Operational Excellence Engineer

Vantive is a vital organ therapy company on a mission to extend lives and possibilities for patients and care teams everywhere. For 70 years, our team has driven meaningful innovations in kidney care. As we build on our legacy, we are deepening our commitment to elevating the dialysis experience through digital solutions and advanced services, while looking beyond kidney care and investing in transforming vital organ therapies. Greater flexibility and efficiency in therapy administration for care teams, and longer, fuller lives for patients— that is what Vantive aspires to deliver.

We believe Vantive will not only build our leadership in the kidney care space, it will also offer meaningful work to those who join us. At Vantive, you will become part of a community of people who are focused, courageous and don’t settle for the mediocre. Each of us is driven to help improve patients’ lives worldwide. Join us in advancing our mission to extend lives and possibilities.

Role: Operational Excellence Engineer

Location: Castlebar | Reports To: OpEx Lead / Site Leadership

Role Overview

Drive continuous improvement in a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, delivering measurable gains across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost using Lean and data-driven methodologies. This role blends hands-on execution (Technician-level) with strategic leadership (Engineer-level), focusing on delivering measurable improvements while embedding a culture of Lean thinking.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Lean initiatives (OMS, Kaizen, 6S, Value Stream Mapping OEE,) to improve efficiency and eliminate waste.

Support structured problem-solving using A3 methodology, root cause analysis, and data-driven insights

KPI improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost

Support manufacturing operations and GMP compliance within value streams

Lead problem-solving using A3, root cause analysis, and data insights

Manage improvement projects and support new product introduction

Coach teams in Lean principles and continuous improvement practices

Partner with production teams to improve day-to-day operations within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical environment

Act as a change champion to embed continuous improvement behaviours across teams

Ensure robust documentation, change control, and risk management for process improvements

Lead and support improvement projects ranging from focused Kaizens to complex cross-functional initiatives

Candidate Profile

Experience in manufacturing (pharma/medical device preferred)

Strong Lean knowledge (6S, Kaizen, waste reduction)

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint

Experience with Power BI or other data visualisation tools is desirabl

Proven track record in process improvement and project delivery

Strong analytical and communication skills

Lean Six Sigma certification (Yellow Belt or Green Belt) is an advantag

Hands-on technician experience looking for a defined progression path into an Engineering role

Why Vantive?

Purpose-driven work: Contribute to products that directly improve and save lives

High standards: Exposure to best-in-class quality systems and regulated processes

Career growth: Structured development in Lean, Six Sigma, and leadership

Innovation environment: Work on advanced manufacturing technologies and processes

Stability & investment: Strong demand and long-term industry growth

Transferable expertise: Highly valued experience across global life sciences organisations

What to include on my CV

Quantified improvements (e.g., OEE increase %, cost savings €)

Lean project delivery (Kaizen, DMAIC, waste reduction)

Manufacturing impact (yield, efficiency, compliance)

Leadership and cross-functional influence

What can Vantive offer to you:

A stable and secure work environment

A comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance, company pension scheme, and annual bonus scheme

A collaborative and dynamic work environment

Access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology

Recognition and reward for outstanding performance

Reasonable Accommodation

Vantive is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information. Form Link

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