I’m passionate about improving how organisations work through Operational Excellence and Lean thinking.
I enjoy turning complex challenges into simple, structured ways of working that connect daily actions with strategic goals.
For me, continuous improvement isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about making real progress achievable, sustainable, and worthwhile.
I also founded Excellence Engine, a space where I share insights and tools on Operational Excellence and continuous improvement, including the PRISM Operational Excellence Assessment Model — a structured framework for evaluating operational excellence maturity across people, systems, and improvement practices.
Charleen Newland
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About me
Work Experience
Tesla BV - Quality Engineering Specialist - EMEA Technical Operations
2025 - present
Leading data-driven analysis of vehicle quality and reliability to identify trends and drive improvements.
Collaborating with engineering, factory, and service teams on root cause analyses to implement impactful solutions.
Applying data tools and Six Sigma methodologies to improve product reliability and operational performance.
Tesla BV - Warranty Operations & Project Management Lead - EMEA Field Quality & Compliance
2024 - 2025
Oversaw Tesla's European warranty policy, driving improvements and efficiency in warranty and compliance processes.
Collaborated across teams to streamline systems and monitored key metrics, ensuring operational excellence.
Tesla BV - Business Planning & Business Performance Management
2021 - 2024
Proposed and performed relevant data analyses to support performance management and planning workstreams.
Analyzed key performance indicators and provided strategic insights and conclusions, resulting in operational efficiencies, cost reductions, and revenue opportunities.
PPG Industries - Lead Specialist in Business Process Improvement and Optimization |
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
2019 - 2021
Led strategic cross-functional projects, delivered operational excellence across the organization.
Coordinated the adoption of quality standards in coordination with relevant departments.
Identified and delivered process improvements through Lean Six Sigma techniques, innovative thinking, and improvement methodologies.
Developed key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of the Operational Excellence efforts.
Aram Project Management BV - Project Management Consultant
2017 - 2018
Managed multiple projects in Primavera and/or Microsoft Project at determined intervals to ensure that tasks were completed on time and within budget.
Managed project schedules, tasks, progress meetings and timely distribution of progress reports.
Surinam Airways - Manager Production Planning, Control and Records
2014 - 2016
Managed the department responsible for the forecasting, planning, and control of all aircraft maintenance activities.
Managed and monitored a wide variety of aircraft maintenance projects. Promoted and coordinated interaction with cross-functional teams to reach company goals.
Managed and monitored a wide variety of aircraft maintenance projects. Promoted and coordinated interaction with cross-functional teams to reach company goals.
Surinam Airways - Aircraft Maintenance Project Engineer
2011 - 2014
Planned and scheduled all project activities, and interfaced between both stakeholders,
third party providers and suppliers abroad.
Ensured adherence to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airworthiness Directives and manufacturers' Service Bulletins.
Blog posts
You can now find my latest articles on Excellence Engine, where I continue sharing insights on Operational Excellence, Lean thinking, and continuous improvement.
Projects
PRISM – Operational Excellence Assessment Model
PRISM (Practical Roadmap for Improvement and Sustainable Milestones) is a structured, web-based assessment for evaluating how operational excellence principles translate into daily practices.
It scores maturity across five core dimensions — People-Centered Excellence, Excellence-Driven Framework, Quality, Risk & Compliance Management, Operational Blueprint, and Impact.
The assessment is free, takes about 15 minutes, and generates an instant maturity report with an overall score, dimension breakdown, and priority improvement areas.
Try the assessment at
PRISM Operational Excellence Assessment Model.
CI Pulse – Continuous Improvement Maturity Model
The CI Pulse is a simple, practical tool designed to assess Continuous Improvement maturity across teams.
It captures the “pulse” of CI efforts — showing whether improvement is active, consistent, and healthy in daily operations.
It helps teams visualise progress, identify gaps, and focus their efforts where it matters most.
Ideal for anyone seeking a structured and accessible way to advance their CI journey.
Learn more and download the tool on
Excellence Engine.
Education
Master of Business Administration in Innovation and Technology, TSM Business School
2015
Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnic College Suriname
2013
Certificates
Lean Six Sigma, Master Black Belt
2025
Lean Six Sigma, Black Belt
2021
IATA Airline Auditor
2014