Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist

Job summary

The Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist leads operational excellence initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and compliance across pharmaceutical manufacturing. They facilitate cross-functional improvement projects and coach teams on Lean methodologies to drive sustainable business results.

Job details

Pillar5 Pharma Inc. is seeking a Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist to lead Operational Excellence initiatives across pharmaceutical manufacturing operations to improve productivity, quality, compliance, reliability, and cost performance. Using Lean, and structured problem-solving methodologies, this role drives process improvements, reduces waste, and delivers sustainable business results while ensuring compliance with GMP and regulatory requirements. The Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist partners with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Validation, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to identify opportunities, lead cross-functional improvement projects, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence. Key Responsibilities: * Lead continuous improvement projects across manufacturing and support functions. * Apply Lean, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and Root Cause Analysis methodologies to improve operational performance. * Identify opportunities to improve throughput, yield, cycle time, quality, equipment reliability, and cost efficiency. * Facilitate investigations and corrective actions related to process performance, deviations, and recurring issues. * Lead cross-functional teams to implement and sustain process improvements. * Develop KPIs, dashboards, and reports to measure results and ensure long-term sustainability. * Coach and train employees on continuous improvement tools and best practices. * Ensure all improvement activities align with GMP, quality, validation, and regulatory requirements. * Partner with site leadership to prioritize improvement opportunities and align initiatives with business objectives. * Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and problem-solving sessions that drive employee engagement and operational excellence. * Monitor and report project outcomes, including productivity gains, quality improvements, cost savings, and risk reduction. * Support the development and standardization of processes, procedures, and performance management systems. * Promote a culture of continuous improvement by mentoring teams and encouraging data-driven decision making at all levels of the organization. * Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Maintenance teams to identify and implement sustainable solutions to operational challenges. * Support change management activities to ensure successful adoption and long-term sustainment of process improvements. * Benchmark industry best practices and identify opportunities to enhance operational excellence capabilities across the organization. Qualifications and Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or a related field. * 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related role within a regulated manufacturing environment. * Lean Black Belt certification. * Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, and structured problem-solving methodologies. * Experience leading cross-functional projects and delivering measurable results. * Strong analytical, project management, communication, and facilitation skills. * Experience in GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing. * Knowledge of CAPA, deviations, change control, validation, OEE, SPC, and FMEA. * TPM Experience and achievements is considered an asset. COMPENSATION: * Salary range is $100,000 to $125,000 per year This posting is for an existing vacancy. Pillar5 Pharma does not use AI at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. Pillar5 Pharma is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the workplace. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.

What you’ll do

The Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist leads operational excellence initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and compliance across pharmaceutical manufacturing. They facilitate cross-functional improvement projects and coach teams on Lean methodologies to drive sustainable business results.

Requirements

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field and at least 5 years of experience in a regulated manufacturing environment. A Lean Black Belt certification and strong knowledge of GMP pharmaceutical manufacturing are required.

Listed skills

• Validation · Preferred
• Operational Excellence · Preferred
• Kaizen · Preferred
• Root Cause Analysis · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Lean · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Lean
• Kaizen
• Value Stream Mapping
• Root Cause Analysis
• GMP
• Operational Excellence
• Project Management
• Data-driven decision making
• CAPA
• Deviations
• Change control
• Validation
• OEE
• SPC
• FMEA
• TPM
• Process Improvement
• Change Management
• Dashboard
• Mentorship
• Communication
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Performance Management
• Operations
• Problem Solving
• Reliability
• Lean Manufacturing
• Leadership
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Artificial Intelligence
• Pharmaceuticals
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Good Manufacturing Practices
• Business Objectives
• Investigation
• Supply Chain
• Quality Improvement
• Operations Management
• Employee Engagement
• Failure Mode And Effects Analysis
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Cycle Time Variation
• Kaizen Methodology
• Corrective And Preventive Action (CAPA)
• Operational Performance Management
• Risk Reduction
• Change Control
• Statistical Process Controls
• Sustainable Business
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness

Job areas

• Manufacturing
• Engineering
• Management & Leadership
• Healthcare
• Science & Research
• Continuous Improvement Specialist
• Process Manager
• Manufacturing Managers
• Operations Research Analysts