Have real impact and influence as the EBOS Leader (Continuous Improvement Leader) at AFB International.Are you an experienced Lean leader who thrives on driving real change while making a strategic impact? Then we are looking for you!At AFB International in Oss, Netherlands we are looking for a Continuous Improvement Manager to take our operating system to the next level.In this key role, you will work directly with the leadership team, lead Kaizen initiatives, and ensure continuous improvement is not only visible but measurable in daily work. You will coach leaders, accelerate performance improvement, and connect strategy to execution — with Lean, Kaizen, and structured problem solving as your foundation.AFB International is a global science and technology leader in pet food palatability, developing and producing a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers. As an expert in pet food, AFB International is a partner to pet food manufacturers to create better-tasting dog and cat foods, treats and supplements, meeting the specific needs of the pets and pet owners they serve. The company is part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), a privately-owned high technology conglomerate, with global operations across Europe, Asia, Latin America and North America. The location of our European Business Unit is based in Oss, The Netherlands. Oss is a state-of-the-art production and research facility serving the European, Middle Eastern and African markets. For this European Business Unit, we are looking for a Continuous Improvement Leader.Your opportunity within AFB International EuropeThe Continuous Improvement Leader plays a critical role in driving operational excellence across AFB International by leading the deployment, execution, and sustainment of the Ensign-Bickford Operating System (EBOS). This role requires a highly experienced Lean leader who brings deep expertise, leadership presence, and the capability to coach at all organizational levels.As a dedicated EBOS resource and trusted partner to site leadership, the Continuous Improvement Manager ensures that EBOS principles are embedded into daily management, decision-making, and continuous improvement activities. The role requires a strong enterprise mindset and contributes directly to strategic priorities while delivering measurable performance improvement.The Continuous Improvement Leader is a member of the European management team and works in close partnership with the General Manager Europe. While the role does not have direct reports, it carries significant influence across functions through coaching, facilitation, and leadership.Duties and responsibilities, result areasLead the annual Kaizen Roadmap refresh (EVSM/VSM) across all functions and ensure disciplined execution.Facilitate a minimum of two Kaizen events per month through sustainment.Drive and sustain the EBOS 4 Core Fundamentals: Management Cadence, Visual Management, Problem Solving, and Kaizen.Apply and coach the D.R.I.V.E. Problem Solving methodology.Act as the site expert and coach for Lean principles and EBOS practices.Support and challenge leaders to improve performance and accountability.Lead change initiatives and reinforce standard work and continuous improvement behaviors.Knowledge, skills and abilitiesExpert-level Lean practitioner with the ability to coach and teach others.Strong facilitation and communication skills across all organizational levels.Proven LEAN change leadership experience to secure buy-in and sustainability.Highly organized, strong planning & project management skills and detailed execution discipline.Data-driven mindset with intellectual curiosity and a strong sense of urgency.Your QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree required (Science or Engineering preferred).Master’s degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) strongly preferred.Experience10+ years of experience in Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, or similar environments.3+ years of experience in a similar Continuous Improvement role.Additional requirements Extensive experience deploying and sustaining Lean operating systems.Proven track record of coaching leaders and driving enterprise-level improvement.Competences & otherData-drivenDetermination/GritEffectively PrioritizesIntellectually CuriousManages ChangeMotivates OthersOrganizedProactively CommunicatesSelf-disciplinedSense of UrgencyWhat makes this role exciting?Selected candidate will be directly involved in some of the most strategic priorities of the business, while mastering the fundamentals required to “keep the train on the tracks”Tremendous opportunity to impact the organization, while growing your own capabilitiesBroad exposure will rapidly increase your knowledge of the business, positioning you for greater impact (and potential career paths) in the future.Regular exposure/interaction with AFB and EBI senior leadersInterested? Please send your resume and (short) motivation to: mvossenaar@afbinternational.comIn case you need any further information, you can always contact us via +31-88230000 and ask for our General Manager or HR colleague.