Senior specialist continuous improvement at QuidelOrtho Rochester, NY

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 We are seeking a Senior Specialist, Continuous Improvement. The Senior Specialist, Continuous Improvement will work independently and collaboratively. They will evaluate all continuous improvement activities and develop plans to optimize performance and processes. This position focuses on implementation of Continuous Improvement Operational Excellence goals and strategies for improving the operations and processes within the organization. The role employs Lean methodologies and QIC6 tools to accomplish business objectives. The position directly supports the Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement to drive significant impact across Operations by building a culture and processes of Operational Excellence. This position is in Rochester, NY. Responsibilities Acts as an ambassador and champion of Continuous Improvement for the organization. Works directly with all levels of the organization to develop and implement process improvements. 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. 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. Key Interactions Internal: Interacts with various levels of personnel throughout organization primarily shop floor and front‑line leaders. Interacts with all technical functions (Manufacturing, Chemistry, Engineering, Quality, R&D, and Regulatory) on a continual basis presenting technical expertise and support as needed. Works with Rochester Operations team to inform, persuade, influence, support and address identified manufacturing problems, and implement improvements in the manufacturing areas. Participates in cross‑functional teams and may lead / support interdepartmental project team/s. External: Suppliers. Work Environment The work environment characteristics are representative of an office, laboratory, and manufacturing environment. Physical demands: Position requires ability to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion. Up to 50% of time at production environment or lab, walking, standing, and sitting for periods of time are routine to accomplish tasks in this role. Position requires use of Personal Protective Equipment as posted. Individual. Required Bachelor’s degree, in engineering, science, operations, or related field. Minimum of 6 years of experience in a Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence function, in operations / life‑sciences/medical device sector. Ability to develop, maintain and report meaningful metrics. Excellent communication, and cross‑functional project and team leadership skills. Ability to lead ad‑hoc teams and drive them to success. Preferred LSS Green Belt certification, from an accredited institution with demonstrated experience in a manufacturing environment. 2+ years of experience supporting lean transformation in world class multi‑site manufacturing organization with automation processes. Demonstrated proficiency and practical application of Continuous Improvement tools (Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma DMAIC, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, A3, Root Cause Analysis). Lean practitioner with a 2+ years of experience working in the Toyota Production System (TPS), Danaher Business System (DBS), Honeywell Operating System (HOS) or other recognized Lean business system models. Expertise using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel required, advanced skills. Strong business acumen, analytical and problem‑solving skills. Practical application of data analytics or statistical process control in a production environment. Experience leading Kaizen events including elements such as standard work, cell design, process and product 3P, Value‑Analysis/Value Engineering, error‑proofing, material flow, Heijunka, and Kanban. Proficient knowledge in Business Intelligence tools (Power BI, Tableau). Salary Transparency Salary range for this position takes into account a wide range of factors including: education, experience, knowledge, skills, geography, and abilities of the candidate, in addition to internal equity and alignment with market data. At QuidelOrtho, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on that facts and circumstances of each case. Salary range for this position is $94,000 to $159,000 and is bonus eligible. QuidelOrtho offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a 401(k) plan, employee assistance program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid time off (including sick time) and paid Holidays. All benefits are non‑contractual, and QuidelOrtho may amend, terminate, or enhance the benefits provided, as it deems appropriate. 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. 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