Director of Continuous Improvement

Director of Continuous Improvement

Your Challenge

• Work closely with the regional COO or business group COO to build the CI network aligned with operational strategy
• Support Plant/Site Managers, APU Managers, and CI Managers in understanding and applying Lean strategies and tools
• Support production supervisors in understanding standard work adherence and their role in continuous improvement
• Ensure the CI Manager network is appropriately staffed and developed for success
• Manage the Plant/Site CI Manager network, including performance reviews, training plans, recruitment input, and Lean capability development
• Organize network meetings and on-the-job training
• Drive cross-site sharing of best practices within the region or division
• Ensure Lean principles are integrated into new projects at the appropriate stage
• Validate site Lean deployment plans against group directives, including Smart Factory / Industry 4.0 initiatives
• Support deployment of site improvement roadmaps and strategic priorities
• Identify opportunities for SQDICP performance improvement
• Deploy and track group initiatives across the region or division
• Ensure regular site presence to confirm alignment with priorities and execution standards
• Coach Plant/Site leadership teams on Lean implementation and production system development
• Conduct Gemba walks to verify Lean roadmap execution and follow-up progress plans
• Challenge site budgets and financial assumptions during planning phases
• Validate and track direct labor and equipment productivity improvement actions
• Ensure accurate Lean reporting across sites
• Contribute to development of Lean standards and tools
• Support Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory implementation
• Act as a developer of the Production System roadmap
• Participate in group Kaizen events, committees, and town halls
• Support special group initiatives as required
• Troubleshoot and support sites during operational or performance crises
• Review productivity initiatives and ensure alignment across business group sites
• Assess applicability of productivity ideas across multiple sites and drive standardization
• Ensure proper payback tracking for productivity projects
• Support workshops at internal sites and supplier locations to drive savings
• Continuously monitor top productivity initiatives across sites
• Organize monthly productivity review meetings
• Remove roadblocks to ensure timely execution of key projects
• Encourage idea generation and ensure proper escalation and tracking
• Benchmark internal and external best practices and drive deployment across sites
• Evaluate scalability of key projects across all sites
• Coach project managers in leading cost reduction workshops across materials, labor, packaging, transportation, and other cost drivers

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
• Lean manufacturing experience in automotive or similar industries (8+ years)
• Strong background in purchasing, program management, manufacturing, and/or supply chain management
• ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) preferred

Targeted Attributes

• 10+ years of Lean methodology experience (Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, Muda elimination, Standard Work, Cycle Time Balancing, SMED, TPM, Value Stream Mapping, Lean layout design, DFSS, etc.)
• Experience in Smart Factory / Industry 4.0 implementation (MES, e-Kanban, AGVs, robotics, etc.)
• Experience developing Lean training systems, tools, and methodologies
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with data-driven decision-making
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with ability to influence across all levels
• Strong change management capability and cultural transformation experience
• Proficiency in Lean tools and software (PowerPoint, Excel, AutoCAD, process mapping tools)
• Strong international mindset and ability to operate in a global organization
• Ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve continuous savings and performance improvement