Continuous Improvement Manager
Employer name not established · Frankfurt, Germany
POSITION SUMMARY
The Continuous Improvement Manager based in Frankfurt will drive a culture of continuous improvement across the region by identifying inefficiencies, leading structured improvement projects, coaching teams on problem-solving methodologies, and embedding Lean and Six Sigma practices into daily operations. This role acts as a trusted advisor to regional and site leadership, ensuring sustainable performance gains across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP). The successful candidate will have a strategic mindset with a hands-on approach, to optimise performance and support business growth.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage a pipeline of improvement projects aligned to the strategic priorities, ensuring delivery through structured action tracking.
- Apply structured methodologies (DMAIC, PDCA, A3 Problem Solving) to define problems, measure baselines, analyse root causes, implement solutions, and sustain control.
- Drive waste reduction initiatives targeting quality, cost, lead time, and productivity improvements.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement by identifying efficiency gains, standardising processes, and sharing best practices across Regions, countries and functions to achieve Strategic objectives.
- Lead and facilitate improvement initiatives across the region through improvement workshops, Kaizen events and Business Process Transformation projects.
- Support the organisation’s Lean Six Sigma belt certification programme by coaching and mentoring Green Belt and Yellow Belt candidates.
- Coach local teams on performance tools, reporting standards, governance disciplines, and structured problem-solving techniques.
- Mentor employees at all levels to develop a continuous improvement mindset and embed CI into daily work routines.
- Partner with business functions (within and outside of the Services team) to ensure effective service delivery.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification (Black Belt preferred).
- 3–5+ years of experience in continuous improvement, operational excellence, or process improvement roles.
- Proven track record of leading Kaizen events, DMAIC & Lean projects, and delivering measurable results.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate insights into action.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills — ability to engage stakeholders from front-line employees to senior executives.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience in a multi-site, multi-country, or matrixed organisation.
- Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent).
- Experience coaching and developing Lean / Six Sigma belt candidates.
- Change management experience or certification (e.g., Prosci, ADKAR).
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage diverse teams across multiple regions.
- Excellent communication, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED
- 25%
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