Thermofisher

Head of Practical Process Improvement (w/m/d)

In short

This role leads the implementation of Thermo Fisher's Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System at the Linz, Austria site, driving Lean management, continuous improvement and structured problem-solving across the organization. It requires at least five years in Operations or Project Management, including two years of hands-on Operational Excellence/Lean experience, plus strong skills in Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Gemba and strategy deployment. The posting emphasizes coaching leaders and influencing cross-functional stakeholders without direct authority, in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Job Description
At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll do meaningful work with a global impact. For our site in Linz (Austria) we are currently looking for a Head of Practical Process Improvement.
As a Head of PPI Business System (w/m/d), you will drive transformational change and continuous improvement across the organization. You will lead the implementation of our Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System and work closely with business leaders to establish and advance Lean management practices.
Through strategic deployment, coaching and hands-on facilitation of improvement initiatives, you will help build a culture of structured problem-solving and operational excellence. In partnership with cross-functional teams, you will simplify processes, eliminate waste and deliver measurable improvements in quality, productivity and customer satisfaction. Your work will support profitable growth, enhance the customer experience and strengthen employee engagement.
Your Qualifications
•Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, operations, business or a related field; a master's degree is preferred.
•At least five years of experience in Operations or Project Management, including at least two years of hands-on experience in Operational Excellence, Lean or Continuous Improvement in a complex operational or manufacturing environment.
•A track record of delivering measurable year-over-year business results, such as cost savings, throughput or yield improvements, debottlenecking, or working-capital benefits.
•Strong experience with Lean Management Systems, Tier Management, strategy deployment, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Gemba and structured problem-solving.
•Leadership experience and the ability to lead, influence and engage cross-functional teams and stakeholders at different levels of the organization.
•Proven ability to coach leaders, build PPI capability and influence senior stakeholders without relying on direct authority.
•Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech or another regulated manufacturing environment is preferred. CDMO experience is a plus.
•Black Belt certification is a plus.
•Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.
The Impact You'll Make
You will help our teams identify opportunities for improvement, implement change effectively and deliver lasting results. Your work will strengthen our operational performance and support our Mission to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.
What We Offer
•A workplace with an innovative, forward-looking employer.
•Excellent opportunities for professional development and career growth in a globally expanding company.
•An attractive company pension plan.
•A company culture where integrity, involvement, intensity and innovation are part of everyday work.
Interested in Joining Us?
We look forward to receiving your complete application (max. 2 MB), including the relevant job ID, your salary expectations and notice period. Apply online today via our careers site: www.jobs.thermofisher.com.

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