Director Continuous Improvement - Europe

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%+