Global Lean Leader – Sales & Commercial (m/f/d)

Strategy Development & Deployment:

• Lead the development and deployment of Lean Sales and Commercial Lean strategies globally, aligning them with the company’s business objectives.
• Establish a culture of continuous improvement across all regions and related functions.
• Ensure alignment of Lean principles with organizational goals, driving operational excellence.

Process Improvement:

• Oversee the identification of inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement, in processes and execution activities.
• Implement Lean tools and methodologies (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, A3 Problem Solving) to optimize processes.
• Support local teams in addressing operational challenges, while ensuring global standards are maintained.

Training & Mentorship:

• Provide Lean training and development programs to employees at all levels, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.
• Mentor regional Lean leaders and functional managers to build Lean capabilities within their teams.
• Ensure the application of Lean principles is consistent and sustainable across all regions.

Performance Metrics:

• Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to reflect the identified priorities and drive focus on continuous improvement.
• Use data-driven insights to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and report on the impact of Lean initiatives to senior management.
• Drive accountability for the achievement of Lean goals and targets across the Sales teams, the Commercial teams, and related functions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with other functional leaders to ensure Lean initiatives are integrated seamlessly.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to solve complex problems and implement solutions efficiently across global teams.
• Drive global standardization in processes while considering local/regional requirements and regulations.

Change Management:

• Champion change management processes related to Lean initiatives, ensuring smooth adoption of new practices and continuous buy-in from stakeholders.
• Lead by example, demonstrating Lean thinking in daily operations and decision-making.

Global Reporting & Communication:

• Communicate Lean goals, progress, and results to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Share best practices and success stories globally to promote Lean culture.
• Ensure regular updates on Lean initiatives, driving visibility and transparency across the organization.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Commercial/Sales Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
• Experience: Significant experience in Lean/Operational Excellence roles, including leadership of global transformation efforts. At least 5 years in Lean or process improvement roles, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership capacity.

• Experience: Significant experience leading and/or driving Sales/Commercial processes in a large, global organization
• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Master Black Belt, or equivalent certification in Lean or process improvement methodologies.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams.
  • Strong communication and influencing abilities, capable of driving change across diverse cultures and regions.
  • Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and data-driven decision-making skills.
  • Proficient in Lean tools and techniques, including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, 5S, and root cause analysis.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment with a focus on results and continuous improvement.

Additional Skills:

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to solving problems.
• Change agent who can influence organizational culture and drive transformation.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to build relationships at all levels of the organization.
• High level of adaptability and resilience in managing complex, global challenges.