Job TitleOperational Excellence Engineer, Continuous Improvement
Job Description
As a subsidiary of Toyota Industries (TICO), Vanderlande North America is experiencing rapid growth and extraordinary market demand. Vanderlande is a global market leader in material handling system manufacture, design, installation, and service, employing the latest in robotic, mechanical, and software technology. Our customers include household names in e-commerce, package delivery, and air transportation.
This role is a key position within a newly created team responsible for delivering process innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple teams and regions within North America. The Operational Excellence Manager will play a crucial role in fostering a culture of sustainable change through the creation and embedding of lean methodology and supporting frameworks to drive business transformation.
Key Responsibilities:
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Process Improvement & Lean Management:
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Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.
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Analyze existing airport operations and engineering workflows to identify inefficiencies and areas for optimization.
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Develop and standardize best practices to improve operational performance and reduce costs.
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Project Management:
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Manage and oversee projects related to process optimization, infrastructure upgrades, and operational efficiency.
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Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget while aligning with regulatory and safety requirements.
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including airport operations, engineering, maintenance, and external contractors.
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Airport Operations & Engineering Integration:
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Ensure compliance with aviation regulations and industry best practices.
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Support the integration of new engineering solutions and technologies to enhance airport efficiency.
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Data Analysis & Performance Monitoring:
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Use data-driven approaches to assess operational performance, set key performance indicators (KPIs), and track improvements.
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Implement digital tools and automation solutions to enhance decision-making and reporting.
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Change Management & Training:
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Lead change management initiatives to ensure successful adoption of new processes and technologies.
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Train and mentor employees on continuous improvement methodologies and best practices.
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Qualifications & Requirements:
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
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Experience: 5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, project management, and engineering, preferably within an airport or aviation-related environment.
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Soft Skills: Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management abilities. Strong communication and collaboration skills.
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Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in data analytics, process mapping, and project management software (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Excel, or similar).
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Travel will be up to 20%
Preferred qualifications:
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Certifications: Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Lean practitioner)
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Knowledge: Familiarity with airport infrastructure, regulatory standards (FAA, ICAO, IATA), and engineering best practices.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
What We Do
Vanderlande is the global market leader for future-proof logistic process automation at airports. The company is also a leading supplier of process automation solutions for warehouses and in the parcel market.
Vanderlande’s baggage handling systems are capable of moving over 4 billion pieces of baggage around the world per year. Its systems are active in more than 600 airports including 12 of the world’s top 20. More than 52 million parcels are sorted by its systems every day, which have been installed for the world’s leading parcel companies. In addition, many of the largest global e-commerce players and retailers have confidence in Vanderlande’s efficient and reliable solutions.
The company focuses on the optimisation of its customers’ business processes and competitive positions. Through close cooperation, it strives for the improvement of their operational activities and the expansion of their logistical achievements. Vanderlande’s extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realisation of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.
Established in 1949, Vanderlande has more than 7,500 employees, all committed to moving its customers’ businesses forward at diverse locations on every continent. With a consistently increasing turnover of 1.8 billion euros, it has established a global reputation over the past seven decades as a highly reliable partner for future-proof logistic process automation.
Vanderlande was acquired in 2017 by Toyota Industries Corporation, which will help it to continue its sustainable profitable growth. The two companies have a strong strategic match, and the synergies include cross-selling, product innovations, and research and development.
