Continuous Improvement Lead

Malvern Panalytical is looking for a Site Lean Leader to embed Lean Business Principles - our Spectris Business System (SBS) at our Eindhoven X-ray tube production site.

You will partner with your colleagues to deploy SBS in line with the agreed maturity path and roadmap - translating standards and methods into improvements that strengthen performance, capability, and culture. This is a hands-on role: you will run improvement activities, lead the site’s operational management routines, work shoulder to shoulder with team leaders and shop floor teams on live operational issues, and build the ownership needed for SBS to outlive your involvement.

On a day-to-day basis you’ll work closely with the Director of Operations and R&D. You will report to the Global SBS Director. The primary purpose of this role is to strengthen operational performance, leadership capability and continuous improvement culture across the Eindhoven site. SBS serves as the operating framework through which these business objectives are achieved. Success will ultimately be demonstrated by improved business results and the ability of leaders and teams to independently sustain and continuously improve performance.

What you will do

Lead Site Transformation & Deliver Results

• Drive the Eindhoven transformation agenda, translating strategic priorities into improvement initiatives linked to Quality, Delivery, Cost and People objectives.
• Facilitate cross-functional problem solving to improve operational performance.
• Build performance visibility through metrics, visual management and structured follow-up routines.
• Run and facilitate Kaizen and improvement activity that delivers measurable value impact.
• Manage the improvement portfolio to committed timelines, resources and benefits - planned, stage-gated and visibly tracked.
• Validate impact with Finance and report it straight, including where results fall short.
• Propagating continuous improvement mindset Embed gains on the floor through standard work, control plans and accountability routines

Lead on the floor

• Support team lead on the shop floor with the daily management system - tiered meetings, escalation, and visible follow-up.
• Work hands-on with team leaders and production teams on live operational issues; support operational planning and execution where performance is at risk.

Build capability

• Deliver SBS training and coach (site) leaders, Kaizen leads, and teams in core SBS methods, daily management, and structured problem solving.

• Build a local capability plan aligned to site priorities and target maturity progression.

• Develop local SBS talent across all functional areas Coach the leadership team on practical standard work, problem solving, Kaizens, and lean leadership behaviours.

Lead deployment

• Own the site deployment roadmap: scope, model area, milestones, and deliverables. Support progression through Bronze, Silver, and Gold maturity levels.
• Link deployment to site Core Value Drivers (CVDs) and Strategy Deployment (SD) priorities.
• Drive closure of improvement commitments owned across the site - chase, escalate early, keep plans moving, and ensure measurable results are achieved.

What you bring

• Degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• 5+ years in Lean deployment, operational excellence, or business transformation in a relevant industry.
• Experience applying Lean principles in low-volume, precision manufacturing, scientific instrument assembly, high-complexity, or engineered-product environments (not just repetitive high-volume flow).
• Proven track record facilitating Kaizen, coaching leaders, and delivering measurable improvement.
• Experience with management operating systems, daily management, and structured problem solving.
• Strong project management - scoping, planning, resourcing, and landing multiple improvement projects to time and benefit.
• Hands-on experience in an operational or production environment, close to the point of work.
• Lean certification preferred; advanced certification may be required within an agreed timeframe.
• Professional fluency in Dutch and English.

We offer
The chance to shape how Malvern Panalytical Eindhoven improves - working with colleagues across functions and regions in a visible role, with room to grow both professionally and personally.

We provide market-leading, material characterization technologies for the world's most innovative companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories in the analytics of advanced materials.

We support our customers through their biggest challenges, from developing lifesaving vaccines to sustainable fuels. We wake up every day to delight our customers through innovation, high-quality solutions and workflows, and excellence in customer satisfaction.

We are a recognized leader for quality and insights in material characterization; winning customers with performance and keeping them with service. With more than 2,000 employees operating in over 20 countries across the world, and R&D sites in North America, Europe and Asia.

We are part of Spectris, a company which combines precision with purpose to equip customers to solve some of their greatest challenges to make the world cleaner, healthier and more productive. In 2025, Spectris acquired Micromeritics as part of Malvern Panalytical.

About us

We provide market-leading, material characterization technologies for the world's most innovative companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories in the analytics of advanced materials.

We support our customers through their biggest challenges, from developing lifesaving vaccines to sustainable fuels. We wake up every day to delight our customers through innovation, high-quality solutions and workflows, and excellence in customer satisfaction.

We are a recognized leader for quality and insights in material characterization; winning customers with performance and keeping them with service. With more than 2,000 employees operating in over 20 countries across the world, and R&D sites in North America, Europe and Asia.

We are part of Spectris, a company which combines precision with purpose to equip customers to solve some of their greatest challenges to make the world cleaner, healthier and more productive. In 2025, Spectris acquired Micromeritics as part of Malvern Panalytical.