Continuous Improvement Manager

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.

At QuidelOrtho, we’re advancing the power of diagnostics for a healthier future for all. Join our mission as our next Manager, Continuous Improvement. The overarching aim of this role is to drive significant improvements across operations by building a culture and processes of continuous improvement.  The position partners with key stakeholders to establish a continuous improvement strategy and deployment of the strategy.  It involves developing capability at various levels of the organization relative to continuous improvement.

This position will be onsite in Carlsbad, CA.

• Establish and mature a Lean Management System (tiered daily management systems, Gemba walks, and leader standard work) and other coaching tools to transform the culture.

• Coach development of leaders and the general population relative to continuous improvement.

• Lead/Manage specific operational projects.

• Facilitate Kaizen charter development and events.

• Share best practices and drive continuous improvement and Standard Work across processes.

• Partner with business leaders to develop, standardize, and drive operating mechanisms that drive key performance indicator visibility, accountability, and action planning to continually improve business performance.

• Ensure there is an active pipeline of projects aligned to business priorities, metrics and results.  Ensure that there is a solid operating mechanism/review for past projects.

• Develop a culture that emphasizes quality and safety improvements as part of continuous improvement.

• Perform other work-related duties as assigned

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science or operations.

• Minimum of five years of experience including three years of deploying Lean in a manufacturing setting

• 3-5 years of experience leading lean transformation in world class multi-site manufacturing organization with automation processes

• Advanced lean practitioner with a 3+ years of experience or comparable prior experience working in the Toyota Production System (TPS), Danaher Business System (DBS), Honeywell Operating System (HOS) or other recognized Lean business system models.

• Strong financial and statistics acumen

• A ‘hands-on’ track record of implementing successful Continuous Improvement (CI) elements such as: Lean Leadership (Daily Management, Leader Standard Work, and Gemba Walks)

• Strategy Deployment and Value-stream mapping leadership experience.

• 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.

• A holistic thinker who is effective in influencing leaders to develop transformational target states and rapidly drive change through the full organization.

• Superior leadership skills with proven ability to effectively manage and develop a diverse team of people and facilitate effective cross-cultural business interaction

• This position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship. 

Preferred:

• Formal 6 Sigma education and +3 years experience leading 6 sigma programs

This role will have extensive contacts internally at all levels.  Interact regularly with colleagues across the organization, but particularly in Operations, as well as with management to inform, persuade, influence, and support.  Interacts with management teams to develop, execute, monitor and continually improve continuous improvement programs.

The work environment characteristics are representative of an office, laboratory and manufacturing environment.

Position requires ability to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion.  Up to 70% of time in meetings, working with team in lab or manufacturing floor; 30% of the time at the desk on computer, walking, standing or sitting extended periods of time, doing analytical work are routine to accomplish tasks in this role. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. Position requires use of Personal Protective Equipment as posted.

The 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 the facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $117,714.49 - $135,000.00 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.

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 the duties. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and require special assistance or an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected].

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