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Operations Improvement Specialist | Delft | Hybrid

LocationDelft, Netherlands
Business SectorMedical Device
Contact nameDaria Finikova
Contact email
Job ref26688
Publishedabout 4 hours ago

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.