Senior Specialist Operations

NSF is seeking a Senior Specialist Operational Excellence to lead the laboratories through establishing and maintaining a lean management culture. This role plays a critical part in strengthening our sites capability through continuous improvement training excellence and deployment of lean management systems such as visual management leader standard work and PDSA improvement cycles. The Senior Specialist partners across Laboratory operations Safety Quality divisional leaders and Site Leadership to enhance performance elevate operating systems and cultivate a culture of disciplined problem solving and continuous improvement.

• Lead the deployment and adoption of Lean culture initiatives across North America laboratories driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Provide coaching mentoring and training to laboratory employees and leaders on Lean principles problem-solving methodologies and continuous improvement tools.
• Partner with laboratory leadership to strengthen accountability for key performance metrics including Safety Quality Delivery and Culture.
• Facilitate the identification prioritization execution and sustainment of continuous improvement projects that deliver measurable business results.
• Lead Kaizen events problem-solving workshops and other Lean activities to improve laboratory performance and efficiency.
• Support the implementation of visual management systems standard work and performance review processes that sustain improvement outcomes.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff and leaders to identify opportunities remove barriers and implement effective operational improvements.
• Monitor and analyze performance metrics tracking progress against improvement goals and action plans.
• Communicate project achievements performance improvements and best practices to laboratory and business stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain Lean training materials tools and resources to build continuous improvement capability across the laboratory network.
• Foster a culture of engagement accountability and employee ownership in continuous improvement efforts.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives and drive consistency in Lean practices across North America laboratories.
• Measure and report the impact of Lean culture and continuous improvement initiatives ensuring results are sustained over time.
• Maintain strong presence on the laboratory floor.
• Travel may be required for cross-site initiatives
• Perform other duties as assigned

#LI-CB1

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in Engineering Operations Management Business or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Lean Continuous Improvement Operational Excellence or laboratory operations.
• Experience facilitating kaizen events leading CI projects and coaching cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience in coaching and using Lean tools (5S Standard Work Visual Management Value Stream Mapping Problem Solving TPM).
• Ability to collect analyze and interpret operational data drive improvements and measure results.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong communication presentation and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel PowerPoint Word) and ability to work with digital training systems or LMS platforms.
• Understanding of quality systems regulatory requirements and laboratory processes.
• Strong coaching and influencing skills with the ability to lead without direct authority.
• Excellent communication facilitation and presentation skills across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capability and structured thinking.
• High degree of initiative ownership and follow-through.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.

• Experience in laboratory life sciences healthcare manufacturing or other regulated environments.

Physical Demands

• Frequent Light physical effort required for (ability to lift and manipulate test samples or move 5 to 10lbs. from one area to another).
• Standing for long periods of time is necessary periodically.
• Working with various microorganisms allergens organic solvents chemical analytes reagents acids and bases is necessary.
• Safety glasses must be always worn in lab areas. Adequate PPE required (lab coats gloves masks respirators as applicable).
• Some areas require no colognes or other strongly scented personal care products to be worn in the facility.