Sr. Manager, Lean Continuous Improvement – Lab Operations
Location: San Carlos, CA & Austin, TX

Position Summary

We are seeking a Manager/Sr. Manager, Lean Continuous Improvement to support Lab Operations leadership in driving process optimization, efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role will focus on coordinating projects, enhancing production and sample processing, and implementing Lean methodologies to ensure operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Process Analysis & Assessment

Analyze existing workflows and processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.Collaborate with stakeholders to map and document workflows.Identify trends and non-value-adding processes that can be optimized.Collect and interpret data to evaluate key performance metrics and root causes of inefficiencies.

Strategy Development

Assess performance data against organizational goals to identify priorities for Lean improvements.Develop and implement strategies to enhance operational efficiency.Research and recommend industry best practices and tools.Create detailed plans, timelines, and budgets for Lean initiatives.

Project Management

Partner with Lab Operations leadership and cross-functional teams to plan and execute Lean events and improvement projects.Lead end-to-end process improvement initiatives using Lean methodologies such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, Cellular Flow, Mistake Proofing, and Total Productive Maintenance.Develop a structured system for project management, tracking progress, and resolving bottlenecks.Establish and manage escalation pathways for challenges, working closely with Lab Managers, Directors, and stakeholders.Provide regular updates on project status, milestones, and outcomes.

Change Management & Lean Culture

Promote a culture of continuous improvement across Lab Operations and related teams.Lead Lean training and mentor a network of Lean champions to drive process excellence.Facilitate change management initiatives to ensure smooth adoption of new processes.Communicate progress and impact of Lean efforts to all levels of the organization.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

Establish frameworks for ongoing performance monitoring and evaluation.Drive innovation, accountability, and operational excellence through Lean methodologies.Stay updated on the latest trends in process improvement and implement best practices.Support Lab Operations leadership with ad-hoc projects as needed.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).4+ years of experience in lab operations, process improvement, or project management (industry experience preferred).Lean Six Sigma and/or PMP certification preferred.Experience leading Lean training and certification programs.Skills & ExpertiseStrong knowledge of advanced Lean concepts and tools (Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, etc.).Proficiency in data analysis, workflow modeling, and process optimization.Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, QuickSight).SQL experience preferred.Excellent multi-tasking, organizational, and communication skills.High attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.Experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) preferred.Work Environment & TravelPrimarily office-based; may require standing or sitting for extended periods.Occasional night/weekend work as needed.Travel required (5-10%).

OUR OPPORTUNITY

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. Our aim is to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard of care to protect health and enable earlier and more targeted interventions that lead to longer, healthier lives.

The Natera team consists of highly dedicated statisticians, geneticists, doctors, laboratory scientists, business professionals, software engineers and many other professionals from world-class institutions, who care deeply for our work and each other. When you join Natera, you’ll work hard and grow quickly. Working alongside the elite of the industry, you’ll be stretched and challenged, and take pride in being part of a company that is changing the landscape of genetic disease management.

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive Benefits - Employee benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans for eligible employees and their dependents. Additionally, Natera employees and their immediate families receive free testing in addition to fertility care benefits. Other benefits include pregnancy and baby bonding leave, 401k benefits, commuter benefits and much more. We also offer a generous employee referral program!

For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Natera is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace environment, and welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. Inclusive collaboration benefits our employees, our community and our patients, and is critical to our mission of changing the management of disease worldwide.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with applicable laws.

If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents. 

Link: https://www.natera.com/notice-of-data-collection-california-residents/

Please be advised that Natera will reach out to candidates with a @natera.com email domain ONLY. Email communications from all other domain names are not from Natera or its employees and are fraudulent. Natera does not request interviews via text messages and does not ask for personal information until a candidate has engaged with the company and has spoken to a recruiter and the hiring team. Natera takes cyber crimes seriously, and will collaborate with law enforcement authorities to prosecute any related cyber crimes.

For more information:
- BBB announcement on job scams 
- FBI Cyber Crime resource page