Lean Leader

Position Summary
The Lean & Operational Excellence Specialist supports the achievement of the plant’s strategic objectives by driving the deployment of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles across the organization. This role leads initiatives aimed at improving operational performance, eliminating waste, and developing organizational capabilities to enhance safety, quality, service, productivity, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities
Continuous Improvement & Lean Deployment

• Support and sustain the site Continuous Improvement roadmap and initiatives.
• Facilitate Kaizen events, Value Stream Mapping (VSM) activities, and process improvement workshops.
• Identify, prioritize, and lead waste reduction (MUDA) and process optimization projects.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing tools and structured problem-solving methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Support the standardization and continuous improvement of manufacturing and administrative processes.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement at all levels of the organization.

Operational Excellence

• Develop, monitor, and analyze operational KPIs related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Productivity.
• Support the plant in achieving operational and business performance targets.
• Partner with Production, Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, and Maintenance teams to deliver cross-functional improvement initiatives.
• Analyze operational data and trends to identify opportunities for performance improvements and cost reduction.
• Drive sustainable improvements through performance reviews and corrective action plans.

Change Management & Capability Building

• Train, coach, and support supervisors, team leaders, and employees on Lean methodologies and Continuous Improvement tools.
• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, and operational excellence.
• Support organizational and cultural transformation initiatives.
• Facilitate training sessions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities to strengthen Lean capabilities across the site.

Project Management

• Lead and coordinate improvement projects from business case development through implementation and sustainability verification.
• Define project objectives, timelines, milestones, deliverables, and expected benefits.
• Monitor project progress and ensure achievement of targeted results.
• Sustain improvements through audits, follow-up activities, and continuous performance monitoring.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• OEE improvement.
• Productivity improvement.
• Manufacturing cost reduction.
• Reduction of process waste and scrap.
• Lead time reduction.
• Inventory reduction.
• On-Time Delivery improvement.
• Number and impact of Continuous Improvement projects completed.
• Employee engagement and participation in Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical, Manufacturing, or Management Engineering, or equivalent.
• 3-5 years of experience in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Industrial Engineering, or similar roles.
• Previous experience within a manufacturing environment; experience in process industries is considered a plus.
• Fluent English (B2/C1 level).

Technical Skills

• Lean Manufacturing.
• Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt preferred).
• Kaizen Facilitation.
• Value Stream Mapping (VSM).
• Root Cause Analysis (5 Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa).
• PDCA methodology.
• A3 Problem Solving.
• SMED.
• 5S.
• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Visual Management.
• Statistical analysis and performance data interpretation.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; Power BI knowledge is a plus.
• Familiarity with ERP systems is an advantage.

Soft Skills

• Strong results orientation and execution mindset.
• Ability to influence and lead without formal authority.
• Change management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving approach.
• Effective collaboration in cross-functional environments.
• Proactive attitude with strong prioritization and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Practitioner certification and/or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt certification.
• Experience within multinational manufacturing organizations.
• Exposure to chemical, coatings, or process manufacturing industries.
• Experience working in a continuous improvement-driven culture.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, the successful candidate will

• Develop and implement a structured Lean and Continuous Improvement roadmap for the site.
• Deliver measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, and cost performance.
• Successfully lead cross-functional improvement projects with quantifiable business impact.
• Increase employee involvement and ownership of Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Strengthen and embed a sustainable culture of Operational Excellence across the organization.

The base salary range for this position is 38.000,00 eur to 45.000,00 eur per year.
We confirm that this job offer is based on objective and gender-neutral criteria and complies with the relevant provisions of the applicable National Collective Labour Agreement (CCNL), in accordance with and in full respect of Legislative Decree No. 96 of 7 May 2026 implementing Directive (EU) 2023/970.

PPG 的工资范围和薪酬福利可能因工厂/事业部而异，这使我们能够在不同区域市场为员工提供具有竞争力的薪酬。PPG 在做出薪酬决策时会考虑多种因素，包括但不限于技能组合、经验和培训、资历和教育背景、执照和证书以及其它企业需求。其它激励措施可能适用。

我们的员工薪酬福利计划旨在支持员工的健康和福祉。任何保险承保范围和薪酬福利均将符合适配计划和相关管理计划文件的条款和条件。