Process Optimization Specialist

Job Description

Do you have at least a completed HBO (higher professional education) degree and do the words problem solving, standardizing, and coaching excite you, and do you want to work at the largest pharmaceutical company in the Netherlands, then this is the challenge you are looking for!

For one of the three packaging departments in Haarlem, we are looking for a Process Optimization Specialist

Welcome to our team

From Haarlem, we distribute 2,500 different types of medicinal and vaccine packaging to more than 140 countries. Haarlem is known as the go-to flexible packaging location in Europe. This is because we can switch quickly between packaging different medicines with very diverse packaging. From jars to blister packs (the so-called 'blisters') and from syringes to powders for infusion treatment. All provided with the correct packaging and package leaflet in the correct language. The team you will be working in consists of Process Optimization Specialists and an Improvement Engineer (manager). Together, you will be busy every day looking continuously at where improvements can be made and, in doing so, aligning the expectations of the stakeholders.

About the position
As a Process Optimization Specialist, you are part of a 'Lean optimization program', which is intended to prevent packaging lines from coming to an unplanned standstill. Together with fellow Process Optimization Specialists, Operators, Technicians, and Operational Managers, the intended result is that the productivity, safety, and quality of the packaging process is increased. You will contribute to the continuous improvement of the production and packaging lines using Lean methodologies. You will do this primarily on the packaging lines and as little as possible at your desk. Partly by proposing improvement opportunities yourself, it is possible to largely shape the role yourself. In summary, you must be able to start, guide, and secure a change together with the team of colleagues.

Tasks and responsibilities
The focus of the Process Optimization Specialist lies mainly on:

• Problem solving: you take the lead in a practical manner to solve problems. Think of observing, analyzing data, testing hypotheses, implementing countermeasures, and securing solutions.
• Standardization and coaching: drafting work instructions and providing training to make the work on the packaging lines unambiguous, safe, simple, efficient, and predictable, thereby securing the new behaviors and working methods.
• Advice: advising management using tools and methodologies such as Lean, DMAIC, problem solving A3s, value stream mapping, waterfall, etc. You weigh priorities and present project proposals to the most important stakeholder during, for example, sponsor rounds and align their expectations therein.
• 'Go see': you are present on the packaging lines frequently and in conversation with Operators, Technicians, and Operational Managers to discover where the problems and improvements lie.

Working at our organization means collaborating on health in an international working environment with dedicated colleagues. You will get all the space to develop yourself and show who you are. Furthermore, you can count on attractive employment conditions, including:

• A competitive salary
• 35.5 vacation days
• 8% holiday allowance and a 3% year-end bonus
• An excellent pension
• A high-quality company restaurant with fresh and healthy options every day.
• On-site sports facilities with classes in boxing, Zumba, and Pilates.
• Excellent coffee prepared by a professional barista.
• Game room with a pool table and a ping pong table.
• Mental wellbeing support via Lyra Health for you and your family members.
• Access to a separate prayer/meditation room.

Send your inquiry, including the vacancy number and the vacancy title, to: RecruitmentNL@MSD.com.

Applications can only be submitted via our website.

Analytical Thinking, Analytical Thinking, Business Process Design, Business Process Improvements, Business Requirements Analysis, Change Management, Communication Sciences, Continuous Improvement Techniques, Data Analysis, Detail-Oriented, Driving Continuous Improvement, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Microsoft Excel, Operational Expertise, Operational Quality, Optimization Software, Optimization Techniques, Policy Development, Problem Solving, Process Analytics, Process Design, Process Improvement Initiatives, Process Improvements, Process Standardization {+ 8 more}

Flexible Work Arrangements: Not Applicable

Job Posting End Date: 11/21/2026