Sr Continuous Improvement Business System Specialist

Thermo Fisher Scientific • Frederick, MD

5d • $103,100 - $154,700 • Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. PPI Business Systems Specialist is a strategic operations partner responsible for leading and implementing the continuous improvement strategy across North America. The role standardizes and implements projects and metrics that support productivity, quality, and safety, while providing leadership guidance to help Global Distribution achieve customer-focused and financial goals. It applies lean foundational principles to distribution processes to build a more efficient infrastructure.

The specialist works across the organization to implement lean management systems, facilitate kaizen events, and apply structured problem-solving methodologies to optimize processes and reduce inefficiencies. The role supports operational excellence by guiding teams in the application of Practical Process Improvement (PPI) tools and developing team capabilities through training and mentorship. It leads cross-functional initiatives and supports a culture of continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Advanced degree plus 6 years of experience, or a bachelor's degree plus 8 years of experience implementing continuous improvement programs in manufacturing, clinical, pharmaceutical, or regulated environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean tools, including value stream mapping, 5S, standard work, visual management, and kaizen methodologies.
• Strong project management skills and proven experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Project.
• Excellent financial acumen and ability to evaluate and validate project savings.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to connect at all organizational levels.
• Experience guiding and mentoring teams in continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated success supporting organizational change.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities using data-driven approaches.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across functions.
• Strong relationship-building skills and demonstrated ability to build trust.
• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed to support multiple sites.
• Fluency in English.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred fields of study: Engineering, Science, Operations, Business, or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification desirable.
• Experience in GMP or regulated environments preferred.
• Additional languages are beneficial for international roles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the North America Logistics team and act as a subject matter expert in continuous improvement and data analytics.
• Manage and support North America productivity targets and project funnels.
• Collaborate with regional and distribution site leaders to implement effective strategies across North America.
• Mine and analyze data for distribution centers and provide recommendations to regional leaders to improve quality, productivity, safety, and budget adherence.
• Maintain and support Power BI reporting for the Logistics group, creating standardized and ad hoc dashboards across regions.
• Generate monthly analytics for scorecards, productivity measurements, and month-end performance indicators.
• Partner with multiple functions to lead or support business and automation integrations.
• Manage data to track major productivity initiatives and capital projects.
• Lead Kaizens and other Practical Process Improvement (PPI) initiatives.
• Perform job duties safely and comply with safety policies and procedures.
• Perform job duties consistently with the Code of Ethics and the 4-I Values.
• Perform job duties within ISO standards and applicable regulatory or statutory requirements.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as needed.

Benefits

• Choice of national medical and dental plans and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs.
• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
• At least 120 hours of paid time off (PTO) and 10 paid holidays annually.
• Paid parental leave, including 3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave.
• Accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy.
• Competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan.
• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), offering eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount.
• May be eligible for a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior