Lab Operations Lean & Continuous Improvement Lead

National Science Foundation; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

National Science Foundation seeks a Senior Specialist, Operational Excellence, to lead laboratories through establishing and maintaining a lean management culture. This role plays a critical part in strengthening our site’s capability through continuous improvement, training excellence, and deployment of lean management systems such as visual management, leader standard work and PDSA improvement cycles.

The Senior Specialist partners across Laboratory operations, Safety, Quality, divisional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or laboratory operations.
• Experience facilitating kaizen events, leading CI projects, and coaching cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated experience in coaching and using Lean tools (5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, Value Stream Mapping, Problem Solving, TPM).
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret operational data drive improvements and measure results.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
• Strong communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and ability to work with digital training systems or LMS platforms.
• Understanding of quality systems, regulatory requirements, and laboratory processes.
• Strong coaching and influencing skills with the ability to lead without direct authority.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated problem-solving capability and structured thinking.
• High degree of initiative, ownership, and follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Lead the laboratories through establishing and maintaining a lean management culture.
• Coordinate with Laboratory Operations, Safety, Quality, and Site Leadership to deploy lean systems.
• Coach cross-functional teams and drive CI projects to measurable improvements.

Skills

Lean

Continuous Improvement

Operational Excellence

Kaizen Events

Cross-functional Leadership

5S

Value Stream Mapping

Problem Solving

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Communication

MS Office

LMS Platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations Management/Business or related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

LMS platforms

Job description

National Science Foundation seeks a Senior Specialist, Operational Excellence, to lead laboratories through establishing and maintaining a lean management culture. This role plays a critical part in strengthening our site’s capability through continuous improvement, training excellence, and deployment of lean management systems such as visual management, leader standard work and PDSA improvement cycles.

The Senior Specialist partners across Laboratory operations, Safety, Quality, divisional