(15h Left) Operations Excellence Leader

Role Summary :

The Operations Excellence Leader will be responsible for driving step-change improvements in manufacturing by leading initiatives across technology transfer, digitization & automation, special projects, production line optimization, and continuous improvement (CI). This role is critical to accelerating our growth trajectory, building competitive advantage, and ensuring sustainable operational excellence. This role will cut across multiple manufacturing sites across the region.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technology Transfer (TOT)

2. Coordinate the transfer of new technologies and processes from global and regional centers to local manufacturing sites. Possess experience managing complex technology transfers that involve detailed manufacturing procedures.

3. Standardize best practices, ensuring successful industrialization of new products and processes.

4. Partner with engineering, R&D, and global operations teams to enable smooth product launches.

5. Digitisation & Automation

6. Develop and implement a digitisation roadmap for manufacturing, including data analytics, IoT, and digital dashboards.

7. Drive automation initiatives across assembly, machining, and testing to improve productivity, safety, and quality.

8. Machinery productivity and lifecycle assessment in the plant.

9. Evaluate new digital tools and automation technologies, ensuring scalability and ROI.

10. Special Projects

11. Lead high-impact, cross-functional projects aligned with business priorities (capacity expansion, layout optimization, greenfield / brownfield initiatives).

12. Act as program manager to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.

13. Line & Shopfloor Excellence

14. Partner with plant managers to optimize line balancing, throughput, and equipment utilization.

15. Implement lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste and improve OEE.

16. Drive safety, quality, and productivity culture on the shop floor.

17. Continuous Improvement (CI)

18. Build and lead a culture of CI using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.

19. Establish performance metrics and ensure regular reviews to track improvements.

20. Train and coach teams on problem-solving and structured improvement tools.

Key Requirements

• Bachelors / Masters degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, or related field.
• 20+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, operational excellence, or program leadership, ideally in rolling stock, automotive, aerospace, or medium to heavy engineering.
• Proven track record in complex TOT's, digitization, automation, and lean transformations.
• Strong project / program management skills with cross-functional leadership experience.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Industry 4.0 tools and certifications preferred.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and change management skills.

Assessment criteria :

1. Strategic & Systems Thinker

2. Change Leadership & Influence

3. Continuous Improvement Mindset

4. Technical Curiosity & Agility

5. Execution & Program Management Discipline

6. Cross-Cultural Collaboration

7. Communication & Storytelling Skills

8. Entrepreneurial Ownership