Lean Manufacturing & Digitalisation Manager

Hero Recruitment; Galway; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HERO Recruitment is seeking a Lean Manufacturing & Digitalisation Manager to lead continuous improvement and digital transformation in a high-volume manufacturing environment. You will work cross-functionally with Production, Engineering, Quality and IT to drive measurable performance gains.

The role combines Lean methods, Industry 4.0, automation and data analytics to deliver real-time visibility, improved throughput and cost reductions on the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in high-volume manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of Lean, 5S, TPM, SMED, VSM, Kanban and Standard Work.
• Experience delivering digitalisation or Industry 4.0 projects.
• Experience with MES/SCADA/IoT or similar systems.
• Proficiency in Python, C#, or Java.
• Experience in data processing and shop-floor digital solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lean strategy across production areas, incorporating 5S, TPM, SMED, VSM, Kanban and Standard Work.
• Conduct Gemba walks, reviews and data analysis to identify waste and bottlenecks.
• Lead Kaizen events and coaching to build a sustainable Lean culture.
• Define and monitor KPIs focused on productivity, OEE, scrap, quality and throughput.
• Develop and implement structured improvement programmes aligned with business objectives.
• Identify Industry 4.0 opportunities and drive digitalisation projects on the shop floor.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Data Analytics

Industrial Engineering

OEE

Automation

Python

C#

Java

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/related field

Tools

MES

SCADA

IoT

Machine Connectivity

Python

C#

Java

Data Analytics

Job description

Lean Manufacturing & Digitalisation Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Lean Manufacturing & Digitalisation Manager to lead the continuous improvement and digital transformation agenda across a high-volume manufacturing environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role combining Lean manufacturing, operational excellence, digitalisation, automation, and data-driven improvement. The successful candidate will work closely with Production, Engineering, Quality and IT teams to identify opportunities, implement improvements, and embed a culture of continuous improvement across the manufacturing operation.

Key Responsibilities

Lean & Continuous Improvement Leadership

• Lead and champion the implementation of a comprehensive Lean strategy across all production areas, incorporating 5S, TPM, SMED, Value Stream Mapping, Industrial Engineering, Kanban, and Standard Work.
• Conduct hands-on Gemba walks, process reviews, and data analysis to identify waste, bottlenecks, and opportunities to improve manufacturing flow.
• Lead Kaizen events and continuous improvement workshops, coaching and developing teams to build a sustainable Lean culture.
• Define, implement, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on productivity, OEE, scrap reduction, quality, throughput, and cost.
• Develop and implement structured improvement programmes aligned with overall operational and business objectives.

Manufacturing Digitalisation & Industry 4.0

• Identify and implement opportunities to leverage digital technologies and Industry 4.0 solutions to improve manufacturing performance.
• Lead digitalisation projects involving technologies such as IoT, MES/MOM, SCADA, machine connectivity, data analytics, and machine learning.
• Translate manufacturing requirements into practical digital solutions that deliver measurable operational improvements.
• Support the integration of production equipment, systems, and data platforms to improve real-time visibility, decision-making and process control.
• Develop and deploy software and digital solutions for shop-floor applications, including programming, scripting, data processing, and system integration.
• Drive the transition from manual processes and disconnected data towards more automated, connected and data-driven manufacturing.

Quality & Productivity Improvement

• Work closely with Production, Quality and Engineering teams to solve complex manufacturing problems using structured methodologies such as PDCA, 8D, Fishbone and Root Cause Analysis.
• Develop and implement strategies to reduce process variation, improve First Pass Yield (FPY), and increase overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Use manufacturing data and analytics to identify trends, prioritise improvement opportunities and measure the impact of interventions.
• Ensure successful transfer and scale-up of new Lean, digital and manufacturing improvement solutions from pilot through to full production.
• Establish robust standards and controls to ensure improvements are sustained over the long term.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years' hands-on experience within a high-volume manufacturing or production environment.
• Strong practical understanding of manufacturing processes, production systems, and shop-floor operations.
• Proven experience implementing and sustaining Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong knowledge of tools including 5S, TPM, SMED, VSM, Kaizen, Standard Work, Kanban, and OEE.
• Minimum 3 years' experience delivering manufacturing digitalisation or Industry 4.0 projects.
• Experience with technologies such as MES, SCADA, IoT, machine connectivity, manufacturing data analytics, or similar digital manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in at least one modern programming language such as Python, C# or Java, or equivalent scripting experience.
• Experience in data processing, system integration, automation, or development of shop-floor digital solutions.

Core Competencies

• Production Acumen: Deep, practical understanding of manufacturing operations with the ability to work effectively and credibly on the production floor.
• Lean Leadership: Proven ability to lead continuous improvement programmes and embed Lean principles across an organisation.
• Digital & Technical Capability: Ability to bridge manufacturing operations with digital technologies and translate technical opportunities into practical business solutions.
• Leadership: Strong capability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and coach others in Lean and digital manufacturing practices.
• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and structured problem-solving skills, with a strong focus on root cause analysis and data-driven decision-making.
• Communication: Ability to communicate complex technical, digital and process concepts effectively at all organisational levels, from operators to senior leadership.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Comfortable working at the intersection of traditional manufacturing excellence, automation, and emerging digital technologies.

Please Note: Under its obligation under the Data Protection legislation, HERO Recruitment will not forward your details to any company without your prior approval.

Data can only be transferred outside of the EEA based on standards contractual clauses, to a country for whom an adequacy decision has been given by the European Commission or where the express permission of the data subject has been given. You have supplied us with your personal data in the process of applying for a position. Our client company may have personnel outside of the EEA who will review your data. We will apply the appropriate criteria in respect of the data transfer depending on the location of those personnel.