Continuous Improvement Manager

Job Overview

Quidel Ortho, the merged entity of Quidel Corporation and Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, is a leading in‑vitro diagnostics company. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, and operates in over 130 countries. The Manager, Continuous Improvement will drive significant improvements across operations by building a culture of continuous improvement, partnering with stakeholders to establish strategy and deploying Lean solutions.

• 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 and 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 an active pipeline of projects aligned to business priorities, metrics, and results.
• Ensure a solid operating mechanism for reviewing past projects.
• Develop a culture that emphasizes quality and safety improvements as part of continuous improvement.
• Perform other work‑related duties as assigned.

• 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 a world‑class, multi‑site manufacturing organization with automation processes.
• Advanced Lean practitioner with 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 statistical acumen.
• Hands‑on track record of implementing successful Continuous Improvement elements such as Lean Leadership (Daily Management, Leader Standard Work, and Gemba Walks), strategy deployment and value‑stream mapping.
• Experience leading Kaizen events including standard work, cell design, process and product 3P, value‑analysis/value engineering, error‑proofing, material flow, heijunka, and kanban.
• Holistic thinker capable of influencing leaders to develop transformational target states and rapidly drive change throughout the organization.
• Superior leadership skills with proven ability to manage and develop a diverse team and facilitate effective cross‑cultural business interaction.

• Formal 6
  
  Sigma education and 3+ years of experience leading 6
  
  Sigma programs.
• Position is not currently eligible for visa sponsorship.

The work environment includes office, laboratory, and manufacturing settings. Physical demands include lifting up to 30 lbs on occasion, spending up to 70% of time in meetings or on the production floor, and 30% at a desk. Standard vision requirements and the use of personal protective equipment are required.

Salary range: $ – $, bonus eligible. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) plan; an Employee Assistance Program; an Employee Stock Purchase Plan; paid time off (including sick time) and paid holidays.

Quidel Ortho is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring all individuals, including those with disabilities, have an opportunity to apply for positions they are qualified for. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals. For assistance, contact