Continuous Improvement Process Engineers
East Grinstead - UK
Job Summary
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)Environmental Conditions
Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards Cold Room/Freezers -22degreesF/-6degrees C Laboratory Setting Office Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses gowning gloves lab coat ear plugs etc.) Warehouse Will work with hazardous/toxic materialsJob Description
Thermo Fisher Scientific recently announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its microbiology business to Astorg a leading pan-European private equity firm with deep expertise in healthcare focused on a select set of subsectors including pharmaceutical services and technology medtech and related services life science tools and diagnostics.
This decision follows a thoughtful evaluation as part of Thermo Fishers ongoing business strategy to actively manage and strengthen our portfolio.
We expect the transaction will be completed in the second half of 2026 subject to customary closing conditions and applicable regulatory approvals. Until the transaction is complete Thermo Fisher will continue to operate the business.
If you join the microbiology business prior to the close of the transaction your employment is expected to transition to Astorg.
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Role Summary
As part of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Operations and Production Leadership Team the Process Engineer / PPI Business System Specialist is responsible for driving operational excellence through continuous improvement process optimization and Lean business system deployment. This role partners with cross-functional teams to improve safety quality delivery cost and customer experience while fostering a culture of Practical Process Improvement (PPI).
The successful candidate will lead process improvement initiatives facilitate Kaizen events implement Lean methodologies investigate performance gaps and deliver sustainable solutions that improve manufacturing performance and business results. Through data-driven decision-making and collaborative problem-solving this position supports Thermo Fishers mission to enable customers to make the world healthier cleaner and safer.
Key Responsibilities
Environment Health & Safety (EHS)
- Ensure all process and operational changes are implemented safely through appropriate risk assessments and change management processes.
- Develop and maintain safe systems of work by incorporating engineering controls procedural controls and personal protective equipment requirements where appropriate.
- Promote a proactive safety culture through coaching training hazard observation programs and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support compliance with health safety and environmental regulations and company standards.
Quality & Compliance
- Lead investigations into deviations non-conformances and operational issues using structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Own and support Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) to ensure timely and effective resolution.
- Identify assess escalate and mitigate operational and quality risks.
- Ensure compliance with GMP quality systems and applicable medical device and pharmaceutical regulations.
Operational Excellence & Customer Service
- Analyze manufacturing and business processes to identify capacity constraints inefficiencies and performance losses.
- Utilize Lean Six Sigma and PPI methodologies to improve throughput quality productivity and customer service performance.
- Facilitate Kaizen events value stream mapping sessions root cause investigations and continuous improvement workshops.
- Develop and monitor KPIs that identify performance gaps and drive sustainable operational improvements.
- Lead Plan-Do-Check-Adjust (PDCA) cycles to resolve business-critical issues and improve process capability.
- Support daily management systems and tiered accountability processes by driving action plans and problem resolution.
Cost & Productivity Improvement
- Identify sources of waste and implement corrective actions to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
- Build business cases and obtain approval for capital investment projects supporting productivity and process improvements.
- Collaborate with project engineering teams to ensure successful implementation and realization of expected return on investment.
- Deliver measurable improvements in productivity quality cycle time inventory and cost performance.
Continuous Improvement & People Development
- Champion Thermo Fishers PPI culture through Kaizen activities Just Do Its (JDIs) and structured improvement projects.
- Provide coaching training and mentoring on Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Partner with production teams supervisors and functional leaders to build engagement and support for change initiatives.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to ensure improvements are implemented safely compliantly and sustainably.
- Promote a culture of accountability innovation and continuous learning.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelors Degree with relevant experience in engineering manufacturing operations business science or a related field.
- Experience applying Lean Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Kaizen or Six Sigma methodologies within a production or operational environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to use data to identify opportunities and implement effective solutions.
- Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills with experience working across organizational levels.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
- Understanding of health and safety requirements and practical application within a manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- PPI Business System certification or equivalent continuous improvement training.
- IOSH qualification or equivalent health and safety certification.
- Experience within pharmaceutical medical device biotechnology life sciences or FMCG manufacturing environments.
- Knowledge of GMP quality systems deviation management CAPA processes and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Proven track record of delivering measurable operational improvements productivity gains and cost savings.
- Experience facilitating Kaizen events value stream mapping standard work development 5S implementation visual management and root cause analysis.
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
Electron microscopes reveal hidden wonders that are smaller than the human eye can see. They fire electrons and create images, magnifying micrometer and nanometer structures by up to ten million times, providing a spectacular level of detail, even allowing researchers to view single a ... View more