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