Continuous Improvement Specialist

For more than 50 years, Cannondale has been a leading innovator in the cycling world.  As more riders of all ages and abilities get on the roads, trails, and streets than ever before, we're here to do the best work of our lives to push the greatest human-powered machine into the future each and every day. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where every teammate can succeed as we inspire riders everywhere. Fueled by a free-thinking, always-game, got-your-back mentality, we ditched the rulebook and set forward on a path to make iconic bikes that simply work better. We look forward to the ride with you.

As a Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist, you’ll be the person who turns “we should” into “we did” at our Almelo plant and within Pon.Bike Operations. You’ll own Lean and CI projects end-to-end, coach teams in practical ways of working, and turn data and ideas into results you can see on the floor. As a close partner with CI teammates in Dieren and Emstek, you'll connect the dots and deliver measurable gains in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

Note: This is not a remote position. This role is based 100% onsite at Cannondale's Almelo location.

How You'll Make an Impact:

• Own and deliver CI projects from initiation through implementation and sustainment
• Embed Lean routines into daily operations (daily management, KPI structure, meeting cadence, problem-solving formats)
• Provide feedback and guidance to leaders and teams, including Yellow/Green Belt mini-projects
• Manage multiple improvement projects at once (scope, objectives, milestones, deliverables, risks)
• Build and substantiate business cases, including CAPEX proposals, and weigh in on investment decisions
• Own and run the CI roadmap for Plant Almelo
• Contribute to longer-term operational planning (3–5 year roadmap)
• Ensure clear reporting on progress, impact, and budget usage for plant and operations stakeholders
• Partner cross-functionally to improve end-to-end processes
• Stay current on best practices and share learnings across plants

What You Bring to the Table:

• 3–5 years of experience in continuous improvement, Lean, operational excellence, or a similar role
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or similar
• Six Sigma Green Belt (required)
• Proven ability to independently deliver improvement projects
• Strong experience with Lean and data-driven improvement methods
• Strong analytical, structured problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach
• Ability to influence across functions, cultures, and levels
• Experience with SAP ERP (ECC and/or S/4HANA)
• Fluent in Dutch and English (written and spoken)

Some of our Great Benefits:  

• Generous Paid Time Off  
• Great discounts on company products 
• Employee Wellness Program Pon Fit  
• A mix of casual yet professional culture 
• Discount additional health insurance package  
• Onsite gym
• Travel reimbursement  
• Collective Labour Agreement Metalektro 
• Pension plan 

Want a closer look into what it's like to Come Ride With Us? Explore more of Cannondale on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

About the organization 

As a proud member of the Pon Holdings family, Cannondale benefits from the strong foundation and extensive network of one of the Netherlands' largest family-owned businesses, as well as the largest bike portfolio in the world: Pon.Bike, including brands like Gazelle, Santa Cruz, Cervélo, Kalkhoff, Focus, Urban Arrow, Veloretti and Swapfiets. Being a part of Cannondale means being part of a dynamic and forward-thinking organization backed by the strength and stability of Pon Holdings. 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Cannondale we value a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, regardless of your gender or race, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Our DEI Mission Statement: At Cannondale, we are on a mission to ensure all members of the cycling community feel that they belong. Our commitment to celebrating individuality and differences extends beyond our diverse line up of bikes to our workplace culture, where we recognize and embrace the strengths and viewpoints of each team member, regardless of their background or identity. We are thankful for the feedback and perspectives that challenge us to create more inclusivity in this space and hold us accountable to making meaningful progress.

WE ARE A CYCLE FRIENDLY EMPLOYER

The cycle-friendly employer certification scheme was developed to establish a European standard for cycle friendly companies. The certification is intended to help European companies to improve the situation for employees that cycle to work. As an acknowledgement for our effort we received the certificate “cycle-friendly employer”. 

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