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

ThermoFisher Scientific; Linz; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension plan

Career development opportunities

Global exposure

Job summary

Thermo Fisher Scientific in Linz, Austria, is seeking a Head of Practical Process Improvement to drive transformational change and implement the PPI Business System. You will lead Lean deployment, coach leaders, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to eliminate waste and deliver measurable improvements across quality and productivity.

The role requires senior experience in Operations/Project Management, a strong Lean background, and the ability to influence stakeholders while fostering a

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.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, biotech or another regulated manufacturing environment is preferred. CDMO experience is a plus.
• English and German language
• Black Belt certification is a plus.
• PMP certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive transformational change and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Lead the implementation of the Practical Process Improvement (PPI) Business System and collaborate with business leaders to advance Lean management practices.
• Provide strategic deployment, coaching and hands-on facilitation of improvement initiatives to build a culture of structured problem‑solving.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to simplify processes, eliminate waste and deliver measurable improvements in quality, productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Support profitable growth and strengthen employee engagement through operational excellence.

Skills

Operations management

Project Management

Lean / Continuous Improvement

Change management

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

English/German

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, operations, business or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Office

Job Description

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll do meaningful work with a global impact. Together with our colleagues, you’ll bring our Mission to life every day: enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We equip our teams around the world with the resources to achieve their career goals and advance science by developing solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges—from protecting the environment and ensuring food safety to helping find cures for cancer. For our site in Linz (Austria) we are currently looking for a Head of Practical Process Improvement.

As Head of PPI B usiness 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.
• English and German language
• 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.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an equal opportunity employer committed to supporting minorities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or any other status protected by law.

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.