Design for Excellence Consultant

In this exciting role, you will be responsible for developing and driving projects within our Design for Excellence (DfX) department – a methodology aimed at optimizing our product design for the right cost and quality. The methodology is widely applied throughout other companies and could also be known as Design to Cost or Value Engineering.

As a coach, you will report into the head of DFX and become part of our COO organization. You will work across the whole of Vanderlande, both in Europe and outside, closely with Business Units as well as with other functions like Technology (R&D), Supply Chain, and Quality. This role includes leading cross-functional and cross-site project teams, through the scoping, planning, execution, and closure of strategic DFX projects.

The right candidate will have a proven track record of leading and driving cross-functional improvement projects and programs preferably together with the business leaders. Excellent influencing and communication skills are key. Proven knowledge or a strong interest in product development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Set up and manage DfX projects driving delivery of our value engineering ambition – drive and own development DFX reviews to realize customer value up at lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Identify product improvements and savings through our proven DfX methodology.
• Organize cross-functional, cross-site DfX Workshops for ideation and scoping of DFX activities.
• Cooperate with other departments and their leaders (Technology (R&D), Engineering, Service, Supply Chain, Finance) for budget and resource planning of the activities.
• Maintain a funnel and pipeline of DFX activities aligned with business stakeholders.
• Proactively identify issues, concerns, or challenges in the DFX program.
• Establish DfX mindset and toolbox within Vanderlande and train standing organization.

What do we ask from you?

• University degree in a technical discipline or a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required skills.
• 3-7 years of experience with program and project management in high tech organizations and Research and Development/Technology.
• Experience with Value Engineering, Product Development, and/or Design for Excellence is preferred.
• Leadership and ability to scope and manage complex projects from inception to completion.
• Business and Financial Acumen: Understands product and service cost structure, Total Cost of Ownership, and is experienced in creating business cases.
• Knowledge of design principles, new product development and change management processes.
• Awareness of manufacturing, service, factory, and supply chain processes.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills: Ability to create and deliver presentations appropriately scaled to the audience. Confident at interacting with senior management up to and including Board members.
• Hosting workshops with stakeholders from all layers of the organization.
• Strong negotiation skills and a demonstrated track record of driving decisions and discussions. Able to work across language, time zones, and cultural barriers.

What we offer

In the challenging and responsible position of DFX Coach, you will have the chance to make a significant contribution to industry-leading projects and be connected to our dedicated people and customers. We offer a position in an informal, international, and professional working environment with a lot of scope for personal development. By joining our profitable and growing company, you will be able to reach your goals and focus on your future.

On top of your fixed salary, you’ll receive the following secondary benefits:

• 40 vacation days (20 statutory days and a flexible budget worth 20 days).
• Flexible working hours.
• A hybrid workplace (40% working from home and 60% in the office).
• A Health & Wellbeing budget worth €300,- per calendar year.
• Commuting allowance, including full reimbursement of travel by public transport.
• Working from home allowance.
• Collective pension scheme and discount on additional health insurance.
• On-site company health centres with a gym, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists.
• Vanderlande Academy and training facilities to boost your skills.
• A variety in Vanderlande Network communities and initiatives.
• And a great company restaurant and coffee bar with barista.

Contact

Are you interested in the position of DFX Coach? Then apply now!

For more information about the position, please contact Stef Alferink at stefan.alferink@vanderlande.com or by calling +31 413 755 087.