Continuous Improvement Leader

Element-Solutions-Inc; Naarden; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 vacation days

13 ADV days

Travel allowance

Job summary

Element Solutions Inc is seeking a Continuous Improvement Leader to drive operational excellence across manufacturing and operations. You will develop and execute CI plans, lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen initiatives, and coach teams.

You will analyze processes, identify waste, implement corrective actions, and develop dashboards and KPIs. A strong background in data analysis, ERP systems, and cross-functional collaboration is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, operations, or process engineering.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred).
• Strong analytical, facilitation, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and coaching abilities.
• Experience with data analysis tools and ERP systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute continuous improvement plans aligned with business goals.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other improvement methodologies.
• Promote a culture of problem-solving, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Analyze current processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste.
• Facilitate root-cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Standardize processes and develop documentation such as SOPs and work instructions.
• Lead cross-functional improvement projects from concept to completion.
• Track project progress, savings, and performance metrics.
• Ensure improvements are sustainable and embedded into daily operations.
• Train employees at all levels on Lean tools, problem-solving techniques, and CI principles.
• Coach teams to identify improvement opportunities and lead their own initiatives.
• Support leadership in developing CI capabilities across the organization.
• Collect and analyze operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop dashboards and KPIs to measure performance and track progress.
• Present findings and recommendations to leadership.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Facilitation

Shop-floor leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree (Engineering/Operations/Business)

Tools

ERP systems

Data analysis tools

Job description

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The Continuous Improvement Leader drives operational excellence by identifying improvement opportunities, leading Lean/Six Sigma initiatives, and supporting teams in optimizing processes, reducing waste, and improving performance. This role partners with cross‑functional departments to implement sustainable improvements that enhance productivity, quality, safety, and cost efficiency. The Continuous Improvement Leader plays a key role in fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

What will you be doing?

Develop and execute continuous improvement plans aligned with business goals

Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other improvement methodologies

Promote a culture of problem‑solving, innovation, and operational excellence

Analyze current processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and waste

Facilitate root‑cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions

Standardize processes and develop documentation such as SOPs and work instructions

Lead cross‑functional improvement projects from concept to completion

Track project progress, savings, and performance metrics

Ensure improvements are sustainable and embedded into daily operations

Train employees at all levels on Lean tools, problem‑solving techniques, and CI principles

Coach teams to identify improvement opportunities and lead their own initiatives

Support leadership in developing CI capabilities across the organization

Collect and analyze operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities

Develop dashboards and KPIs to measure performance and track progress

Present findings and recommendations to leadership

Who are You?

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field

5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, operations, or process engineering

Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)

Strong analytical, facilitation, and project management skills

Excellent communication, leadership, and coaching abilities

Experience with data analysis tools and ERP systems is a plus

What competencies will you need?

• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Data-driven with strong analytical and financial acumen
• Excellent facilitation skills, with the ability to manage diverse perspectives, demonstrate agility and to guide teams to alignment in complex and ambiguous situations.
• Hands-on, shop-floor oriented leader
• Able to influence without authority
• Collaborative and team-focused

We are Offering...

• A high-impact role within an international matrix organization;
• The prospect of a permanent contract and excellent development opportunities;
• 27 vacation days per year;
• 13 additional leave (ADV) days per year;
• A travel allowance of €0.21 per kilometer up to 25km single trip;