Operational Excellence Specialist
The Operational Excellence Specialist at Confidential Client supports continuous improvement initiatives to enhance performance, productivity, quality, and customer service within manufacturing and operations. This role involves applying Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to analyze processes, identify inefficiencies, and drive operational improvements while fostering a culture of operational excellence. The position requires collaboration across teams and development of data-driven tools to sustain improvements and engage employees.
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 summary
The Operational Excellence Specialist will support continuous improvement initiatives at a Confidential Client in the Scientific & QA industry. This entry-level to early-career role works with the Operational Excellence Leader to apply Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and data-driven problem solving to improve quality, productivity, and customer experience across manufacturing and lab operations.
This is an on-site position in North Chicago, IL. This is not a remote opportunity — candidates must currently live in the Chicagoland area.
What you’ll do
- Support planning, execution, and sustainment of continuous improvement initiatives and Kaizen events.
- Assist with process mapping, time studies, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.
- Promote and coach Lean tools (standard work, 5S, visual management) and problem-solving methods.
- Develop and maintain dashboards, KPI reports, and visual management to improve performance visibility.
- Conduct process observations to identify waste, inefficiency, and opportunities to streamline work.
- Partner with cross-functional teams (operations, quality, engineering, supply chain) to implement best practices.
- Support employee engagement, training, and change management for process improvements.
- Track and report results from improvement projects and support sustainment activities.
Qualifications
Required (choose one of the following education/experience pathways):
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or a related science + minimum 2 years’ relevant experience in operations, manufacturing, distribution, logistics, supply chain, engineering, or project management. OR
- Associate’s degree + 6+ years’ relevant experience. OR
- HS/GED + 8+ years’ relevant experience.
Core skills and attributes:
- Working knowledge of continuous improvement tools and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
- Strong analytical and process-thinking ability; data-driven problem solver.
- Strong organization and project follow-through in ambiguous or fast-changing environments.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively on cross-functional teams.
- Good verbal and written communication with ability to influence at multiple levels.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (preferred).
Preferred:
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt or Green Belt certification.
- Prior experience in Scientific, QA, or manufacturing operations.
Compensation & benefits
- Base pay: $50,700 – $101,300 per year (range provided by the client; actual pay may vary by location and experience).
- Competitive benefits including medical coverage options, retirement savings with employer contribution, tuition reimbursement and education benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Confidential Client is committed to a supportive workplace and offerings that help employees and families thrive.
Additional details
- Job family: Manufacturing (Scientific & QA)
- Division: CRLB Core Lab
- Work shift: Standard
- Travel: No
- Medical surveillance: Not applicable
- Significant activities: prolonged sitting, keyboard use (≥50% of workday)
Why apply through Careertakes
- Careertakes is acting as a neutral, third-party recruiting partner for this opening with a Confidential Client in the Scientific & QA industry.
- Applicants may be considered for additional matching opportunities on the Careertakes platform.
- Careertakes and our client follow applicable US hiring laws and pay-transparency requirements; the posted salary range is included above.
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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