Senior specialist continuous improvement Rochester, NY

The Opportunity

Quidel Ortho 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.

We are seeking a Senior Specialist, Continuous Improvement. The Senior Specialist, Continuous Improvement will work independently and collaboratively. They will evaluate all continuous improvement activities and develop plans to optimize performance and processes. This position focuses on implementation of Continuous Improvement Operational Excellence goals and strategies for improving the operations and processes within the organization. The role employs Lean methodologies and QIC6 tools to accomplish business objectives.

The position directly supports the Sr. Manager, Continuous Improvement to drive significant impact across Operations by building a culture and processes of Operational Excellence. This position is in Rochester, NY.

• Acts as an ambassador and champion of Continuous Improvement for the organization.
• Works directly with all levels of the organization to develop and implement process improvements.
• Initiates, leads, and drives cross‑functional continuous improvement projects, as assigned.
• Coaches, mentors, and supports staff in achieving continuous improvement goals.
• Supports efforts to increase employee engagement and empowerment, with the goal of building a strong continuous improvement culture across the organization.
• Supports the development of organizational performance metrics, measures of improvement in key metrics and validating savings related to continuous improvements.
• Coordinates and facilitates efforts to eliminate waste, reduce operating costs and maximize throughput.
• Assists in developing and carrying out training and communication to educate and engage staff in CI education and opportunities.
• Acts as a resource to Quidel management team in identifying and planning CI opportunities.
• Continuously maintains personal CI knowledge and skill level.
• Responsible for maintaining knowledge of new and innovative uses of CI methodologies to increase performance at Quidel.
• Responsible for administrative functions related to program, including but not limited to developing, maintaining, and reporting KPIs, communication, training, project plans, etc.
• Complies with applicable Quidel standard operating procedures (SOPs), ISO, FDA and other Quality Systems regulations, as well as applicable Environmental Health & Safety, Human Resources, and other regulatory and administrative policies.

Internal: Interacts with various levels of personnel throughout organization primarily shop floor and front‑line leaders. Interacts with all technical functions (Manufacturing, Chemistry, Engineering, Quality, R&D, and Regulatory) on a continual basis presenting technical expertise and support as needed. Works with Rochester Operations team to inform, persuade, influence, support and address identified manufacturing problems, and implement improvements in the manufacturing areas. Participates in cross‑functional teams and may lead / support interdepartmental project team/s.

External: Suppliers.

The work environment characteristics are representative of an office, laboratory, and manufacturing environment. Physical demands:
Position requires ability to lift up to 30 lbs. on occasion. Up to 50% of time at production environment or lab, walking, standing, and sitting for periods of time are routine to accomplish tasks in this role. Position requires use of Personal…