Job Description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Office

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue exceeding $45 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing efficiency in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our team of more than 120,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services, Patheon and PPD. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com

The Director, Practical Process Improvement (PPI), leads strategic change initiatives across the site to improve business and operational performance, support growth, and drive continuous improvement. This role develops organizational capabilities, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and identifies opportunities to enhance performance through proven operational excellence tools and methodologies.

Working closely with the Corporate PPI function, this position collaborates with and advises corporate leadership on improvement strategies. As a change leader, the role develops and implements change management plans that increase employee engagement, accelerate adoption of new processes, and improve organizational effectiveness. The position is also responsible for deploying applicable training and education programs and contributes directly to site operational and financial performance.

Essential Responsibilities

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement using methodologies and tools including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Pull Systems, OEE, waste reduction, benchmarking, and performance assessments.
• Develop and implement change management processes and tools to support and sustain organizational change.
• Lead and support education and training programs on PPI principles and continuous improvement practices for employees at all levels, including shop floor staff.
• Develop the site PPI strategy and deployment plan; manage projects to scope, schedule, and budget while measuring post-implementation benefits.
• Partner with site leadership to understand business priorities and develop improvement initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
• Stay current on industry best practices, emerging methodologies, and operational excellence trends.
• Promote a safe work environment and ensure compliance with Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) requirements.
• Lead, develop, and evaluate team members to ensure effective function performance and provide guidance on policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, Science, or a related field.

Experience

• 7+ years of operational management experience in Operations, Engineering, Quality, Science/Development, or Operational Excellence leadership within the pharmaceutical, food, or cosmetics industries.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading and managing direct reports.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong expertise in operational excellence methodologies, including value stream mapping, business process redesign, Lean, Six Sigma, simulation/modeling, cycle time reduction, and facility layout design.
• Experience with Shingo Method is a plus
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale change initiatives and influencing stakeholders across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Excellent verbal, written, organizational, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships, negotiate effectively, and influence senior leadership.
• Proven ability to balance competing priorities and organizational objectives.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of business strategy.
• Demonstrated success as a change agent.
• Collaborative leadership style with a focus on cross-functional partnership.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Fluent in English.

Standards and Expectations

• Comply with all Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) policies and procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues to achieve departmental and project goals.
• Perform all duties in compliance with Patheon quality systems, SOPs, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Support departmental systems and processes that drive efficient workflow, including visual management and scheduling systems.
• Maintain a strong customer and patient-focused mindset.
• Understand and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) through problem-solving and process improvements.
• Demonstrate adaptability, positive leadership, and support for organizational change.
• Proactively identify process improvements and communicate risks to timelines.
• Continuously develop skills and knowledge relevant to the role.

Physical Requirements

• Light physical activity including walking, sitting, or standing for extended periods.
• Occasional operation of office and keyboard equipment.
• Ability to lift light objects as needed.
• Primarily office-based with occasional exposure to dust, fumes, odors, temperature variations, noise, drafts, or bright lighting.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required, including safety glasses, safety shoes, lab coat, gloves, hair net, beard cover, safety apron, or respirator.

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!

Compensation

The estimated annualized pay range for this position in Ontario is $133,600.00–$178,100.00.