Junior Lean Specialist

gategourmet; Schiphol; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance 8%

STIP bonus up to 10%

Travel allowance (€0.21/km)

On-site meals and fruit

Career development opportunities

Multicultural environment

Free on-site parking

Job summary

gategourmet seeks a motivated Junior Lean / Continuous Improvement Specialist to support SQDC initiatives through Lean methods, data analysis and structured problem solving. You will work with Lean Black Belts and Operational Excellence professionals, contributing to improvement projects while developing expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Production Operations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 1–3 years of experience; English fluency is essential, Dutch is a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Logistics, Manufacturing Engineering, or 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.

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.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Data analysis

Structured problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

KPI reporting

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.