Operations Improvement Specialist | Delft | Hybrid

Purpose of the Role

As Operations Improvement Specialist, you will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of sales, production, and operational processes. You will provide clear, data-driven insights into operational performance and lead continuous improvement initiatives across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze the order-to-cash process to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.

• Collect, interpret, and visualize production and operational data (throughput, downtime, scrap, cycle times) to support decision-making.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Kaizen methodologies.

• Monitor and improve KPIs related to operational performance.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration between Production, Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, and Engineering teams.

• Support digitalization initiatives, including automation, MES, and dashboard development.

• Optimize utilization of resources (labor, machines, materials, energy).

• Initiate and support cost-reduction programs (waste reduction, yield improvement, performance optimization).

• Document implemented improvements and ensure long-term sustainability.

• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reduce variation and ensure consistency.

• Support implementation of new equipment and technologies, ensuring smooth integration into existing processes.

 Essential & Desired Skills and Experience

Essential (Must-Have)

• Bachelor’s degree (HBO) in Industrial Engineering / Technical Business Administration or a comparable technical field.

• Experience in a production, manufacturing, or engineering-driven environment.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into concrete improvement actions.

• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Kaizen, or similar).

• Ability to work cross-functionally with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Logistics, and Engineering teams.

• Proactive mindset with clear ownership and follow-through on improvement initiatives.

• Professional working proficiency in Dutch and English.

 Desired (Nice-to-Have)

• Lean certification or formal Lean training.

• Experience with process optimization in complex manufacturing environments.

• Experience with MRP systems, preferably SAP Business One.

• Experience with Power BI or other data visualization tools.

• Knowledge of injection molding processes.

• Affinity with or knowledge of acoustics or precision manufacturing.

• Experience supporting digitalization initiatives such as MES, automation, or dashboards.

 Competencies & Skills

Personal Competencies

• Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset.

• Proactive, ownership-driven, and results-oriented.

• Able to take initiative and independently drive improvements.

Social Competencies

• Clear and positive communicator.

• Collaborative and able to connect people across teams.

• Open to feedback and alternative viewpoints.

Leadership Competencies

• Able to convince and influence stakeholders.

• Takes responsibility for planning, initiating, and implementing new processes and standards.

• Capable of coaching and guiding students and trainees.

Professional Competencies

• Experience with engineering-for-production environments.

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as injection molding is a plus.

• Acoustic knowledge is considered an advantage.

 IT & Systems Skills

• Experience with MRP systems, preferably SAP Business One.

• Proficient in MS Office, SharePoint, and Document Management Systems (DMS).

• Experience with Power BI for reporting and data visualization.

 Languages

• Dutch and English (professional working proficiency).
  
  Interested? Send your CV to Daria at d.finikova@panda-int.com or call +31202044502 for more info.