Quality OpEx Engineer

Vantive; Castlebar; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare company in Castlebar is seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer to drive continuous improvement initiatives and optimize lab operations. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering, along with Lean Six Sigma certification and significant experience in a laboratory environment. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package and a stable work environment.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Company pension scheme

Annual bonus scheme

Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology

Recognition for outstanding performance

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in operational excellence or process improvement within a laboratory or GMP environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other improvement methodologies.
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement continuous improvement methodologies to optimize lab operations.
• Leverage data-driven insights to identify performance gaps and opportunities.
• Coach and mentor laboratory personnel on Lean principles.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma methodology

Data analysis

Collaboration

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or related field

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification

Tools

Power BI

Smartsheet

Laboratory information systems (LIMS)

Job description

Join us in advancing our mission to extend lives and expand possibilities.

We are actively seeking an Operational Excellence Engineer to drive continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiencies across the Chemistry and Microbiology laboratories, as well as supporting other functional areas as required.

This individual will be a strong team player, a Lean Leader with a thorough understanding of laboratory workflows, compliance requirements, and the principles of Lean and Continuous Improvement. The role requires a blend of technical proficiency, analytical skills, and leadership to effectively influence lab teams, streamline testing and support processes, and ensure operational excellence within a GMP-regulated environment.

The Engineer will report directly to the Operational Excellence Manager and will work closely with laboratory leadership, QA, and cross-functional teams to ensure optimal performance and compliance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Leadership Competencies

• Ensures Accountability: Acts with a clear sense of ownership. Follows through on commitments and ensures others do the same. Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and outcomes
• Drives Results: Has a strong bottom-line orientation. Persists in accomplishing objectives despite obstacles and setbacks
• Influence and Collaboration: Has an ability to influence while fostering collaboration across laboratory and cross-functional teams.
• Change Leadership: Leads by example in promoting a culture of continuous improvement, guiding teams through transitions with resilience and clear communication
• Efficiency and Problem Solving: Demonstrates a proven track record for efficiency in executing lab improvement projects while effectively navigating roadblocks

Key Responsibilities

• Process Improvement: Lead and implement continuous improvement methodologies to optimize lab operations, increase testing efficiency, and reduce waste
• Data Analysis: Leverage data-driven insights to identify performance gaps, trends, and opportunities for improvement in lab processes
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with laboratory, QA, and operations teams to implement improvement initiatives that enhance compliance and efficiency
• Training and Development: Coach and mentor laboratory personnel on Lean and continuous improvement principles to sustain a culture of excellence

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, or a related field (level 7 or higher)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or a related field, ideally within a laboratory or GMP-regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools such as Power BI, Smartsheet, or laboratory information systems (LIMS)
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence laboratory and cross-functional teams

What can Vantive offer to you:

• A stable and secure work environment
• A comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, company pension scheme, and annual bonus scheme
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment
• Access to state-of-the‑art equipment and technology
• Recognition and reward for outstanding performance