The Sr Specialist, Continuous Improvement (CI) leads cross-functional process improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and maturity of key processes that support Merge Healthcare’s medical imaging solutions. This role partners with process owners and stakeholders to identify improvement opportunities, establish performance measures, standardize ways of working, and drive sustainable operational change within a regulated quality environment. The Sr Specialist, Continuous Improvement applies data-driven methods, continuous improvement tools, and strong facilitation skills to improve process performance and support quality and compliance objectives.
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with stakeholders to assess workflows, identify improvement opportunities, and implement changes that enhance quality, efficiency, and consistency.
Partner with process owners to standardize and optimize QMS processes in alignment with regulations, standards, and best practices.
Lead cross-functional continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen key processes.
Design and deliver targeted programs to build problem-solving capability and promote adoption of best practices.
Implement tools and technologies that support efficient process execution.
Leverage data and input from teams (Program Management, R&D, Customer Success, Production, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and Risk Management) to identify trends, prioritize opportunities, and drive improvements.
Establish KPI frameworks, visual management systems, and accountability mechanisms to enhance operational performance.
Communicate portfolio status, risks, and business impact clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
Support development and execution of corrective and preventive actions to address process gaps and recurring issues.
Facilitate root cause analysis and ensure effective follow-through to improve long-term performance.
Support internal and external audits, including inspection readiness activities, as needed.
Provide training and coaching to strengthen continuous improvement capabilities and reinforce standardized ways of working.
Act as a subject matter expert on process design, standardization, and continuous improvement within the QMS environment.
Core Competencies:
Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on practical, results-oriented solutions.
Solid organizational and project management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities.
Effective communication and facilitation skills to present data and recommendations clearly.
Proven ability to influence and drive change across teams without direct authority.
Technical Skills (Preferred):
Working knowledge of standards such as ISO 13485 and ISO 14971.
Familiarity with regulatory requirements including 21 CFR Part 820, SOR/98-282, and EU MDR (2017/745).
Understanding of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and software development lifecycles.
Experience with process mapping and workflow tools (e.g., Microsoft Visio).
Hands-on experience with Lean / Six Sigma methodologies and tools such as 5S, value stream mapping, kaizen, Pareto analysis, and root cause analysis (e.g., 5 Whys, fishbone).
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Quality Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Certification or training in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is an asset.
Experience:
Minimum of 8 years of experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or quality systems within healthcare technology, medical device, or life sciences industries.
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and applying improvement tools to deliver measurable results.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office environment, or remote work-from-home.
Travel: ~5%
Compensation
The salary range provided in this job posting is intended to reflect the general market value for the position. The actual salary offered may vary based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and the specific requirements of the role. This range may also be subject to change as market conditions evolve. We encourage open communication throughout the interview process to discuss compensation expectations. For base-salary + commission sales roles, the range represents On-Target Earnings.
Min – Max :
$102,564.10 - $153,846.16 (USD)Benefits
The benefits described represent the current offerings at our organization, however, benefits are subject to change and may vary by location and employment status. We strive to provide a comprehensive benefits package that supports our employees’ health, wellness, and financial goals. Please note that benefits may be discussed in more detail during the hiring process.
Remote first / work from home culture
Flexible vacation to help you rest, recharge, and connect with loved ones
Paid leave benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401k retirement savings plan
Infertility benefits
Tuition reimbursement, life insurance, EAP – and more!
It is the policy of Merative to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Merative will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Merative participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Quality Management, or related field, or equivalent experience
- Minimum of 8 years experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or quality systems within healthcare technology, medical device, or life sciences
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and applying improvement tools to deliver measurable results
- Strong problem-solving skills with practical, results-oriented focus
- Solid organizational and project management abilities, able to manage multiple priorities
- Effective communication and facilitation skills to present data and recommendations clearly
- Proven ability to influence and drive change across teams without direct authority
- Certification or training in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Working knowledge of ISO 13485 and ISO 14971
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements including 21 CFR Part 820, SOR/98-282, and EU MDR (2017/745)
- Understanding of Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and software development lifecycles
- Experience with process mapping and workflow tools (e.g., Microsoft Visio)
- Hands-on experience with Lean / Six Sigma methodologies and tools (5S, value stream mapping, kaizen, Pareto analysis, root cause analysis)
Merative Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Merative and has not been reviewed or approved by Merative.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Remote and hybrid flexibility supports work–life balance. Flexible schedules and remote-first norms are positioned as a relative bright spot across many roles.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Flexible or unlimited PTO policies are available in many roles alongside paid sick time. Parental leave adds further breadth to time-off options.
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Fair & Transparent Compensation — Base pay is considered fair to good in select roles, with some positions characterized as having solid compensation. Competitive ranges are evident for certain senior product and architecture roles.
Merative Insights
What We Do
Merative is a data, software and technology partner for the health and government social services industries, working with providers, health plans, employers, life sciences companies and governments. With trusted technology and human expertise, the company works with clients to drive real progress. Merative helps clients orient information and insights around the people they serve to improve decision-making and performance. Merative, formerly IBM Watson Health, became a new standalone company as part of Francisco Partners in 2022. Learn more at merative.com
