Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist

Pfizer • Kalamazoo, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Use Your Power for Purpose Our breakthroughs would not reach the hands of patients without our dedicated pharmaceutical manufacturing team. We rely on agile members who understand the critical impact of their role in Pfizer’s mission. Patients need colleagues like you who take pride in their work and continuously strive to improve outcomes. Your efforts ensure that patients and physicians have timely access to the medicines they need. Role Summary Accountable for Integrated Manufacturing Excellence (IMEx) continuous improvement processes supporting APN filling and Injectable Preparation operations, with a strong focus on production processes, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. The position will lead standard work and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple work centers, ensuring smooth and efficient production. What You Will Achieve In this role, you will: Identify and lead implementation of cost savings ideas, specifically line and area efficiency improvements and projects that increase equipment capacity. Analyze data from different stages of production to determine control over applicable variables and propose improvements. Own and facilitate the continuous improvement process by understanding overall area needs and ensuring the right projects are escalated at the right time. Analyze the output of standard work initiatives and propose changes based on data; facilitate continuous improvement of standard work. Conduct tests and measurements throughout production stages to ensure process control. Investigate deviations of medium complexity using Six Sigma tools, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions in collaboration with enabling groups (engineering, maintenance, quality, validation, EHS). Lead Operational Excellence initiatives (Kanban, M1 investigations, Green Belt certification), develop OpEx skills of colleagues, and drive a culture of continuous improvement. Partner with shop floor colleagues, leadership, and enablers to ensure CI initiatives are identified and completed in a timely manner. Manage IMEx deployment projects and lead rollout for critical new processes. Lead CI loops for large, multi-disciplinary teams and drive progress toward Business Element success (Safety, Quality, People, etc.). Manage and coach projects for Tier 2, run Green Belt projects, and mentor Yellow Belt projects. Support program management through governance, reviews, communications, and training; prepare resource forecasts and advance new concepts. Act as a coach and facilitator for improvement projects, maintaining performance metrics and aligning programs with business strategies. Ensure standard work principles are implemented and guidelines are followed across all APN filling and Injectable Prep operations.

Requirements

• Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least 2 years of experience; OR a master's degree with 0+ years of experience; OR an associate's degree with 6 years of experience; OR a high school. diploma (or equivalent) and 8 years of relevant experience
• Strong understanding of cGMP and regulatory requirements
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and problem-solving within a manufacturing environment
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience with process validation and documentation
• Familiarity with environmental, health, and safety standards
• Experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical tools
• Strong project management skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in executing projects in line with lean / six sigma techniques to improve OEE / RTE
• Ability to mentor and train junior colleagues
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment
• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity.
• Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use

Responsibilities

• Identify and lead implementation of cost savings ideas, specifically line and area efficiency improvements and projects that increase equipment capacity.
• Analyze data from different stages of production to determine control over applicable variables and propose improvements.
• Own and facilitate the continuous improvement process by understanding overall area needs and ensuring the right projects are escalated at the right time.
• Analyze the output of standard work initiatives and propose changes based on data; facilitate continuous improvement of standard work.
• Conduct tests and measurements throughout production stages to ensure process control.
• Investigate deviations of medium complexity using Six Sigma tools, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions in collaboration with enabling groups (engineering, maintenance, quality, validation, EHS).
• Lead Operational Excellence initiatives (Kanban, M1 investigations, Green Belt certification), develop OpEx skills of colleagues, and drive a culture of continuous improvement.
• Partner with shop floor colleagues, leadership, and enablers to ensure CI initiatives are identified and completed in a timely manner.
• Manage IMEx deployment projects and lead rollout for critical new processes.
• Lead CI loops for large, multi-disciplinary teams and drive progress toward Business Element success (Safety, Quality, People, etc.).
• Manage and coach projects for Tier 2, run Green Belt projects, and mentor Yellow Belt projects.
• Support program management through governance, reviews, communications, and training; prepare resource forecasts and advance new concepts.
• Act as a coach and facilitator for improvement projects, maintaining performance metrics and aligning programs with business strategies.
• Ensure standard work principles are implemented and guidelines are followed across all APN filling and Injectable Prep operations.

Benefits

• Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees