Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist

Join JMCRS and help shape the future of our operations through innovation, collaboration, and a relentless drive for excellence.

The Jackson Laboratory JMCRS Operations is seeking a strategic and results-driven Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive high-impact initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and foster a culture of continuous improvement. This role partners with cross-functional teams to prioritize, lead, and sustain improvements using Lean methodologies aligned with JMCRS's core value drivers. In addition, the role leads complex projects, develops and delivers progress reports to senior leaders and stakeholders, and drives prioritization efforts across functional groups to achieve measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process Improvement Leadership:
  • Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives across various departments and business functions. This effort includes Kaizen events and cross functional problem-solving sessions.
  • Collaborate with leadership teams to identify areas for process optimization and operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with functional leaders to prioritize and manage project pipelines aligned with strategic business goals
  • Assist in developing performance dashboards, scorecards, and process documentation
  • Develop and implement strategies to streamline processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
  • Develop and implement strategies to streamline processes, maintain/enhance compliance, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
  • Develop standard work, visual management tools, and control plans to ensure process adherence and improvement sustainment
  • Use Lean philosophies, and data-driven tools to analyze current processes, identify root causes, and implement sustainable improvements
• Project Management:
  • Manage improvement projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet desired objectives.
  • Use data-driven methodologies (such as Lean, Kaizen, or others) to analyze and improve business processes and results.
  • Track and report project progress, outcomes, and savings to senior management.
• Training and Coaching:
  • Educate and coach team members and leaders on continuous improvement principles, tools, and methodologies.
  • Provide training and support to teams to help them adopt a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Facilitate workshops, Kaizen events, and other initiatives to empower employees to contribute to process improvements.
  • Provide coaching and training to teams at all levels to build internal CI capabilities and promote a culture of continuous improvement
  • Support Tiered Daily Management and Gemba walk routines to identify and respond to improvement and coaching opportunities
• Data Analysis and Reporting:
  • Analyze operational data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Prepare and present reports on improvement initiatives and results to senior leadership.
  • Utilize root cause analysis to address issues and improve long-term performance.
• Change Management:
  • Lead change initiatives, ensuring smooth adoption of new processes and systems within teams.
  • Work closely with department heads to communicate and implement changes effectively.
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Lean tools (e.g., Value Stream Mapping, 6S, Standard Work, A3 thinking, Root Cause Analysis). Understanding of LEAN methodology and process control and process mapping and analysis using digital tools (e.g., Visio, Excel).
• Proficient in data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab, or other related software).
• Adaptability - thrives in a dynamic environment and adjusts approach as needed. Familiarity with change management frameworks (e.g., ADKAR).
• Strategic Mindset - Understands how CI efforts align with business strategy and objectives
• Drives Engagement and Results - Systematically identifies issues, proposes practical solutions, and ensures timely execution while guiding teams through improvement initiatives, fostering collaboration, and securing buy-in across all levels.
• Balances Stakeholders - Works effectively with cross-functional teams, fosters cooperation, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Ensures Accountability - Takes responsibility for project results and ensures follow-through.
• Effective Communicator - Clearly communicates technical concepts and progress updates to all audiences
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to influence and lead teams through change.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and solution-focused.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of successful project delivery.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and identify trends. Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in process optimization, Lean transformation, or operational excellence.
• Lean certification or Six Sigma preferred.

Pay Range: $74,772 - $125,184. Salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

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About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California),Japan andChina. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visitwww.jax.org.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.