Continuous Improvement Manager (OpEx)

Thermo Fisher Scientific•Detroit, MI

20h•Onsite

About The Position

When you join us at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll be part of an inquisitive team that shares your passion for exploration and discovery. With revenues exceeding $40 billion and the largest investment in R&D in the industry, we give our people the resources and chances to create significant contributions to the world. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, or improving patient outcomes, our work has real-world impact. The Continuous Improvement Manager (OpEx) (also known as a PPI Manager) is responsible for driving the Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System across the Detroit, MI site. This role acts as a change agent, partnering with site leadership and cross-functional teams to embed a culture of continuous improvement, deliver measurable operational results, and align Lean initiatives with business objectives. On-site Detroit, MI. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening. Bioproduction Group (BPG) / BioProduction Chemicals Division (BCD). This is an on-site role supporting a manufacturing environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Business, or related field
Advanced Degree plus 6 years of experience, or Bachelor's Degree plus 8 years of experience, implementing continuous improvement/lean methodologies in a matrix organization
3+ years in continuous improvement within manufacturing
Experience aligning Lean with strategic plans
Strong Microsoft Office skills
Experience leading cross-functional teams
Ability to influence at all levels
Strong coaching and facilitation skills
Excellent communication skills
Ability to lead full improvement lifecycle
Strong influencing and change management skills with the ability to engage across the organization
Demonstrated success in developing and mentoring teams
Strong problem-solving capability
Data-driven decision making
Experience in matrix environments
Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
Experience with financial analysis and benefits tracking
Lean tools: 5S, VSM, A3, Visual Management, GEMBA
Root cause analysis
Quality systems (CAPA, deviations, change control)
Strong data analysis capability
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and continuous improvement software
Demonstrated expertise in lean tools including: Strategy Deployment and Value Stream Mapping
Tiered Daily Management Systems
Gemba Walks and Leader Standard Work
Kaizen Events and Problem-Solving Methods
Visual Management and 5S
Ability to travel up to 10% as needed
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma certification preferred (Green Belt/Black Belt)
Experience in regulated industries (pharma, medical device) preferred
Knowledge of GMP/quality systems beneficial
Ability to work independently and lead through influence

Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional Kaizen events to identify and eliminate process inefficiencies.
Conduct regular PPI workshops and training sessions for teams.
Track and report key performance indicators, ensuring measurable improvement.
Provide dotted-line leadership to the Miami PPI team, offering oversight, guidance, and alignment with Detroit's continuous improvement strategy.
Mentor and coach teams on Lean tools for continuous improvement.
Serve as the conduit between operational teams and senior leadership, facilitating problem-solving and owning site escalation meetings.
Identify, quantify, and report financial savings from improvement projects, aligning with site financial targets.
Prepare and deliver data-driven reports and updates to senior management, communicating progress, challenges, and recommendations.
Implement transformational change through our Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System.
Work closely with business leadership to establish and develop continuous improvement practices that enable profitable growth, enhance customer experience, and increase employee engagement.
Support the implementation of lean methodologies and guide teams across functions to achieve significant performance results.
Lead strategy deployment, facilitate cross-functional improvement initiatives, and build organizational capability in PPI tools and methodologies.
Optimize processes, reduce waste, and deliver measurable business impact across customer, financial, people, and quality metrics.