Senior Specialist Operations

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

NSF is seeking a Senior Specialist, Operational Excellence, to lead the 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 leaders, and Site Leadership to enhance performance, elevate operating systems, and cultivate a culture of disciplined problem solving and continuous improvement.

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher.
• Experience in laboratory, life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, or other regulated environments.

Physical Demands

• Frequent Light physical effort required for (ability to lift and manipulate test samples or move 5 to 10lbs. from one area to another).
• Standing for long periods of time is necessary periodically.
• Working with various microorganisms, allergens, organic solvents, chemical analytes, reagents, acids, and bases is necessary.
• Safety glasses must be always worn in lab areas. Adequate PPE required (lab coats, gloves, masks, respirators as applicable).
• Some areas require no colognes or other strongly scented personal care products to be worn in the facility.