Lean/ Operational Excellence Engineer

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc; Horsens; On-site; DKK 496,000 - 632,000; Full time

Job summary

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. in Horsens, Denmark seeks a Continuous Improvement Engineer to drive flow, quality and productivity across production lines.

You will partner with Team Leaders, Production Manager, OPEX manager, QA, Engineering and Maintenance to identify and anchor improvements in daily operations. The role blends data analysis with hands-on execution, requiring translating observations into practical actions and delivering measurable gains in efficiency and compliance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a manufacturing environment with production leadership.
• Experience with LEAN, GMP, and process optimization.
• Bachelor's Degree in business, operations, technical, mechanical, or industrial engineering.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize production processes for efficiency, quality, and waste reduction.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement projects with production teams.
• Facilitate LEAN initiatives, performance meetings, and structured problem-solving activities.
• Monitor KPIs and production performance data and prepare analyses and visual reporting to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to the standardization of work processes and the implementation of sustainable improvements.
• Collaborate closely with QA, Engineering, Maintenance, and other support functions to optimize equipment and processes.
• Contribute to technical documentation, process specifications, and validation-related activities where relevant.
• Support a culture focused on safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Analytical thinking

KPI tracking

Communication skills

Collaboration

Problem solving

Change management

Danish and English fluency

Education

Bachelor's degree (business/ops/technical/industrial engineering)

Tools

Power BI

Job description

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Title: Lean/ Operational Excellence Engineer

Requisition ID: 75050

Date: Aug 10, 2026

Location: Horsens, DK, DK

Department: Operations

At West, we’re a dedicated team that is connected by a purpose to improve patient lives that has been at the center of our Company for more than a century. Our story began when Herman O. West solved the problem of supplying penicillin in mass quantities to the US Government during World War 2. Through our work to deliver thousands of life-saving and life-enhancing injectable medicines to millions of patients daily, West’s indelible mark on the healthcare industry has just begun. A name started our story. How will yours help write our future?

There’s no better place to join an inclusive community of professionals with opportunities for lifelong learning, growth and development. Supported by benefit programs, we empower the physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our team members and their families.

We believe in giving back to help those in need in the communities where we live and work. And are equally committed to creating a healthier environment and planet through our sustainability efforts.

No relocation is provided for this opportunity.

This is an onsite position requiring the team member to be onsite 5 days a week.

Job Summary

As Continuous Improvement Engineer, you will be a key driver in improving flow, stability, and efficiency across our production processes. You will work closely with Team Leaders, the Production Manager, the OPEX manager, and colleagues from QA, Engineering, and Maintenance to identify improvement opportunities and ensure that solutions are implemented and anchored in daily operations.

The role combines analysis with execution and requires the ability to translate data, observations, and operational input into practical improvements that support quality, delivery performance, and productivity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze and optimize production processes with a focus on efficiency, quality, and waste reduction
• Identify, prioritize, and execute continuous improvement projects in close collaboration with production
• Facilitate LEAN initiatives, performance meetings, and structured problem-solving activities
• Monitor KPIs and production performance data and prepare analyses and visual reporting to support operational and strategic decision-making
• Contribute to the standardization of work processes and the implementation of sustainable improvements
• Collaborate closely with QA, Engineering, Maintenance, and other support functions to optimize equipment and processes
• Contribute to technical documentation, process specifications, and validation-related activities where relevant
• Support a culture focused on safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Education

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in a discipline related to business, operations, technical, mechanical, or industrial engineering required

Work Experience

• Minimum 3 years experience within manufacturing environment, production leadership and demonstrated operational improvement required
• experience from a production environment, preferably with knowledge of LEAN, GMP, and process optimization

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical skills and translate data into practical actions and improvements
• Experience with KPI follow-up and preferably tools such as Power BI or similar
• Analysis, facilitation, and hands‑on problem solving
• Structured, curious, and persistent working style
• Strong communication and collaboration skills as well as explain technical matters clearly to both leaders and operators
• Communicate fluently in both Danish and English
• Build trust around change and help anchor improvements in the organization

License and Certifications

• Manufacturing\Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt

Travel Requirements

5%: Up to 13 business days per year

Pay Transparency:

The annual base salary range for this position iskr496,320.00 - kr631,680.00. Total target compensation is determined using objective and gender-neutral criteria, including relevant experience, qualifications, skills, market benchmarks, geographic location, and the scope and responsibilities of the role.

This position may be eligible for variable compensation and other incentive programs in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans within the country of employment. In addition, team members are eligible to participate in the company’s benefits and total rewards programs applicable to their location and employment status.

West is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you have a special need that requires accommodation in orderto apply to West, please send an email [e-mail] . Where permitted by law, an offer of employment with West Pharmaceutical Services, or any of its subsidiary or affiliate companies, is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of background screening.