Head of Business-System / Leiter Continuous Improvement (m/w/d)

The Future is Shaped

You are a passionate, experienced, and technology/management-oriented leadership figure with expertise in designing business systems and implementing continuous improvement methods and culture in medium-sized companies/business groups. You are the architect, promoter, and operator of the company's business systems. This means you also establish the internal rules and processes for outstanding performance through continuous improvement. In this position, you are responsible for anchoring a culture of disciplined problem-solving, operational excellence, and corresponding strategic implementation in all functions and levels of the company.

Strongly Positioned

Our client is an international group of companies for industrial automation with the mission to support companies on their way to Industry 4.0 successfully. The group is a platform for automation with around 1,800 employees in several medium-sized companies that maintain their own identity and bring along years of experience in their respective niches.

Tasks

Establish an enterprise business system as a prerequisite for the company's operational processes. The goal is to make performance visible, predictable, and controllable, and enable the leadership team to standardize management processes and lead by example. Create a self-reinforcing improvement culture that is linked to measurable business results. Ensure that the system is scalable with growth and acquisitions and independent of individual employees. Define, document, and continuously develop the integrated collection of tools, processes, leadership behaviors, and cultural norms that promote performance.

Implement strategic planning (Hoshin Kanri). Lead the strategy implementation process and translate the company's strategic priorities into annual goals, quarterly initiatives, and measurable team targets.

Deviation management and cause analysis. Establish a routine for handling deviations to recognize them early, escalate quickly, and solve them sustainably.

Promote Kaizen and rapid improvement. Conceptualize and lead an enterprise-wide Kaizen event program that focuses on the most effective value streams, processes, and functions.

Lead high-visibility Kaizen events personally.

Foster problem-solving competence. Introduce structured problem-solving methods (5-W method, A3 thinking, 8D cycle, PDCA cycle, cause analysis) throughout the company and standardize them.

Create a culture in which problems are recognized quickly, thoroughly analyzed, and sustainably solved.

Implement visual management & systems for daily management.

Leadership training. Build competencies and shape cultural change.

Taking responsibility for financial and operational impacts.

Support M&A integration.

Qualification

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration or economics.

Multiple years of experience in positions with a focus on continuous improvement, operational excellence, or Lean transformation.

Demonstrated experience in implementing a business system or Lean production system at scale – ideally in a company with an established culture of continuous improvement (e.g. Danaher, Fortive, Illinois Tool Works, Toyota).

SUCCESSFUL track record in sustainable performance improvement with reference to financial results

Experience in working with executives and direct contact with the CEO. Funded expertise in methods and tools for continuous improvement and Lean management: 5-W method, Hoshin Kanri, value stream analysis, Kaizen, A3, PDCA, 8D, standardized work processes, 5S, TPM, SMED, error prevention, pull systems.

Experience in the fields of automation, manufacturing or complex B2B environments

Experience in leading Kaizen events, not just as a sponsor.

Experience in M&A integration is a significant plus.

Personal Qualities:

Foster the competencies of others; quickly gets to the core of the problem; prefers direct leadership

High credibility; developed system thinking; pragmatic, disciplined and resilient.

Pragmatic approach; creates a sense of responsibility; persistent, calm and methodical.

Practical approach; data- and effect-oriented.

Lives the behaviors that others expect Team player – no self-promoter.

Empathy - no know-it-all.

Benefits

Besides exciting projects and interesting future topics, this company sets its sights on openness, honesty, mutual respect and appreciation. If you are interested in this responsible position in a successful company, then we look forward to receiving your application by email. For the confidential initial contact, Herr Michael Schuhmann is available by phone at +49 171 2787415 outside of regular working hours.

We look forward to speaking with you!

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