Operational Excellence Specialist
The Operational Excellence Specialist at Confidential Client supports continuous improvement initiatives to enhance performance, productivity, quality, and customer service through Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies. This entry-level role involves process analysis, problem-solving, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive operational improvements and promote a culture of excellence within the organization. The position requires on-site presence in the Chicagoland area and focuses on data-driven solutions and employee engagement to optimize efficiency and customer experience.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
The Operational Excellence Specialist (Downey, IL) supports continuous improvement and operational performance initiatives for a Confidential Client in the Scientific & QA industry. This full-time, on-site role focuses on Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen and data-driven problem solving to improve productivity, quality, and the customer and employee experience.
What You’ll Do
- Support the planning, execution, and sustainment of continuous improvement initiatives.
- Assist with process analysis, root-cause investigations, process mapping, and corrective actions.
- Promote Lean tools and techniques including standard work, 5S, visual management, and problem-solving methods.
- Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and visual management tools to improve data understanding and performance tracking.
- Participate in process observations to identify waste, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to drive operational improvements and share best practices.
- Support employee engagement, training, and continuous improvement activities.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or Science + minimum 2 years in operations, manufacturing, distribution, logistics, supply chain, engineering, project management, or a related field; OR
- Associate’s degree + 6+ years relevant experience; OR
- HS/GED + 8+ years relevant experience.
- Working knowledge of continuous improvement tools and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
- Highly motivated process-thinker who drives customer-focused solutions.
- Strong organization and problem-solving skills; ability to work with ambiguous inputs.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to communicate across levels.
- Must be located in the Chicagoland area (Downey, IL). This is an on-site role (not remote).
Preferred
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt certification.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base pay range: $50,700 - $101,300 per year. Location-specific variations may apply.
- Full-time position with standard benefits (health, retirement contributions, tuition assistance and development programs — specifics provided by the hiring organization).
About the Client
Confidential Client is a leader in the Scientific & QA industry focused on technologies and processes that support healthcare and laboratory operations. Careertakes is acting as a third-party recruiting platform for this opportunity; if hired, you will be employed directly by the Confidential Client.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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