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.

Job Description

We are currently seeking an Industrial Engineering & Operational Excellence Specialist to join our dynamic team in Tognana, Italy. The role 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 and 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 a 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 a related field.
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in Industrial Engineering, Operational Excellence / Continuous Improvement, 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 an equivalent proven track record.
• Ownership mindset aligned with a 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.

Equal Opportunity

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, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation or disability.