Industrial Engineering & Operational Excellence Specialist

Who are we?

At Vertiv, we’re on a mission to empower the people that will power the future. From a simple swipe to life-changing medicines, from push notifications to generative AI. We design, manufacture, and service the products and solutions that keep the world connected.  With $6.9 billion in sales, a strong customer base and global reach spanning nearly 70 countries, we are uniquely positioned to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people. 

We are currently seeking a Industrial Engineering & Operational Excellence Specialist to join our dynamic team in Tognana, Italy!

The Industrial Engineering & Operational Excellence Specialist drives measurable improvements, capacity gains, and ramp-up/stabilization activities across EMEA Operations through shopfloor-based Kaizen execution and Six Sigma problem solving, with validated and signed off benefits.

Key Responsibilities:
•    Lead shopfloor-based Kaizen events across EMEA sites: identify opportunities at Gemba, define scope, run workshops, implement countermeasures, and ensure sustainment.
•    Execute Industrial Engineering analyses to unlock capacity and productivity (time studies, work measurement, line balancing, takt/capacity calculations, labour optimization, layout & material flow improvements).
•    Support ramp-up and stabilization of new and existing assembly / sub-assembly / test lines: readiness checks, bottleneck removal, standard work creation, training support, and performance stabilization.
•    Translate OPS leadership priorities (cost-out, capacity increase, throughput, lead time, quality losses) into clear improvement charters with targets, timing, and owners.
•    Apply Lean toolset to eliminate waste, improve flow and drive structured problem solving using Six Sigma / DMAIC and root-cause tools with a control mechanism to prevent recurrence.
•    Own benefits realization from baseline through validation: quantify gains, document assumptions, and lead the savings validation and sign-off process with Finance.
•    Coach and influence site teams through “lead by example” behaviours aligned to High Performance Culture; build local capability to sustain improvements after deployment.
•    Provide clear Kaizen documentation and leadership updates (A3s, before/after, KPI impact, action tracking).

Job Requirements:
•    University degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
•    5+ years of hands-on experience in Industrial Engineering, Operational Excellence / CI, Lean Manufacturing, or manufacturing process improvement (shopfloor-based).
•    Proven delivery of measurable improvements (capacity, productivity, cost, lead time, quality losses) with documentation from baseline to sustainment.
•    Practical application of Lean toolset (standard work, line balancing, visual management, waste elimination, 5S, problem solving at Gemba).
•    Working knowledge of Six Sigma / DMAIC and root-cause methods; comfortable with data collection and analysis in production (time studies, Pareto, 5-Why, fishbone).
•    Ability to lead Kaizen workshops and drive implementation with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Competences:
•    Automotive background or exposure to high-discipline production systems (TPS, VSM-driven factories, high-mix/high-volume).
•    Lean / Six Sigma certification (Lean Leader, Yellow/Green Belt) or equivalent proven track record.
•    Ownership mindset aligned with High Performance Culture: leads by example, drives accountability, coaches teams, and sustains standards.
•    Excellent facilitation and stakeholder management; can influence without formal authority and handle resistance constructively.
•    High discipline, reliability, and follow-through; able to deliver results on short deployment cycles. 
•    Financial acumen to translate operational gains into validated benefits; comfortable partnering with Finance to secure sign-off.

If YOU are the person we are looking for, feel free to apply and let's start drafting your future career in a healthy and growing environment! 

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.  

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS: Safety.  Integrity. Respect.  Teamwork.  Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to [email protected]. If you are interested in applying or learning more about this role, please visit the company’s career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers #LI-JE2