Lean Specialist

United Drug; Dublin; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous in-store discounts

Annual bonus

Employee assistance programme

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

United Drug is seeking a Lean Specialist to support the Lean Programme Manager in delivering improvement initiatives across UDW, UDD and UDC. You will identify waste, assist in Kaizen events, and contribute to efficiency through data-driven analysis and reporting.

This developmental role builds a strong foundation in lean, programme management, and continuous improvement practices, with opportunities to mentor and grow within PHX Ireland.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years' experience in process improvement or project support.
• Lean training at yellow belt level (or working towards) with internal training paths.
• Experience with lean tools: 5S, PDCA, root cause analysis, process mapping.
• Experience with Kaizen events or VSAs preferred.
• Supply chain/logistics exposure is desirable.
• Familiarity with programme/project management frameworks (Prince2, PMP) is advantageous.
• Strong analytical skills to collect and present data clearly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Support the Lean Programme Manager in planning and delivery of programmes and projects.
• Facilitate Kaizen events and Value Stream Analyses under supervision.
• Run weekly Mission Control and monthly Steering meetings; track actions and progress.
• Collect and analyse data to identify waste and inefficiency.
• Prepare status updates, reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with team members to hit workstream milestones.
• Document process improvements and SOPs across programmes.
• Assist in lean awareness and training sessions for United Drug staff.
• Monitor action logs, risk registers, and programme trackers.
• Support change management, including communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Identify further improvement opportunities and assist business case development.
• Act as lean ambassador and promote continuous improvement.
• Contribute to internal communications and external content highlighting lean achievements.

Skills

Lean tools & methods

Data analysis

Communication skills

Office software

Project management

Education

University degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Project management tools

Job description

Lean Specialist

Our people make the difference. Here at PHX Ireland, we strive to be a place for everyone - where each and every one of us can be our true, authentic selves, every single day.

For us, individuality sparks new ideas, shapes new approaches and brings us powerful new perspectives. It's the heartbeat of our innovation, creativity, and success. Which is why, at PHX Ireland, we don't just embrace our differences - we celebrate them.

Across United Drug, McCabes Pharmacy, and TCP Homecare, in every location and every role, the way we work makes us who we are - and that's something we are really proud of. Which is why we've summed up our ethos in our six PHX Ireland values; Customer focused, Quality driven, collaborative, ambitious, innovative, and inclusive.

The Lean Specialist supports the Lean Programme Manager in the delivery of assigned programmes and projects across the United Drug Business. Working under close guidance, the Lean Specialist will assist in identifying process waste, supporting Kaizen events and Value Stream Analyses, and contributing to efficiency and productivity improvements across UDW, UDD and UDC. This is a developmental role designed to build a strong foundation in lean, programme management, and continuous improvement practices

Why You'll Love Working With Us:

Family comes first: Life Stage Policies including maternity and paternity pay

Perks you'll actually use: Generous in store discounts

Pension Support: We contribute to your future

We reward performance: annual bonus

We've got your back: employee assistance programme and wellbeing initiatives

Belonging at Work: Inclusive, welcoming team culture where you're valued for you.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting the Lean Programme Manager in the planning, coordination and delivery of assigned programmes and projects.
• Assisting in the facilitation of Kaizen events and Value Stream Analyses (VSAs), under supervision.
• Facilitating and running the weekly Mission Control meetings and monthly Steering meetings, ensuring actions are captured, progress is tracked, and key updates are communicated to relevant stakeholders.
• Collecting, entering and performing initial analysis of data to track project progress and identify areas of waste or inefficiency.
• Preparing status updates, reports and presentation materials for review by the Lean Programme Manager prior to stakeholder distribution.
• Liaising with colleagues and team members to support the completion of workstream milestones and actions.
• Documenting process improvements, standard operating procedures and lessons learned across programmes.
• Assisting in the delivery of lean awareness and training sessions to colleagues in United Drug.
• Monitoring and following up on action logs, risk registers and programme trackers to ensure items are progressing on schedule.
• Supporting change management activities, including communication planning and stakeholder engagement under guidance.
• Contributing to the identification of further improvement opportunities and supports business case development.
• Acting as a lean ambassador, promoting a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.
• Supporting the creation of internal communications and external content (including news articles and LinkedIn posts) to highlight key lean achievements and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the business.

What you need to succeed:

• 1-3 years' experience in a process improvement, project support, or operational role.
• Lean or continuous improvement training at yellow belt level (or working towards) essential. Alternative successful candidate must undergo internal Lean Practitioner, Specialist and Expert Training.
• Demonstrated exposure to lean tools and methodologies (e.g. 5S, PDCA, root cause analysis, process mapping) either through formal training or on-the-job application.
• Experience supporting or participating in Kaizen events or VSAs is preferred.
• Supply Chain Logistic operations experience is highly desirable.
• Exposure to programme or project management frameworks (e.g. Prince2, PMP or similar) is advantageous.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, interpret and present data clearly.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with project management tools is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with colleagues at all levels.
• Self-motivated with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A formal third-level qualification in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related discipline is desirable.
• Occasional domestic and international travel .

About United Drug

United Drug is Ireland's largest pharmaceutical distribution company and was originally founded by a group of pharmacists in Ballina, Mayo in 1948. In 2022 United Drug became part of the PHOENIX group and is now part of Europe's leading healthcare provider in the sector. Employing more than 650 staff across operations in Dublin, Limerick and Mayo, we partner with more than 1,900 pharmacies, hospitals, clinics and primary care centres across Ireland. The business spans across three business units; United Drug Wholesale, United Drug Distribution and United Drug Consumer - all leaders in their category.

About PHX Ireland & PHOENIX Group

As Irelands leading fully integrated healthcare provider, we are proud of our mission - We deliver health.

PHX Ireland Group employs over 1,800 talented and experienced people, all passionate about supporting their customers and patients and striving to enhance the quality of life for millions of patients every single day.

We operate 5 distribution centres, pharmacies nationwide, deliver over 85 million packs to Irish pharmacies and hospitals, and serve over 500,000 patients each year.

By working collaboratively together to provide these solutions, PHX Ireland can enable a sustainable healthcare system and support Irish Healthcare needs.

PHX Ireland is part of the PHOENIX group. Having access to Europe's leading healthcare provider helps us grow and evolve, by adopting best practice, and sharing insights, processes, and expertise we can continuously improve our offering and drive Irish Healthcare forward.

We strive to foster an open and inclusive environment, embracing applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Our commitment lies in ensuring an accessible interview process for all candidates. If you require additional support or accommodations to attend an interview, we kindly encourage you to reach out to [e-mail]