Continuous Improvement Specialist

Marel; Boxmeer; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Marel is seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist to strengthen our improvement culture across manufacturing operations and drive scalable, sustainable growth. You will apply Lean, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies to standardize processes and boost efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Working with cross-functional teams, you will identify opportunities, support training, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance while promoting an inclusive, high-performing workplace.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline.
• Experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Lean, Manufacturing, or comparable environment.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events and improvement projects.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing operations and stakeholders.
• Follow detailed instructions, standard work, and safety guidelines to ensure efficient operations and customer satisfaction.
• Communicate with internal teams to provide updates and support improvement efforts.
• Share observations and data to identify recurring issues, root causes, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Participate in training to expand technical knowledge and product expertise.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards in improvements.

Skills

Continuous Improvement

Stakeholder influence

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering / Operations Management

Job description

At JBT Marel, we are transforming the future of food. As a global leader in food processing solutions, we help customers improve performance, efficiency, and profitability through innovation, technology, and operational excellence.

As our business continues to grow, we are looking for a Continuous Improvement Specialist who can help strengthen our improvement culture and support sustainable growth. This role is not solely focused on cost reduction. Instead, you will help our teams increase capacity, improve processes, create scalability, and drive profitable growth through operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Continuous Improvement Specialist supports operational excellence initiatives by driving standardization, process optimization, and efficiency improvements across operational manufacturing teams with their key stakeholders. This role combines hands‑on operational support with a continuous improvement mindset, helping teams identify opportunities, solve problems, and enhance customer satisfaction through structured improvement methodologies.

The successful candidate applies established procedures and best practices to analyze processes and implement improvements. Working with a moderate level of guidance, the Continuous Improvement Specialist collaborates with internal stakeholders to improve performance, quality, safety, and operational effectiveness. Terms like Kaizens, SGA and Lean are well known for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement initiatives within manufacturing operations and their stakeholders.
• Follow detailed instructions, standard work practices, and safety guidelines to ensure efficient operations and at the end customer satisfaction.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams to provide updates, gather information, and support improvement efforts.
• Share observations and data to help identify recurring issues, root causes, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Participate in training and development programs to expand technical knowledge, continuous improvement methodologies, and product expertise.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards in all operational and improvement activities.
• Represent JBT Marel professionally, portraying our company values and promoting an inclusive team culture.
• Maintain oversight of assigned tasks and priorities by consistently following company processes to meet customer and business needs.
• Assist in documenting and standardizing processes, work instructions, and best practices.
• Contribute to operational excellence projects aimed at improving efficiency, quality, customer experience, and cost performance.
• May train new team members and provide input to employee performance evaluations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Lean, Manufacturing, Service Operations, or a comparable environment.
• Experience facilitating Kaizen events and improvement projects.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive change.
• Machine building experience is considered a strong advantage but is not required.
• Candidates from other industries are encouraged to apply.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent certification is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Has working knowledge and experience within their discipline and continues to build knowledge of the organization, processes, and customers.
• Performs a variety of mainly straightforward or routine assignments.
• Uses prescribed guidelines or procedures to analyze and resolve problems.
• Works with a moderate level of guidance and direction.
• Demonstrates a proactive mindset with a focus on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Team‑oriented with a continuous learning mindset.

Why Join JBT Marel?

At JBT Marel, you will be part of a global team that is passionate about innovation, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact on the future of food. We offer opportunities for professional growth, learning, and development in an inclusive environment where continuous improvement is part of our DNA.

Join us and help shape the future of food through operational excellence and continuous improvement.