Posted 4w ago

Director Continuous Improvement - Europe

@ Bettcher Industries
Schechingen, Bavaria, Germany
RemoteFull Time
Responsibilities:Lead transformation, Establish pipeline, Drive governance
Requirements Summary:10+ years leading Lean transformations; proven TPS/Lean implementation across multi-site manufacturing or supply chain; strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration; Lean tools expert.
Technical Tools Mentioned:Lean/TPS, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, Standard Work, Visual Management, Flow/Pull Systems
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Job Description

Location: This is a remote based role from anywhere in Europe.

 

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Lean Transformation

  • Lead deployment of the company’s Lean operating system across manufacturing, distribution, and commercial functions
  • Establish and manage a Kaizen pipeline aligned to strategic priorities and value streams
  • Drive enterprise initiatives that improve SQDIPC performance
  • Embed Lean thinking and structured problem-solving to support long-term cultural transformation

Kaizen Leadership & Execution

  • Lead and facilitate high-impact Kaizen events across operational and transactional processes
  • Identify improvement opportunities through value stream mapping, Gemba observation, and data analysis
  • Develop and execute rapid improvement plans to accelerate performance
  • Ensure improvements are standardized, sustained, and scalable

Capability Building

  • Build organizational Lean capability through coaching, training, and mentorship
  • Develop Lean champions and continuous improvement practitioners across the network
  • Foster a culture of disciplined problem-solving

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Commercial teams to drive initiatives
  • Align Lean efforts with business strategy and operational priorities
  • Collaborate with senior leaders (e.g., Operational Excellence, Procurement, PMO) to ensure enterprise alignment

Governance & Performance Management

  • Establish KPIs, dashboards, and governance structures to track progress
  • Drive accountability and ensure sustainability of improvement initiatives
  • Report progress and insights to senior leadership

 

Qualifications

Experience

  • 10+ years leading Lean transformations in manufacturing or supply chain environments
  • Proven success implementing TPS/Lean across multi-site operations
  • Demonstrated impact on SQDIPC performance metrics
  • Experience leading Kaizen events across both operational and transactional functions
  • Strong track record partnering with senior leaders and cross-functional teams

Technical Expertise

  • Deep knowledge of Lean/TPS tools and methodologies including Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Root Cause Analysis, Standard Work, Visual Management, and Flow/Pull Systems

Leadership Capabilities

  • Strong change leadership and transformation skills
  • Ability to influence and coach at all organizational levels
  • Excellent facilitation, communication, and business acumen

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field preferred
  • Lean certification (e.g., Black Belt, Lean Practitioner) preferred

Travel: 60%+