Continuous Improvement Specialist

Role Summary

This role focuses on providing expert guidance and professional assistance for implementing the World Class Operations Management program to enhance organizational efficiency. The aim is to embed a culture emphasizing ownership and continuous improvement consistent with the organization's cost leadership approach. Supporting strategic decisions in operations and actively engaging staff to accelerate transformational changes aligned with the company's global vision is key.

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate various work streams, project teams, and consultants to promote effective collaboration and seamless execution of projects driving plant-wide operational excellence.
• Lead the deployment of operational excellence initiatives such as FrieslandCampina's "Our Way of Working" (OWOW), focusing on productivity, quality enhancement, waste minimization, maintenance efficiency, labor optimization, and improvement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Manage project tracking, reporting, governance, and implementation ensuring alignment with business goals and successful completion of improvement initiatives.
• Utilize Lean methodologies, DMAIC, 5 Why analysis, and other continuous improvement techniques to identify issues, resolve operational challenges, and generate measurable improvements.
• Act as an internal consultant providing analytical expertise and advice to plant leadership to support decision-making processes and identify both quick-win and long-term improvement opportunities.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by driving awareness, staff engagement, and adoption of operational excellence principles.
• Develop organizational capabilities by delivering training, coaching, and mentoring in Lean principles and continuous improvement tools. Enhance leadership and problem-solving skills of Production Managers, Team Leaders, and Shift Leaders.
• Organize and coordinate operational reviews, improvement meetings, and project communications to effectively report progress, outcomes, and share best practices.

Candidate Profile

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a closely related field.
• Have between 5 to 8 years of experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, manufacturing excellence, or project management within FMCG or manufacturing sectors.
• Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing, DMAIC, Root Cause Analysis, 5 Why methodology, and other continuous improvement frameworks.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional improvement projects and implementing change management initiatives.
• Proficient analytical and problem-solving abilities capable of converting data into actionable improvement strategies.
• Experienced in project governance, stakeholder engagement, and performance reporting.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching, and training capabilities.
• Lean Six Sigma certification is considered an added advantage.

Culture and Benefits

• Experience working within a truly global yet locally connected culture combining diverse perspectives through collaboration.
• Opportunities for continuous personal growth through structured training, coaching, and exposure to hands-on assignments, with possibilities for both local and international mobility.
• Flexible work arrangements and competitive benefits aiming to support work-life balance and empower employees to reach their full potential.
• A supportive workplace environment characterized by informality, friendliness, and motivated colleagues dedicated to raising standards.
• Work autonomy emphasizing trust and ownership allowing employees to drive significant, lasting impact contributing to the organization's mission.