At Yanmar Marine International, operational excellence is key to delivering consistent quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. As we continue to grow, we are strengthening our focus on efficiency, scalability, and continuous improvement across our operations.

To support this ambition, we are looking for an Operational Excellence Team Leader who will play a pivotal role in driving transformation, improving performance, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.

What are you going to do?

In this role, you lead a newly established Operational Excellence team with a strong focus on optimizing our order-to-cash processes. You act as the bridge between strategy and execution, ensuring that improvement initiatives translate into measurable business impact.

You will drive Lean Six Sigma methodologies across the organization, working closely with stakeholders at all levels to improve performance, reduce waste, and strengthen operational capabilities. This is a highly visible role with direct influence on how we operate today and how we grow tomorrow.

Your main tasks and responsibilities:

• Lead and implement Lean and Six Sigma methodologies across operations and support functions
• Define and drive a continuous improvement roadmap aligned with business strategy
• Identify, prioritize, and execute initiatives that improve quality, cost, delivery, and efficiency
• Reduce cycle times and improve process flow using data-driven analysis
• Coach and support teams in problem-solving methodologies such as DMAIC, A3, and root cause analysis
• Ensure improvements are standardized, sustained, and embedded in daily operations• Map, analyse, and optimize end-to-end processes across departments
• Establish and monitor KPIs to drive performance transparency and accountability
• Facilitate cross-functional improvement initiatives, including Kaizen events and transformation programs
• Act as a change agent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational discipline
• Build organizational capabilities through training, coaching, and mentoring
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to align initiatives with strategic priorities
• Define and maintain standards, methodologies, and best practices for operational excellence
• Ensure sustainability of improvements through governance, documentation, and follow-up

Who are we looking for?

You are a driven and hands-on leader with a strong passion for continuous improvement. You combine analytical thinking with the ability to inspire and engage others, and you are comfortable operating in a complex, international environment.

You know how to turn data into insights, inefficiencies into opportunities, and ideas into tangible results.

You bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in operations, manufacturing, supply chain, or service environments
• Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in performance and efficiency
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification strongly preferred
• Deep knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and process improvement methodologies
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
• Excellent coaching, facilitation, and stakeholder management capabilities
• Ability to translate strategy into actionable improvement roadmaps
• Experience leading change and influencing across functions
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience in an international environment is a plus
• Fluent in English; additional European languages are an advantage
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools

Work location:

This position is based in Almere, the Netherlands.

What do we offer?

A high-impact leadership role within an international organization, where you will shape and drive operational excellence across the business. You will have the opportunity to build and lead a team, influence strategic direction, and deliver visible, measurable results.

We offer a dynamic and collaborative environment where continuous improvement is not just a concept, but a way of working, giving you the platform to make a lasting impact and further develop your leadership capabilities.

Employee Benefits:

• A competitive salary based on knowledge and experience
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work from home where suitable
• A standard working week of 37.5 hours
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Gym subscription and bike plan
• Employee benefits plan with discounts on various products and services
• Participation in company outings, sports activities and events
• Commuting allowance
• 27 vacation days with the ability to build up time for time
• 8% holiday allowance and a year end bonus based on company results