Continuous Improvement Specialist III

Continuous Improvement Specialist III

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.

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

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.