Engineer

Suntory Holdings Limited; Donnery, Orléans; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Suntory Beverage & Food France is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer at our Donnery site to drive the deployment of our OE programme and translate the site roadmap into practical actions aligned with Monozukuri Way.

You will analyse losses and performance data, coach teams in SMW tools, deliver training, manage improvement projects, and foster collaboration across production, maintenance, QA, supply chain and other functions to sustain standards.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in Operational Excellence, continuous improvement or manufacturing within an industrial environment.
• Practical knowledge of TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, standard work or structured problem-solving.
• Ability to analyse operational data, identify root causes and convert findings into effective improvement plans.
• Project management skills, with the ability to coordinate actions, stakeholders, timelines and results.
• Strong communication, facilitation and coaching skills, with a collaborative and hands-on approach.
• Confidence working at Gemba and engaging with production and support teams.
• Fluent French and good working proficiency in English.
• Experience in beverages, FMCG or another industrial manufacturing environment would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Support deployment of the Operational Excellence programme at Donnery site.
• Translate the site OE roadmap into practical actions aligned with Monozukuri Way principles.
• Analyse losses and performance data; coordinate improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, service, cost and productivity.
• Coach teams in SMW and OE tools; embed a culture of continuous improvement and disciplined execution.
• Design and deliver training, workshops and practical support to strengthen problem-solving capabilities.
• Manage improvement projects from diagnosis through implementation and sustain new standards.
• Promote collaboration across production, maintenance, quality, supply chain and other support functions.
• Collaborate with European partners to develop the manufacturing performance network.

Skills

Operational Excellence

Structured problem-solving

Data analysis

Project management

Communication & coaching

Gemba presence

French

English

Beverages industry experience

Education

Engineering degree or related discipline

Job description

YOU

You have gained experience in Operational Excellence, continuous improvement or manufacturing engineering within an industrial environment. You are familiar with structured improvement methodologies and are motivated by solving operational challenges at their source.

Your background has given you a practical understanding of Operational Excellence tools, factory performance and change management. You can turn data and observations from the shop floor into clear priorities and pragmatic improvement actions.

You bring a strong Gemba mindset and enjoy working closely with production and support teams. Curious, hands-on and collaborative, you challenge the status quo, support problem-solving and help teams embed sustainable ways of working.

You communicate clearly, build constructive relationships and can engage colleagues at different levels of the organisation. You are comfortable working across functions and contributing in an international environment.

Analytical and data-driven, you are confident using performance indicators and operational data to identify losses, define priorities and measure the impact of improvement initiatives.

You are fluent in French and have a good command of English, enabling you to collaborate with local, European and international stakeholders.

THE ROLE

As an Operational Excellence Engineer / SMW Engineer at Suntory Beverage & Food France, you will support the deployment of the Operational Excellence programme at our Donnery manufacturing site.

You will help translate the site Operational Excellence roadmap into practical actions, ensuring alignment with factory priorities and Suntory Monozukuri Way principles.
You will analyse losses and performance data, facilitate structured problem-solving and coordinate improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, service, cost and productivity.

With a visible presence at Gemba, you will coach teams in the use of SMW and Operational Excellence tools and help embed a culture of continuous improvement, ownership and disciplined execution.

You will design and deliver training, workshops and practical support to strengthen problem-solving and continuous improvement capabilities across factory teams.

You will manage improvement projects from diagnosis through implementation, monitor actions and results, and ensure that new standards are documented, adopted and sustained.

You will promote collaboration across production, maintenance, quality, supply chain and other support functions, while encouraging the sharing and replication of best practices.

Working closely with site teams, Operational Excellence colleagues and European partners, you will contribute to a strong improvement network and the continued development of manufacturing performance.

ABOUT US

Suntory Beverage & Food Europe is one of the leading soft drinks companies in Europe. We rely on passionate people who contribute to the growth of legendary brands such as Orangina, Schweppes, Trina, La Casera, Oasis, Pulco, Ribena, Lucozade.

We offer our colleagues a work environment where it’s good to live, work and develop their skills.

We are an inventive and daring company, with genuinely human and responsible values. With our unique mindset and energy, we are committed to promoting positive and sustainable activities and lifestyles, with respect for the environment and people.

YOUR PROFILE

• Degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Science or a related discipline
• Experience in Operational Excellence, continuous improvement, manufacturing engineering or production within an industrial environment
• Practical knowledge of improvement methodologies such as TPM, Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, standard work or structured problem-solving
• Ability to analyse operational data, identify root causes and convert findings into effective improvement plans
• Project management skills, with the ability to coordinate actions, stakeholders, timelines and results
• Strong communication, facilitation and coaching skills, with a collaborative and hands-on approach
• Confidence working at Gemba and engaging with production and support teams
• Fluent French and good working proficiency in English
• Experience in beverages, FMCG or another industrial manufacturing environment would be an advantage

Permanent position available as soon as possible, based at our Donnery manufacturing site (France).

OUR INCLUSIVE RECRUITMENT COMMITMENT

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, or differing abilities, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodation as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.