Job DescriptionNSF 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 site's 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.
Responsibilities- 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
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Qualifications- Bachelor's 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.
About the TeamNSF's global network of state-of-the-art laboratories is the "backbone" of NSF's comprehensive testing and certification services. Staffed by engineers, chemists, microbiologists and toxicologists, we offer world-class technical expertise across the food, water and life sciences industries.
