Operational Excellence Specialist

Progressive; Leiden; Hybrid; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Progressive in Sassenheim seeks a Lean Business Excellence Specialist to lead Lean and continuous improvement initiatives on-site, 40 hours per week, for a 12-month contract.

You will map value streams, perform root-cause analyses, develop standard work and visual management, establish KPIs, coach teams, and drive sustainable improvements in a regulated manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lean Black Belt certification or demonstrated experience managing complex Lean projects.
• Strong command of the English language (minimum B2).
• Experience with data analysis and business systems.
• Proven ability to perform root cause analysis and drive sustainable improvements.
• Experience with change management in a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
• Analyze and optimize manufacturing and operational processes using Lean methodologies.
• Conduct value stream mapping, process observations, and root cause analyses.
• Develop and implement standard work procedures, visual management tools, and skill matrices.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to measure and sustain operational improvements.
• Facilitate Lean workshops and coach teams on continuous improvement principles.
• Support change management activities, investigations, and process improvement programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to standardize and scale best practices.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Data analysis

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Business systems

Job description

Lean Business Excellence Specialist | Sassenheim | 40 Hours | 12-Month Contract

For an international pharmaceutical organization, we are looking for a Business Excellence Specialist with a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification (or equivalent level of expertise) and a proven track record of applying Black Belt methodologies in practice.

The ideal candidate has successfully led complex continuous improvement projects, delivered measurable business impact, and driven operational excellence initiatives within manufacturing or operational environments. This position offers the opportunity to lead high-impact Lean projects, optimize business performance, and help embed a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

What will you be doing?

• Lead and implement Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across the business.
• Analyze and optimize manufacturing and operational processes using Lean methodologies.
• Conduct value stream mapping, process observations, and root cause analyses.
• Develop and implement standard work procedures, visual management tools, and skill matrices.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to measure and sustain operational improvements.
• Facilitate Lean workshops and coach teams on continuous improvement principles.
• Support change management activities, investigations, and process improvement programs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to standardize and scale best practices.

What do you bring?

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lean Black Belt certification/demonstrated experience managing complex Lean projects.
• Strong command of the English language (minimum B2 level).
• Experience with data analysis, Microsoft Office, and business systems.
• Proven ability to perform root cause analysis and drive sustainable improvements.
• Experience with change management and process improvement within a regulated environment.
• Strong communication, coaching, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.

Details

• On-site (Occasional remote working possible)
• Contract Duration: 12 months
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week
• Freelancers are not eligible for this opportunity