improvement opportunities
Conduct value stream mapping and process diagnostics to identify waste, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities
Implement and sustain operational excellence tools including 5S, Visual Management, Standard Work, Flow Dynamics, Pull Manufacturing, and Total Productive Maintenance
Perform basic cost-benefit analysis and financial validation of improvement initiatives in collaboration with Finance
Lead cross-functional projects to improve productivity, quality, safety, and customer experience
Develop and deliver lean training and mentoring to teams across the organization
Support development and execution of site operational excellence strategies aligned with Thermo Fisher Scientific goals
Track and report improvement project progress, savings, and operational impact
Collaborate with Quality, Safety, Finance, and project sponsors to ensure successful project outcomes
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and customer focus
Keys to Success Education Advanced Degree plus 3 years of experience, or
Bachelor’s Degree plus 5 years of experience leading continuous improvement initiatives
Preferred fields of study: Engineering, Science, Business, Operations, or related discipline
Experience Demonstrated experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing, laboratory, or regulated environments
Experience implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies and operational excellence systems
Proven ability to lead cross-functional improvement projects
Experience facilitating Kaizen events and process improvement workshops
Demonstrated success delivering measurable operational improvements
Experience working in cGMP or regulated environments preferred
Experience collaborating with Finance to validate project savings
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Knowledge Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
Operational excellence frameworks and process optimization techniques
Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving methodologies
Skills Lean Six Sigma tools including Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, and Kaizen facilitation
Project management and cross-functional leadership
Data analysis and problem-solving
Strong communication and presentation skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with PowerBI, Minitab, or similar analytics tools preferred
Abilities Ability to lead multiple improvement initiatives simultaneously
Strong stakeholder engagement and change management capabilities
Ability to work independently within a matrixed organization
Capability to mentor and coach teams on Lean methodologies
Ability to translate operational improvements into financial impact
Physical Requirements / Work Environment Ability to work in manufacturing, laboratory, or operational environments
Occasional travel within site or regional operations may be required
Ability to participate in on-site improvement events, workshops, and operational reviews
Excellent Benefits Thermo Fisher Scientific offers competitive remuneration and a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits effective Day 1
Paid Time Off & Designated Paid Holidays
Retirement Savings Plan
Tuition Reimbursement
Annual Incentive Plan Bonus
Career development opportunities within a global organization
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for Integrity, Intensity, Involvement, and Innovation.
Relocation assistance is not provided. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now or in the future without sponsorship. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening.
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