Lean & Operational Excellence Specialist

Position Summary

The Lean & Operational Excellence Specialist supports the achievement of the plant’s strategic objectives by driving the deployment of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles across the organization. This role leads initiatives aimed at improving operational performance, eliminating waste, and developing organizational capabilities to enhance safety, quality, service, productivity, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Continuous Improvement & Lean Deployment

• Support and sustain the site Continuous Improvement roadmap and initiatives.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM) activities, and process improvement workshops.
• Identify, prioritize, and lead waste reduction (MUDA) and process optimization projects.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing tools and structured problem-solving methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Support the standardization and continuous improvement of manufacturing and administrative processes.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement at all levels of the organization.

Operational Excellence

• Develop, monitor, and analyze operational KPIs related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity.
• Support the plant in achieving operational and business performance targets.
• Partner with Production, Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, and Maintenance teams to deliver cross-functional improvement initiatives.
• Analyze operational data and trends to identify opportunities for performance improvements and cost reduction.
• Drive sustainable improvements through performance reviews and corrective action plans.

Change Management & Capability Building

• Train, coach, and support supervisors, team leaders, and employees on Lean methodologies and Continuous Improvement tools.
• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and operational excellence.
• Support organizational and cultural transformation initiatives.
• Facilitate training sessions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities to strengthen Lean capabilities across the site.

Project Management

• Lead and coordinate improvement projects from business case development through implementation and sustainability verification.
• Define project objectives, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and expected benefits.
• Monitor project progress and ensure achievement of targeted results.
• Sustain improvements through audits, follow-up activities, and continuous performance monitoring.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• OEE improvement.
• Productivity improvement.
• Manufacturing cost reduction.
• Reduction of process waste and scrap.
• Lead time reduction.
• Inventory reduction.
• On-Time Delivery improvement.
• Number and impact of Continuous Improvement projects completed.
• Employee engagement and participation in Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing, or Management Engineering, or equivalent.
• 3-5 years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Industrial Engineering, or similar roles.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing environment; experience in process industries is considered a plus.
• Fluent English (B2/C1 level).

Technical Skills

• Lean Manufacturing.
• Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt preferred).
• Kaizen Facilitation.
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM).
• Root Cause Analysis (5 Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa).
• PDCA methodology.
• A3 Problem Solving.
• SMED.
• 5S.
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Visual Management.
• Statistical analysis and performance data interpretation.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; Power BI knowledge is a plus.
• Familiarity with ERP systems is an advantage.

Soft Skills

• Strong results orientation and execution mindset.
• Ability to influence and lead without formal authority.
• Change management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving approach.
• Effective collaboration in cross-functional environments.
• Proactive attitude with strong prioritization and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Practitioner certification and/or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt certification.
• Experience within multinational manufacturing organizations.
• Exposure to chemical, coatings, or process manufacturing industries.
• Experience working in a continuous improvement-driven culture.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, the successful candidate will:

• Develop and implement a structured Lean and Continuous Improvement roadmap for the site.
• Deliver measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Successfully lead cross-functional improvement projects with quantifiable business impact.
• Increase employee involvement and ownership of Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Strengthen and embed a sustainable culture of Operational Excellence across the organization.

The base salary range for this position is 38.000,00 eur to 45.000,00 eur per year.

We confirm that this job offer is based on objective and gender-neutral criteria and complies with the relevant provisions of the applicable National Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL), in accordance with and in full respect of Legislative Decree No. 96 of 7 May 2026 implementing Directive (EU) 2023/970.

About us: 

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD® 

Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com and follow @PPG on X. 

The PPG Way 2030  

We are customer champions 

Proactive. Bold. Trustworthy. Everything we do starts with our customers. We listen, move fast and don’t stop until we solve their biggest challenges. When our customers win, we all grow. 

We act with purpose and speed 

Agile. Data-driven. Empowered. We take smart risks to stay ahead of the competition. We work proactively with agility, using quality data to develop solutions that create value.  

We are excellent operators 

Productive. Collaborative. Accountable. No matter our role, we identify problems, take ownership and always bring solutions. We are both proactive and responsive to drive continuous improvement and deliver results. We support our frontline, the faces of PPG to our customers.   

We compete to win 

Future-focused. Driven. Ambitious. We are passionate about growing our business and winning with our customers. We deliver results, embrace new technologies and leverage agility and speed as strengths. 

We are PPG proud 

Strong. United. Passionate. We work safely, act with integrity and value our diverse perspectives. We celebrate achievements and take pride in the positive impact we create together to protect and beautify the world. 

At PPG we use AI in the hiring process to make the process more efficient. AI tools do not make hiring decisions. You can learn more by going to  https://careers.ppg.com/us/en/candidate-resources.  

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.  

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email [email protected]. 

PPG pay ranges and benefits can vary by location which allows us to compensate employees competitively in different geographic markets. PPG considers several factors in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, qualifications and education, licensure and certifications, and other organizational needs. Other incentives may apply.  
Our employee benefits programs are designed to support the health and well-being of our employees. Any insurance coverages and benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.  Benefits will be discussed with you by your recruiter during the hiring process. 

PPG values your feedback on our recruiting process. We encourage you to visit Glassdoor.com and provide feedback on the process, so that we can do better today than yesterday.