PPI Business Systems Specialist III - Digital Transformation & Continuous Improvement

Business Systems Specialist III

The Business Systems Specialist III drives digital transformation, process automation, and continuous improvement initiatives across the North America Distribution and Logistics Network. This role supports the design, implementation, and maintenance of digital tools, automation solutions, analytics, and process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, productivity, and scalability.

By combining technical expertise with a continuous improvement mindset, the Business Systems Specialist III contributes to modernizing logistics operations and supporting Thermo Fisher Scientific's mission: to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.

Thermo Fisher Scientific operates highly complex distribution and logistics networks supporting customers globally. Distribution centers manage high-volume inbound and outbound operations involving regulated products, temperature-controlled inventory environments, and multiple enterprise systems.

Inventory management and order processing are supported through multiple systems including SAP, Oracle Database (E1), and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS). The complexity of these interconnected systems requires strong analytical capabilities, digital automation expertise, and disciplined continuous improvement practices to maintain operational excellence.

Key Areas of Accountability / Responsibility

• Support digital transformation and continuous improvement initiatives across the North America Logistics Network.
• Develop and implement automation tools and digital solutions that improve operational efficiency and accuracy.
• Assist in building and maintaining a digital roadmap aligned with operational goals.
• Analyze distribution and warehouse processes to identify automation and process improvement opportunities.
• Partner with Operations, IT, Engineering, Finance, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to integrate automation solutions into existing workflows.
• Support business system integrations, automation deployments, and operational improvement projects.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize implemented automation and reporting systems.
• Support continuous improvement activities including Kaizen events, Lean initiatives, and process audits.
• Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards, operational scorecards, and reporting tools.
• Generate analytics and reports related to productivity, operational performance, safety, and quality metrics.
• Monitor operational performance indicators to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Participate in regional and site-level projects supporting logistics operations.
• Provide training and support to colleagues on automation tools, reporting systems, and process improvements.
• Ensure confidentiality and integrity of operational and business data.
• Perform all responsibilities in compliance with EH&S policies, ISO requirements, Code of Ethics, and Thermo Fisher's 4-I Values.

Authorities

• Collaborate directly with cross-functional departments including Planning, Customer Care, Operations, Service, IT, Finance, QA, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams.
• Provide recommendations based on operational data, analytics, and process improvement findings.
• Support implementation of continuous improvement and automation initiatives across distribution sites.

Complexity of the Job

This role operates within a complex logistics and systems environment involving multiple enterprise platforms, automation technologies, and operational workflows.

Responsibilities frequently require:

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Working across multiple systems and departments
• Investigating operational issues and identifying root causes
• Analyzing operational data and performance trends
• Supporting improvement initiatives in fast-paced operational environments

The role requires balancing analytical problem-solving with operational execution while maintaining a strong focus on customer impact, productivity, quality, and compliance.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Information Systems, Finance, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in continuous improvement, digital transformation, automation, analytics, or logistics operations within a warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting automation tools, reporting systems, or process improvement initiatives preferred.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams and supporting operational projects.

Technical Expertise

• Strong proficiency with automation tools, digital technologies, and business systems.
• Experience with SAP, WMS platforms, Oracle Database (E1), Power BI, or RPA technologies preferred.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUPs, SUMIFS, and data analysis).
• Experience with data analysis, dashboard development, and operational reporting preferred.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Practical Process Improvement (PPI), or continuous improvement methodologies preferred.

Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good project coordination and organizational abilities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage priorities.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Results-oriented mindset with attention to detail and accountability.
• Ability to work under deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal); additional language skills are a plus.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work effectively in office, warehouse, and operational environments.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, climb stairs, and work at a computer workstation and on warehouse floors.
• Limited travel may be required.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific team, you'll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life every day to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.

We provide our global teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while helping to take science a step beyond through innovative solutions for some of the world's toughest challenges — from protecting the environment and ensuring food safety to advancing life-saving therapies and cancer research.