Junior Lean Specialist

gategourmet; Schiphol; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday allowance

STIP bonus up to 10%

Travel allowance

On-site meals

Career development opportunities

Free on-site parking

Job summary

Gate Group is seeking a motivated Junior Lean / Continuous Improvement Specialist to drive SQDC improvements through Lean methods and data analysis. You will work with Lean Black Belts and Operational Excellence experts to gain exposure to Lean Manufacturing and production operations.

The role emphasizes hands-on learning, cross-functional collaboration, and contribution to packaging and warehousing improvements within a fast-paced environment at Schiphol area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Logistics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in manufacturing, food production, logistics, engineering, or similar environments.
• Lean certification (Yellow Belt or Green Belt) is an advantage.
• Fluent in English; Dutch is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Support Lean and Continuous Improvement projects across operational and production environments.
• Identify process inefficiencies and improvement opportunities through data analysis and shopfloor observations.
• Apply Lean tools and structured problem-solving methods to address operational challenges.
• Collect, analyze, and report operational data to support fact-based decision-making.
• Assist with the implementation and standardization of Lean processes, work instructions, and best practices.
• Support KPI monitoring, performance reporting, 5S activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve productivity and workflow efficiency.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Problem solving

Data analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or related field

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

We are looking for a motivated and analytical Junior Lean / Continuous Improvement Specialist with a passion for operational excellence and process optimization. In this role, you will support improvement initiatives focused on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) by applying Lean methodologies, data analysis, and structured problem-solving techniques.

Working closely with experienced Lean Black Belts and Operational Excellence professionals, you will contribute to operational improvement projects while developing your expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Production Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Lean and Continuous Improvement projects across operational and production environments.
• Identify process inefficiencies and improvement opportunities through data analysis and shopfloor observations.
• Apply Lean tools and structured problem-solving methods to address operational challenges.
• Collect, analyze, and report operational data to support fact-based decision-making.
• Assist with the implementation and standardization of Lean processes, work instructions, and best practices.
• Support KPI monitoring, performance reporting, 5S activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in testing and implementing new processes, systems, and operational solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve productivity, workflow efficiency, and operational performance.

Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Logistics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in manufacturing, food production, logistics, engineering, healthcare, or other operational environments.
• Internship or trainee experience in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Operations, or Supply Chain is a plus.
• Lean certification (Yellow Belt or Green Belt) is an advantage.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset.
• Proactive, hands‑on, and eager to learn and develop within a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience with ERP systems, KPI reporting, or operational data analysis is beneficial.
• Fluent in English; Dutch is an advantage.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• 8% holiday allowance and up to 10% STIP bonus.
• Travel allowance (€0.21 per km).
• Affordable fresh meals and fruit at our on‑site restaurant.
• Career development opportunities within Gate Group, both locally and internationally.
• A multicultural and dynamic working environment.
• Free on‑site parking.

Requirements

• Eligible to obtain a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) and Certificate of No Objection (VGB).
• Willing to undergo a background screening and have continuously resided in the Netherlands for the past eight years.