Europe Manager, Enterprise Lean and Operational Excellence

Littelfuse; Legnago; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Littelfuse seeks an accomplished Lean and Operational Excellence Leader to drive the Enterprise Lean Six Sigma transformation across European operations. You will lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing, supply chain, engineering and support functions, shaping the regional roadmap and aligning with global priorities.

In this strategic role, you will train and coach practitioners, deliver measurable improvements, and build a strong internal pipeline of Lean Six Sigma talent.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related discipline; a master’s degree is preferred.
• Lean and Six Sigma certification; Master-level certification or equivalent practical experience is preferred.
• Experience leading site-level or multi-site continuous improvement transformations.

Responsibilities

• Lead deployment of Enterprise Lean Six Sigma strategy across European operations, aligning with global priorities.
• Build and improve the regional continuous improvement roadmap, including kaizen events and value-stream transformations.
• Deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and productivity through Lean Six Sigma methods.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Data-driven decision-making

Structured problem-solving

Statistical analysis

Executive presence

Cross-cultural collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Littelfuse (NASDAQ: LFUS) is a diversified industrial technology manufacturing company shaping solutions for the safe and efficient transfer of electrical energy. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, we serve customers across industrial, transportation, and electronics markets worldwide. With approximately 16,000 employees we design and manufacture innovative technologies that support electrification, energy efficiency, and advanced automation. Our global reach is matched by a culture that empowers innovation and long-term growth. Guided by our principles We Care, We Succeed With Our Customers, and We Own the Outcome, we work collaboratively, think boldly, and deliver solutions that move industries forward.

We are looking for an accomplished Lean and Operational Excellence Leader to drive the Littelfuse Enterprise Lean Six Sigma transformation across our European operations. In this strategic regional role, you will lead continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, and support functions. You will shape and deliver the European Lean Six Sigma roadmap, accelerate operational performance, and strengthen a culture of structured problem-solving, waste elimination, accountability, and operational discipline. As part of the global Enterprise Lean Six Sigma leadership network, you will work closely with corporate and regional leaders to align priorities, deploy best practices, and deliver measurable, sustainable improvements that strengthen global operational competitiveness.

About the job

Lead the deployment of the Enterprise Lean Six Sigma strategy across European operations, ensuring alignment with global priorities and transformation goals. Build, manage, and continuously improve the regional continuous improvement roadmap, including kaizen events, value-stream transformations, and capability-building initiatives. Deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and productivity through structured Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Train, coach, and develop continuous improvement practitioners, building a strong internal pipeline of Lean Six Sigma talent. Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, HR, and other functions to integrate continuous improvement into daily management and long-term planning. Conduct operational assessments, maturity evaluations, and benchmarking to identify improvement opportunities and monitor progress. Build a culture of continuous improvement through leadership engagement, effective communication, recognition, and clear accountability. Ensure continuous improvement resources are directed toward the highest-value opportunities through structured prioritization and project governance. Collaborate with IT and Operations teams to incorporate digital tools, data, and analytics into the Enterprise Lean Six Sigma roadmap. Contribute to the global Enterprise Lean Six Sigma network by sharing best practices, standardizing tools, and supporting enterprise-wide initiatives. Advance the five Littelfuse operating model capabilities: Operations Strategy Deployment, Daily Management 365, Quality Management Systems, Continuous Improvement, and Organization & Talent.

About you

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related discipline; a master’s degree is preferred. At least 10 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, or a related environment. A strong track record of leading site-level or multi-site continuous improvement transformations. Lean and Six Sigma certification; Master-level certification or equivalent practical experience is preferred. Experience working in multinational and cross-cultural environments. Strong knowledge of data-driven decision-making, statistical analysis, and structured problem-solving. Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, coach senior leaders, and build high-performing teams. Strong communication skills and executive presence, with the ability to explain complex concepts clearly. Proven ability to influence and deliver results in matrixed or decentralized organizations, including situations where you do not have direct authority.

How success will be measured

Year-over-year improvement in key operational performance indicators. Increased Lean Six Sigma capability and certification levels. Sustained adoption of Enterprise Lean Six Sigma tools and daily management systems. Strong participation and engagement in continuous improvement initiatives. Improved cost competitiveness and operational maturity across European sites. Meaningful contributions to the global Enterprise Lean Six Sigma strategy and best-practice sharing.

#LI-RK

At Littelfuse, we support employee growth and development. Guided by our culture principles, our teams work together to deliver value for customers and make a positive impact in the communities where we operate. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to grow and contribute. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, performance-based incentives, flexible work arrangements, and development opportunities. Our humble roots date back to 1927, where, in the back of a garage on Chicago’s northside, our founder, Edward Sundt, developed a small, fast-acting, protective fuse for use in sensitive test meters. Sundt wanted to call his new company producing these small fuses, "Little Fuse", but wasn't allowed to trademark two such common words. So, instead he went with the one-word, misspelled "Littelfuse". For more than 95 years, Littelfuse has pioneered innovative products that help empower a sustainable, connected, and safer world. With the ever-evolving electrification and electronification of customer applications, our product technologies are closely linked to sustainable applications such as electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure, renewable energy and energy storage, factory automation, power management and more. Throughout our history, our people have been the foundation of our success — and that remains true today. Now more than ever, our bright and talented people are a strategic advantage for the company. From the production line to the engineering lab, the office or distribution center, Littelfuse people are an important part of a diverse, talented team of the best and brightest in the industry. While Littelfuse has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, we still maintain a small-company, entrepreneurial approach where your efforts will drive our culture, our business, and the overall success of the organization. No matter where you work or what you do, your contributions will make a difference at Littelfuse — everywhere, every day.

Littelfuse is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, and/or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.