Operational Excellence Leader

PolyPeptide is a global CDMO specializing in the development and manufacturing of peptide‑based APIs. Our Braine‑l’Alleud site is part of a worldwide network across Sweden, India, the US, France and Belgium supporting customers from early development to commercial supply.

We are currently looking for an

Operational Excellence (OE) Leader

for our Belgian site

The opportunity

As OE Leader, you will be responsible for driving continuous improvement, performance excellence, and cultural transformation across production and support functions. You will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and EHS to lead and support Operational Excellence initiatives, deploy Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and build sustainable capabilities at all levels of the plant.
In this role, you will ensure the successful execution of the site transformation plan by coaching teams, delivering targeted training, and embedding Lean thinking and structured problem‑solving into daily operations.

What you will do

Manufacturing Operational Excellence

• Lead and support cross‑functional Lean and Six Sigma projects across manufacturing and support functions (Production, Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, Engineering).

• Identify performance gaps related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP) and translate them into structured improvement initiatives.

• Apply Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, Visual Management, SMED, and Kaizen to improve flow, productivity, and stability.

• Support root cause analysis and problem‑solving using Six Sigma and Lean methodologies (DMAIC, A3, PDCA).

Transformation Plan & Performance Management

• Co‑develop and deploy the site Operational Excellence transformation roadmap in alignment with plant leadership and business strategy.

• Drive execution of improvement initiatives aligned with site KPIs (OEE, scrap, yield, lead time, inventory, safety, labor efficiency).

• Establish and sustain governance routines (daily management, tiered meetings, performance reviews).

• Track benefits, ensure standardization, and secure long‑term sustainability of improvements.

Training, Coaching & Capability Building

• Design and deliver Lean and Lean Six Sigma training for shopfloor, first line management and managers.

• Coach Green Belt projects and support team leaders in applying structured problem‑solving on the shop floor.

• Develop internal Lean champions and promote a continuous improvement culture.

• Reinforce Lean leadership behaviors and operational discipline through regular Gemba engagement.

Cross‑Functional & Shop‑Floor Engagement

• Act as a trusted partner and coach for department heads and front‑line leaders to prioritize and execute improvement initiatives.

• Facilitate Kaizen events, workshops, and value stream analyses on the shop floor, actively engage in practical problem solving.

• Ensure alignment between manufacturing strategy, improvement initiatives, and operational realities.

• Promote employee engagement and ownership of improvement actions.

What you bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or related field.

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (mandatory); Black Belt is a strong asset.

• 5–10 years of experience in manufacturing, operational excellence or continuous improvement roles.

• Proven experience leading Lean and Six Sigma projects in a plant environment.

• Hands‑on shop‑floor mindset and strong coaching/facilitation skills.

• Experience in coordinating and executing Kaizen events is a plus

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and industrial performance metrics and strong business sense

• Expertise in Lean manufacturing and structured problem‑solving

• Ability to coach and influence at all organizational levels without direct authority

• Strong facilitation, communication, and training skills

• Data‑driven mindset with strong analytical capabilities

• Change management and cultural transformation leadership

• Understanding of company financials and working capital

• Willingness to be present on the shop floor

What we offer

• A competitive compensation package aligned with your experience and responsibilities.

• A company car with fuel/energy card.

• Bonus

• Meal vouchers and eco‑vouchers.

• Group insurance & hospitalization insurance.

• Additional holidays and flexible working arrangements.

• Opportunities for development within a growing international organization.

• A dynamic work environment that values collaboration, empowerment, and continuous improvement.

Interested? Apply now and join us on this exciting journey.