Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist

The Opportunity

QuidelOrtho unites the strengths of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, creating a world-leading in vitro diagnostics company with award-winning expertise in immunoassay and molecular testing, clinical chemistry and transfusion medicine. We are more than 6,000 strong and do business in over 130 countries, providing answers with fast, accurate and consistent testing where and when they are needed most – home to hospital, lab to clinic.

Our culture puts our team members first and prioritizes actions that support happiness, inspiration and engagement. We strive to build meaningful connections with each other as we believe that employee happiness and business success are linked. Join us in our mission to transform the power of diagnostics into a healthier future for all.

The Role

Working independently and collaboratively, the Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist evaluates all continuous improvement activities and develops plans to optimize performance and processes. Implements Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence goals and strategies for improving the operations and processes within the organization. Employs Lean methodologies and tools in order to accomplish business objectives

This role is located in Athens, Ohio.

The Responsibilities 

• Acts as an ambassador and champion of Continuous Improvement for the organization

• Initiates, leads, and drives cross-functional continuous improvement projects, as assigned.

• Coaches, mentors, and supports staff in achieving continuous improvement goals.

• Supports efforts to increase employee engagement and empowerment, with the goal of building a strong continuous improvement culture across the organization.

• Supports the development of organizational performance metrics, measures of improvement in key metrics and validating savings related to continuous improvements.

• Coordinates and facilitates efforts to eliminate waste, reduce operating costs and maximize throughput.

• Carries out assigned continuous improvement projects.

• Assists in developing and carrying out training and communication to educate and engage staff in CI education and opportunities.

• Acts as a resource to Quidel management team in identifying and planning CI opportunities.

• Continuously maintains personal CI knowledge and skill level.

• Responsible for maintaining knowledge of new and innovative uses of CI methodologies to increase performance at Quidel.

• Responsible for administrative functions related to program, including but not limited to developing, maintaining, and reporting KPIs, communication, training, project plans, etc. 

• Complies with applicable Quidel standard operating procedures (SOPs), ISO, FDA and other Quality Systems regulations, as well as applicable Environmental Health & Safety, Human Resources, and other regulatory and administrative policies.

The Individual

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in a Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence function

• Demonstrated proficiency and practical application of Continuous Improvement tools (Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma DMAIC, Kaizen, 6S, Value Stream Mapping, A3, Root Cause Analysis).

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with and positively influence leadership and all levels of the organization.

• A well-rounded problem solver who can look site-wide to integrate and streamline systems for optimal benefit.

• Passion for driving improvement and leading change.

• Proven track record for developing, training, and coaching teams.

• Great communicator, including solid written, oral and presentation-giving skills.

• Able to drive continuous improvement in both non-operational and operational areas, including connecting the cross-functional resources to remove waste along the extended value streams.

• Intermediate level expertise using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel

• Ability to develop, maintain and report meaningful metrics

• Strong analytical skills and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication, and cross-functional project and team leadership skills

• Able to lead ad-hoc teams and drive them to success

• Intermediate or proficient knowledge in Statistical Software (Jump, Minitab, QI Macros, SPC XL)

Preferred:

• LSS Green Belt certification suggested, from an accredited institution with demonstrated experience in a manufacturing environment.

• preferably in life-sciences/medical device sector.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business, operations, or related field.

• Advanced level expertise using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel

• Practical application of data analytics or statistical process control in a production environment

• Intermediate or proficient knowledge in Business Intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau)

The Key Working Relationships

Internal Partners:

Manufacturing, Chemistry, Engineering, Quality, R&D, and Regulatory

The Work Environment

The work environment characteristics are representative of both an office and laboratory/production environment and may include handling of viral and bacterial hazards, potentially hazardous chemicals, as well as infectious or potentially infectious bodily fluids, tissues, and samples. Flexible work hours to meet project deadlines. Position requires ability to lift to 30 lbs. on a regular basis. Up to 50% of time at lab or production environment, walking, standing, and sitting for periods of time are routine to accomplish tasks in this role. Must have the ability to operate lab equipment. Position requires use of Personal Protective Equipment as posted.

Equal Employment Opportunity

QuidelOrtho believes in Equal Opportunity for all and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for those positions that they are interested in and qualify for without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. QuidelOrtho is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals so that an individual can perform their duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected].

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