Group Kaizen Leader (m/f/x)

Magna International; München; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Magna Seating Europe seeks a Group Kaizen Leader to drive continuous improvement across seating plants. You will lead CI activities, time studies, and problem-solving initiatives, with travel across Europe as needed.

You will build BI dashboards to monitor OEE, scrap, FPY, and tool wear, using AI/ML analytics for optimization. A bachelor’s in engineering or operations and 3–5+ years in Lean/CI are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or similar field.
• 3–5+ years in Lean/CI within automotive or component manufacturing.
• Experience supporting multi-plant operations is an asset.
• Proficiency with Power BI, SQL/DAX, MES systems.
• Basic analytics/AI/ML skills (Python/R) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead CI and Kaizen activities across seating and component plants.
• Conduct time studies and rebalance work content for manual, automated, and robotic processes.
• Facilitate A3 problem solving, RCCA, 5-Why, SMED, and process stabilization activities.
• Implement pull systems, Heijunka, and flow principles in seat assembly and component manufacturing lines.
• Develop VSMs and standardised work; deploy visual controls and TPM.
• Build BI dashboards (Power BI) to track performance—OEE, scrap, FPY, tool wear, cycle-time variation.

Skills

Lean leadership

Data analytics

Change leadership

Cross-functional teams

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering/Operations

Tools

Power BI

SQL/DAX

MES systems

Python/R

Job description

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What We OfferAt Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.

Group Summary

Magna is an innovative leader in the development and manufacturing of high quality complete seating systems. Our solution includes seating structures, mechanisms and hardware, as well as foam and trim products for global automotive, heavy truck and bus industries. Our capabilities include market and consumer research; full concept development; design and engineering capabilities; testing, validation and world-class manufacturing. Our award-winning seating solutions are developed from consumer research, finding the ease of operation to be comfortable, convenience and connected.

Job Responsibilities

For our Magna Seating Europe organization, we are seeking a Group Kaizen Leader (m/f/x) to join our team as soon as possible. The designated place of work may also be located at any of our other Seating divisions within Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Continuous Improvement & Kaizen Leadership
  • Lead CI and Kaizen activities across seating and component plants (weld, CNC, stamping, foam, trim cover interfaces).
  • Conduct time studies and rebalance work content for manual, automated, and robotic processes.
  • Facilitate A3 problem solving, RCCA, 5-Why, SMED, and process stabilization activities.
• JIT, Flow & Component Manufacturing Optimization
  • Implement pull systems, Heijunka, and flow principles in both seat assembly and component manufacturing lines.
  • Optimize production cells including welding lines, stamping presses, CNC machining centers, foam molding, sub-assembly stations.
  • Improve changeover times (SMED), tool/mold readiness, and material presentation for high-mix/low-inventory environments.
• Lean Systems, MAFACT & Standardization
  • Develop VSMs for both upstream component plants and downstream JIT seating operations; create integrated flow maps.
  • Deploy Standardized Work, visual controls, TPM, LPA, and stability-building activities across multiple technologies.
  • Support MAFACT audits and ensure adherence to global CI and manufacturing standards.
• Digital, Data, AI & BIBuild
  • Build BI dashboards (Power BI) to track performance across component and assembly operations—OEE, scrap, FPY, tool condition, cycle-time variation.
  • Use analytics, AI/ML, and predictive tools for weld quality detection, cycle-time anomalies, tool wear prediction in CNC, scrap pattern identification, and maintenance alerting.
  • Implement digital tier boards, eAndon, digital Gemba, automated reporting, and IoT/OT data capture for component processes.
• Performance Tracking & Reporting
  • Maintain CI pipeline, track financial benefits, and cascade KPIs across welding, stamping, CNC, foam, and assembly areas.
  • Use structured “manage by facts” routines with daily/weekly performance reviews.
• Coaching & Cultural Development
  • Train teams—including operators, technicians, maintenance, process engineers, and supervisors—on Lean, MAFACT, and data-driven decision making.
  • Promote idea systems, cross-plant best-practice sharing, and collaborative improvement between component and JIT operations.

Qualifications

• Education & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or similar field; or equivalent experience.
• 3–5+ years in Lean/CI within automotive or component manufacturing (welding, stamping, CNC, foam, or similar).
• Experience supporting multi-plant operations is an asset.
• Technical SkillsStrong knowledge of Lean methodologies (5S, VSM, Pull, Standard Work, TPM, SMED).
• Familiarity with component-plant processes such as:
• Welding: MIG/MAG, robotic cells, weld quality checks.
• Stamping/Press: die setup, tool maintenance, scrap/root cause analysis.
• CNC Machining: cycle-time monitoring, tool wear optimization, program standardization.
• Foam / Trim Components: mold cycles, takt alignment, material flow.
• Proficiency with Power BI, SQL/DAX, MES systems, and digital manufacturing tools.
• Basic analytics/AI/ML skills (Python/R preferred).

• Soft SkillsClear communication, facilitation, and leadership across technical and shop-floor teams.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities, lead change, and build cross-functional alignment.
• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving mindset.
• A high degree of flexibility and willingness to travel is essential, as the role requires a minimum of 50% travel across our European locations.

Key Competencies

• Lean & Kaizen Leadership across Component and JIT Plants
• Flow Optimization & Pull Systems
• MAFACT & Standardized Work Deployment
• Data Analytics, AI/ML & BI Tools
• Welding/Stamping/CNC/Foam Process Familiarity
• Change Leadership & Coaching
• Awareness, Unity, Empowerment

At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That’s why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.

AI-Assisted Screening DisclosureAs part of our commitment to a fair, consistent, and efficient recruitment process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These tools help identify qualifications and experience that align with the role requirements. Please note that AI is used solely to support our recruiters. Final decisions are always made by the hiring manager and the hiring team. Importantly, no applicant data is shared externally through these AI tools. All information remains securely within our systems and is handled in accordance with our privacy and data protection policies. Under conditions defined by applicable law, you may have the right to request an explanation of how AI is used to support decision-making. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact our Talent Attraction team.

Worker TypeRegular / PermanentGroupMagna Seating