Lean Operations Engineer (Hands-on Execution & Kata Coach)

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about Lean principles and ready to make a lasting impact? We are seeking a Lean Operations Engineer to champion and drive a Lean culture across our plant. This is not a traditional project management role; we are looking for a practitioner who engineers and executes improvements while taking our people on a journey of continuous growth—what the Japanese call Kata.

In this newly created role, you will be at the forefront of identifying and implementing improvement opportunities using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, ensuring that concepts are rapidly adapted into shop-floor reality.

You Will Make an Impact By...

Hands-on Execution & Continuous Improvement

• Rapid Adaptation: Identify, prioritize, and directly implement improvement opportunities to optimize safety, quality, customer service, and operational efficiency from your first phase on the job.

• Engineering the Flow: Use tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, and Visual Management to optimize material and information flow through direct execution.

• Sustainable Problem Solving: Conduct root cause analysis and implement sustainable, engineered solutions to address process inefficiencies.

• Driving Results: Ensure that improvement initiatives deliver measurable business benefits and are completed effectively.

The Kata Journey: Coaching & Mentoring

• Taking People on the Journey: Coach, mentor, and train plant teams in Lean and Six Sigma practices (e.g., Kaizen, SMED, 5S, PDCA) by leading from the front.

• Building Capability: Empower employees to identify and resolve issues at the source, building deep problem-solving habits within the team.

• Culture of Ownership: Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.

Data, Innovation & Collaboration

• Digital Integration: Design and maintain systems like MES (e.g., Tulip) to collect and monitor critical process data.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as a change agent, collaborating with production, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to align stakeholders and achieve goals.

• Staying Ahead: Stay informed of industry trends and advancements in Lean/Six Sigma to champion innovative solutions that enhance operational performance.

The Talent We Want to Inspire Has...

• Hands-on Experience: Proven track record of leading and developing teams through the direct execution of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies (VSM, SMED, 5S, etc.).

• Technical Foundation: A strong technical background, preferably with a degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.

• Certifications: Six Sigma Green Belt qualification (Black Belt preferred).

• Industry Background: Minimum 5 years of experience in a production or manufacturing environment.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication in English; knowledge of Dutch or French is a plus.

• IT Literacy: Proficiency in MS Office and experience with ERP systems (SAP); familiarity with Tulip (MES) is a strong advantage.

What’s On Offer

• A dynamic and challenging environment that encourages growth and learning-by-doing.

• Opportunities to shape the future of our industry and make a significant impact on our company’s business.

• A collaborative culture that values innovation, integrity, and inclusivity.

• Competitive compensation packages, including health benefits.

If you want to join a global business and enjoy being a team player who's driven and passionate, then this is your opportunity to come on board by applying!

What to learn more about working at ADB SAFEGATE then check out our Career's website https://adbsafegate.com/about/career/