Lean Business Excellence Specialist

Lean Business Excellence Specialist

Start: ASAP
End: 12-month contract
Location: Leiden, Netherlands
Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Sector: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing / Operational Excellence / Lean

About the Role

Are you passionate about driving operational excellence and delivering sustainable improvements within a manufacturing environment? We are looking for a Lean Business Excellence Specialist to join a leading global healthcare organization in the Leiden Area.

In this role, you will lead and support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and business operations. By combining Lean methodologies with hands-on collaboration on the shop floor, you will identify opportunities, remove inefficiencies, and help build a strong culture of continuous improvement across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute Lean and Continuous Improvement projects aligned with site objectives and strategic priorities
• Perform process mapping, value stream analyses, gemba walks, and direct observations to identify waste and improvement opportunities
• Develop and implement standard work, work combination charts, visual management systems, and capability-building initiatives
• Conduct root cause analyses and trend evaluations to address operational bottlenecks and improve performance
• Establish and monitor KPIs and governance structures to sustain improvements and drive accountability
• Coach and train teams in Lean methodologies and continuous improvement principles
• Support change controls and quality investigations related to process improvements
• Collaborate with stakeholders across manufacturing, quality, and support functions to standardize best practices and share learnings
• Promote a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a hands-on improvement professional who combines strong analytical capabilities with excellent stakeholder management skills. You enjoy spending time on the shop floor, challenging existing processes, and translating insights into practical, measurable improvements.

Must-Haves

• HBO/Bachelor degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business Excellence, or a related discipline
• Minimum 3 years of experience driving Continuous Improvement initiatives within manufacturing or operational environments
• Lean Black Belt certification or equivalent demonstrable experience leading complex Lean projects
• Strong experience with process mapping, root cause analysis, KPI management, and performance improvement methodologies
• Experience supporting or leading change controls and quality investigations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Fluent in English (minimum B2 level)
• Proactive, resilient, and comfortable working independently in a dynamic environment

Preferred

• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, food, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience facilitating Lean workshops, Kaizen events, or Operational Excellence programs
• Familiarity with visual management systems, skill matrices, and standard work development
• Experience driving site-wide cultural change and continuous improvement transformations

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