Manager, Kaizen

Key Accountabilities:
•    Lead the implementation of Kaizen initiatives to enhance operational performance and continuous improvement mindset within C&S.
•    Ensure the Kaizen program is aligned with the overall continuous improvement and operational excellence strategy.
•    Identify opportunities for incremental improvements in manufacturing processes and lead cross-functional teams in executing Kaizen events.
•    Foster a culture of continuous improvement by engaging employees at all levels in identifying and addressing inefficiencies.
•    Train and mentor staff on Kaizen principles, techniques, and tools, ensuring broad participation across the organization, through Master Kaizen.
•    Promote active employee involvement in Kaizen activities to drive bottom-up improvements.
•    Develop metrics to track the success of Kaizen initiatives, ensuring improvements are measurable, sustained, and standardized across operations.
•    Collaborate with the CI Lead and other department heads to ensure alignment and integration of Kaizen efforts with broader improvement projects.
•    Regularly report on Kaizen activity outcomes to the CI Lead and senior management.

Key Duties:
•    Lead and manage Kaizen program to ensure engagement and embed continuous improvement mindset across the organization.
•    Work closely with production, quality, and supply chain teams to promote, identify and prioritize areas for improvement.
•    Engage employees in problem-solving sessions and encourage them to take ownership of improvements within their areas.
•    Facilitate e-learning program and workshops to enhance the awareness of Kaizen methodology.
•    Monitor, measure, and document the outcomes of Kaizen initiatives, ensuring the successful integration of changes into standard operations.
•    Build and maintain a database of Kaizen results, lessons learned, and best practices for continuous reference and improvement.
•    Report on the progress of Kaizen activities.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field. Master’s degree (MBA or related field) is a plus

•    Training or certification in Kaizen, Lean methodologies or continuous improvement practices.
•    Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a Kaizen or Lean-focused role.
•    Proven track record of successful Kaizen implementation and delivering a measurable result. 
•    Demonstrated strategic agility and broad knowledge and perspective in planning future activities.
•    Hands-on experience in managing cross-functional teams to deliver cost savings and productivity improvements.

•    Strong understanding of Kaizen principles and practical experience in implementing Lean tools (5S, root cause analysis, etc.).
•    Excellent leadership and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead workshops and Kaizen events.
•    Ability to engage and motivate employees at all levels to participate in continuous improvement efforts.
•    Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills.
•    Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Minitab, Excel) and process mapping software.