OPX Facilitator (Training Programme)

SOMA GmbH; Mallow; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Kostal Ireland GmbH in Ireland seeks an Operational Excellence Facilitator to drive Lean projects and optimize value streams. You will lead cross-functional teams, coach staff on process improvements and ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental standards.

The role requires hands-on experience in manufacturing, strong facilitation skills, and the ability to work within an international network. 1–2 years of relevant experience preferred, with travel to EU sites possible.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or NFQ Level 6/7/8 with manufacturing context.
• Familiarity with project management practices and software.
• Experience mapping processes and applying continuous improvement tools.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Understanding of manufacturing workflows and KPIs.
• Excellent facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and realize optimization potentials in operations and administration.
• Coordinate and support maturity and performance improvement projects.
• Drive project progress and trigger escalation as needed.
• Summarize project results using data and KPIs.
• Work within an international network to share knowledge.
• Mentor teams to apply improvement methodologies and tools.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Lean tools

Leadership

Change management

Problem solving

English proficiency

Conflict resolution

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Project management software

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

KOSTAL IRELAND GmbH, is a global manufacturing business which manufactures electronic devices for the automotive industry.With over 700+ highly skilled people on our team here in Ireland, located in Abbeyfeale in Limerick and Mallow in Cork.

Execution of various LEAN projects and OPX goals with the target of optimally aligning value stream with customer requirements and making the necessary processes lean and efficient to achieve optimum costs. The focus of the Improvements are as follows:-

Purpose of the Job:

Key Purposes of an Operational Excellence Facilitator:

• 1. Promote Continuous Improvement
• - Facilitate the adoption of continuous improvement philosophies (such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen).
• - Encourage a culture of ongoing enhancement and problem-solving.
• 2. Guide Teams Through Change
• - Lead workshops, training, to educate employees on process improvement.
• - Support teams to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions.
• 3. Standardize Best Practices
• - Develop, document, and help standardize operating procedures and best practices.
• - Ensure consistency in processes across departments or sites.
• 4. Enable Cross-functional Collaboration
• - Work with different departments to promote collaboration and the sharing of ideas.
• - Break down organizational silos to solve complex problems.
• 5. Coach and Mentor
• - Mentor employees at all levels to build OPEX capabilities within the organization.
• - Provide guidance on problem-solving tools and techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Identification and realization of optimization potentials in the operations / administration context
• Preparation, coordination, support and participation in maturity and performance improvement projects
• Driving and monitoring project progress and trigger escalation as required
• Completing project and summarizing the project results of maturity and performance improvements based on data/ KPIS
• Being part of an international network with focus to share knowledge and spread improvements
• Mentor teams / members throughout the process, ensuring efficiency and use of improvement methodologies and tools.
• Follow Operational Excellence Project methodology
• Proactively demonstrate your responsibility for health,safety and environmental (EHS) issues among your team, as well as their well-being, ensuring your team also accepts their individual responsibility for such matters.
• Adherence to environmental procedure and reaching Company environmental targets essential.
• The above list of responsibilities while comprehensive are not intended to be exhaustive and are subject to change in response to changes in current or future business needs, including additional responsibilities, which will be discuss and agreed with you as necessary.

Key Skills:

• Experience in a manufacturing environment
• Practical experience in the application of lean tools, concepts, methods
• Leadership and communication skills in coordination of improvement road maps and projects
• Change Management and continuous improvement approach internalized
• Strong Problem solving capability
• Strong English language skills (written and spoken) to enable working with an international audience
• Conflict resolution skills

Qualifications

Degree in Engineering or relevant qualification (NFQ Level 6/7/8) or relevant manufacturing experience within the Company. Familiarity with Project management software and practices, power point and excel skills. Experience in process mapping and Continuous improvement tools. Preferred Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Certification an advantage. Understanding of manufacturing processes, workflows, KPIs. Excellent facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills for working with all levels.

Functional Experience

Project Management desirable. Experience in roles in job roles in manufacturing and other departments. Demonstrate good interpersonal skills. Some global EU travel will be required.

Years of Experience

1-2 years in KOSTAL

Other Type of experience (leadership, project management etc.)

Mentoring or coaching team members, leading company initiatives, leading a team, leading a project launch and overseeing projects. Working on a task force, participating in company –wide transformation projects.

Language Skills

English (essential), German or other Languages an advantage

Other qualifications (e.g. driver’s licence etc)

Passport