Senior Manager, Continuous Improvement (Operations)

Job Description

This position is a key driver of our Continuous Improvement culture. The role will be responsible for leading projects and coaching teams to apply Lean principles and the Quest Management System (QMS) framework to our daily work. You will focus on identifying and eliminating waste in our operational workflows to make our processes more efficient, our work more meaningful, and to enhance both employee and customer satisfaction. This is a hands-on role for a leader who is passionate about empowering teams to find better ways of working every day.

This is an Onsite position. 

Work Schedule: Hybrid (3 days Onsite/ 2 days work from home)

Pay Range: $90,000 - $110,000/ year

Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Benefits Information:

We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects – physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:

· Medical/Prescription Drugs

· Dental

· Vision

· Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

· Supplemental Health Plans

· 401(k) Plan – Company match dollar-for-dollar up to 5%

· Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

· Supplemental Life Insurance

· Dependent Life Insurance

· Short- and Long-Term Disability buy-up

· Blueprint for Wellness

· Emotional Well-Being Resources

· Educational Assistance

Responsibilities:

• Lead Continuous Improvement Projects: Lead medium to large-scale improvement projects that target waste reduction, enhance quality, and simplify workflows.
• Act as a CI Coach and Mentor: Serve as a subject matter expert in Continuous Improvement and Lean methodologies. Coach employees at all levels on the use of tools like Value Stream Mapping, 5S, A3 Problem Solving, AI/Automation tools, and Kaizen to build self-sufficiency.
• Facilitate Improvement Events: Design and lead high-impact Kaizen events, workshops, and team-based problem-solving sessions to accelerate improvement and foster a collaborative spirit.
• Empower Frontline Teams: Work closely with frontline employees and leaders to instill effective daily management behaviors, such as daily huddles and metric reviews, helping teams to own their processes and performance.
• Develop Strategic Roadmaps: Partner with functional and site leaders to act as a "thought leader," creating future-state improvement roadmaps that are aligned with our business strategy.
• Drive a CI Culture: Contribute to building a grassroots culture of continuous improvement where every employee feels empowered to identify and act on opportunities.
• Manage for Results: Own projects from charter to completion, ensuring they deliver measurable results. This includes managing timelines, budgets, and communicating progress to sponsors and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

Job Requirements

• Required: 4-6 years of demonstrated experience in Continuous Improvement, with a strong background in applying Lean methodologies to reduce operational waste.
• Required: Proven experience leading projects using structured problem-solving skills and core CI tools.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating workshops, discussions, and Kaizen events.
• Strong data analysis and process management skills.
• Proven ability to lead change, influence leaders, and build strong relationships across the organization.
• Comfortable shifting between high-level strategic thinking and hands-on, detailed project work.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Formal training and certification in Continuous Improvement/Lean methodologies (Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt) required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Project).

Skills and Behaviors Critical for Success

• Problem-Solving Skills: A natural ability to use a systematic, data-driven approach to get to the root cause of issues.
• Interpersonal Skills: The ability to connect with, listen to, and influence people at all levels of the organization.
• Results-Oriented: A strong drive to deliver tangible, measurable business results.
• Planning and Organization: The ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously without losing sight of the details.
• Creative and Persistent: Finds innovative solutions to challenges and remains dedicated to seeing them through.
• Excellent Coach: A passion for teaching and helping others develop their own CI skills.
• Composed: Remains effective and motivating when navigating ambiguity and roadblocks.

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Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.

While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.