Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence Specialist III (PPI Business System)

About the role

Thermo Fisher Scientific is seeking a Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence professional to join the Grand Island, New York team as a PPI Business System Specialist III. This hands‑on role turns complex operational challenges into measurable results, partnering with leaders and cross‑functional teams to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost and customer experience using Lean, structured problem solving, and Thermo Fisher’s Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System.

Responsibilities

• Lead high‑impact improvement initiatives from opportunity identification through implementation, measurement and sustainment.
• Partner with value‑stream and functional leaders to prioritize opportunities that improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, cost and customer experience.
• Use data to uncover waste, bottlenecks and constraints, improving capacity, process flow, productivity and labor utilization.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, value‑stream mapping, structured problem solving, root‑cause analysis, standard work and visual‑management activities.
• Collaborate across Operations, Industrial Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance and other functions to turn improvement opportunities into sustainable results.
• Establish project goals and performance measures, track results, remove barriers and partner with Finance to validate measurable business benefits.
• Coach and develop leaders and teams in Lean/PPI methodologies, building problem‑solving capability and ownership throughout the organization.
• Help strengthen a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of daily work, not just isolated projects.

Requirements

• Associate degree with 6 + years of relevant experience leading continuous improvement, Lean, Operational Excellence or process‑improvement initiatives in a manufacturing, laboratory, operations or other regulated environment.
• Practical experience using Lean/continuous improvement tools such as Kaizen, structured problem solving, root‑cause analysis, standard work or value‑stream mapping.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead cross‑functional projects and deliver measurable, sustained results.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to translate operational data into action.
• Strong facilitation, communication and stakeholder‑management skills, including the ability to influence without direct authority.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating effectively across a matrixed organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Science, Business, Operations or a related discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt or another recognized continuous improvement certification.
• Experience improving productivity, capacity, process flow or labor utilization.
• Experience quantifying and validating the financial impact of improvement initiatives.
• Experience coaching leaders and teams in Lean, Six Sigma, Operational Excellence or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working in life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device or another regulated manufacturing environment.

Additional Information

• Location: Grand Island, New York.
• Relocation assistance is not available.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific cannot provide immigration sponsorship; applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon‑Fri)

Work Environment

• Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safety standards.
• Office setting with some exposure to manufacturing environments.
• Personal protective equipment required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs, etc.).

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range (New York): $90,000 – $110,000.
• Variable annual bonus based on company, team and/or individual performance.
• National medical, dental and vision plans, including health incentive programs.
• Employee assistance and family support programs, commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement.
• At least 120 hours paid time off, 10 paid holidays, paid parental leave (3 weeks bonding, 8 weeks caregiver), accident and life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Retirement and savings programs, including a competitive 401(k) plan.
• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offering discounted company stock purchases.