Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.), Strong Odors (chemical, lubricants, biological products etc.)

Job Description

Overview of Thermo Fisher Scientific:

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.

Position Summary:

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.

Location/Division Specific Information:

• 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.

How Will You Make an Impact?

• 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Business, or related field
• Lean Six Sigma certification preferred (Green Belt/Black Belt)

Experience:

• 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

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Leadership & Communication:

• 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

Analytical:

• 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

Technical Skills:

• 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

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed
• Experience in regulated industries (pharma, medical device) preferred
• Knowledge of GMP/quality systems beneficial
• Ability to work independently and lead through influence

Work Environment / Safety:

This role operates in a combination of manufacturing and office environments. The individual must be able to remain stationary or move throughout the facility for extended periods, including standing, walking, and using standard office and production equipment. The role may require lifting and moving objects up to 25 pounds. The work environment may include exposure to manufacturing and laboratory conditions, including regulated areas that require adherence to safety, quality, and environmental procedures. The ability to work safely in a dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities is essential.

Accessibility / Disability Access:

Thermo Fisher Scientific provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request assistance, contact 1-855-471-2255 with details regarding your accommodation needs.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific:

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with over 100,000 colleagues. We deliver innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services. Our culture is built on Integrity, Intensity, Innovation, and Involvement.