Lean and Flow Transformation Project Specialist

Abbott; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 78,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in Madison, WI is seeking a Lean and Flow Transformation Project Specialist to partner with cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable improvements. You will drive KPI programs across labs, training, and ensure CLIA/CAP compliant quality systems while boosting operational performance.

Travel up to 40% may be required. Applicants should have a scientific degree or equivalent Lean/Flow experience, with Six Sigma and data analytics preferred, and authorization to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific or related field, or 8 years Lean/Flow experience in lieu of degree.
• Deep understanding of Lean and Flow techniques and tools.
• Experience building sustainable solutions.
• Understanding of automation, process control, and quality systems (Six Sigma).

Responsibilities

• Execute Lean or Flow transformation projects with change management.
• Develop KPI programs using data from labs to track performance.
• Lead cross-functional teams to address process improvements.
• Develop SOPs for Lean or Flow changes and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Lean and Flow concepts

Change management

Data analysis

Project coordination

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in scientific or related field

High school diploma with 8 years Lean/Flow experience

Tools

Six Sigma

Process automation

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Position Overview

The Lean and Flow Transformation Project Specialist will work with cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable, measurable changes based on Lean and Flow concepts. The position is responsible to work seamlessly with leaders and teams of all laboratories, other enabling functions, and commercial business units to maintain and improve Quality Systems in compliance with CLIA, CAP, and other applicable regulations while improving Operational performance.

Essential Duties (Include, but are not limited to) :

• Execute Lean or Flow transformation projects as assigned. Utilize change management tools and techniques to ensure sustainable adoption.
• Identify, gain sponsorship for, and lead teams dedicated to process improvements with measurable results. Develop scorecards and other tracking mechanisms and ensure personal oversight and result attainment.
• Build and maintain meaningful and sustainable Key Performance Indicator (KPI) programs that demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of initiatives, including representative data from Pre-analytical, Analytical, Post-analytical, and Operational areas of each lab. Oversee practices for reporting & interpreting metrics and identifying trends to define pathways for addressing undesirable findings.
• Work with Clinical Laboratory leadership to introduce new product processes with Lean and Flow embedded.
• Develop Analytical and Pre-Analytical Lean and Flow training that meets all quality and regulatory requirements and deliver via successful adult learning methods, using trainee feedback to determine training effectiveness and employee satisfaction.
• Ensure adherence to CLIA/regulatory requirements and lab quality standard elements and ensure timeliness of actions in response to undesirable events.
• Identify and creatively solve cross-functional and internal issues that get in the way of successful outcomes, managing priorities accordingly.
• Develop or consult as necessary on development of standard operating procedures (SOP) required for introductions of Lean or Flow transformation improvements. Draft, edit, review, and approve SOPs as required or requested.
• As needed, consult with stakeholders across the industry and inside Abbott Cancer Diagnostics cross-functionally to seek solutions for strategic and operational challenges.
• Promote an open, collaborative environment built on trust to foster positive teamwork.
• Serve as a resource to inform on laboratory performance metrics to achieve and sustain outstanding quality and patient service.
• Communicate goals clearly to team members to ensure understanding and success in achieving them.
• Motivate and inspire employees to do their best work through coaching.
• Maintain morale and support employee engagement initiatives.
• Demonstrate ability to manage multiple projects with successful follow-through and timely delivery.
• Demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, financial acumen, business, professional judgment, and organizational development skills.
• Demonstrate ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and initiatives with excellent project planning and execution skills.
• Exemplify strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; including the ability to easily convey concepts and priorities to peers, customers, and cross-functional teams.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical working day.
• Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 80% of a typical working day.
• Ability and means to travel between Madison locations.
• Ability to travel 40% of working time away from work location, may include overnight/weekend travel.
• Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
• Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific or related field; or high school degree/general education diploma and 8 years of Lean and Flow relevant experience in lieu of degree.
• Deep understanding of Lean and Flow techniques and tools.
• Experience building sustainable solutions.
• Fast, adaptable learner.
• Understanding of automation, process control and quality systems, including Six Sigma and Lean.
• Demonstrated ability to :
• Capture needed or use existing data.
• Correctly interpret data.
• Develop new or leverage existing measurements.
• Deliver solutions to improve performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost or People (employee or patient) satisfaction.
• Excellent communications across functions and with various Company stakeholders to achieve company goals.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.
• Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced scientific/technical degree.
• Prior experience in management of laboratory business, including areas as finance, operations, client services, specimen processing, total quality management, and technical service.
• Lean, Flow, Six Sigma training and experience. Outstanding data driven communication and training skills.
• Demonstrated servant leader, clear thinking, and mistake proofing/simplification mindset.

The base pay for this position is $78,000.00 – $156,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.