Head Of Continuous Improvement

Datwyler Group; Bardi; Hybrid; EUR 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Global exposure

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Datwyler Group seeks a Head of Continuous Improvement to shape and drive our global CI strategy. In this senior role, you will build a culture of operational excellence, structured problem‑solving, and measurable performance improvement across the organization, partnering with site leaders and functions worldwide.

You will standardize CI methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and DMAIC, establish governance, and enable business value realization.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in senior CI/Operational Excellence roles within multinational industrial settings.
• Proven track record leading large-scale CI deployments across multi-site orgs.
• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, DMAIC and related methodologies.
• Experience guiding cross-functional programs, kaizen events and CI maturity assessments.
• Willingness to travel internationally and work across cultures.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive Datwyler's global CI strategy with governance and impact.
• Lead standardization of CI methodologies, frameworks, and tools.
• Build global CI governance, performance management, and maturity models.
• Partner with business leaders to deliver measurable improvements and value.
• Develop global CI capabilities via training, coaching and certifications.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Change management

Cross-cultural collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Engineering degree or Operations Management

Job description

Datwyler’s high-tech elastomer components make a vital contribution to the safety, reliability and functionality of critical systems in billions of syringes and coffee capsules, in every second vehicle worldwide, and in energy-related applications. Datwyler serves highly regulated and technologically demanding markets, such as Healthcare, Automotive, Food & Beverage and Industry. With around 7,500 employees and 25 production sites on four continents, we work closely with customers from concept to series production. Our employees are at the heart of Datwyler. Guided by Mastery, Impact and Respect, we continuously improve, focus on meaningful results and collaborate with trust and openness.

L'esperienza richiesta ai candidati, così come le competenze e le qualifiche aggiuntive necessarie per questo lavoro, sono elencate di seguito.

Become part of our team as a…Head of Continuous Improvement

As our Head of Continuous Improvement, you will shape and drive Datwyler's global Continuous Improvement (CI) strategy. In this highly visible leadership role, you will help build a culture of operational excellence, structured problem‑solving, and sustainable performance improvement across our global organization. Working closely with business leaders and site teams worldwide, you will strengthen capabilities, establish governance, and enable measurable business impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and drive Datwyler's global Continuous Improvement strategy in alignment with business objectives and the Operational Excellence vision.
• Develop, standardize, and continuously improve CI methodologies, frameworks, and tools, including Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, structured problem‑solving, advanced analytics, and AI‑enabled capabilities.
• Lead the evolution of Continuous Improvement into an integrated global CI system with clear governance, performance management, and maturity assessment frameworks.
• Partner with the VP Operational Excellence to support major transformation initiatives and ensure sustainable operational adoption and business value realization.
• Provide leadership and targeted support for critical cross‑functional Continuous Improvement programs across the organization.
• Establish and maintain global CI governance, standards, roles, responsibilities, and operating mechanisms to ensure a consistent enterprise‑wide approach.
• Define and reinforce accountability models that balance global standards with local ownership for execution and results delivery.
• Monitor improvement performance through KPIs, project portfolios, maturity assessments, and governance reviews to ensure sustainable outcomes.
• Support divisions and sites in measuring, validating, and reporting operational and financial benefits generated through improvement initiatives.
• Build global Continuous Improvement capabilities through training, coaching, mentoring, and certification programs at all organizational levels.
• Develop and align a global network of CI managers, practitioners, and change agents to promote best‑practice sharing, standardization, and knowledge transfer.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, Lean leadership, accountability, continuous learning, and structured problem‑solving across all sites and functions.
• Partner with senior leaders, regional teams, and site leadership to embed Continuous Improvement into strategic priorities, operational processes, and day‑to‑day decision‑making.

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in senior Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, Manufacturing Excellence, Lean, or related leadership roles within multinational companies and complex industrial environments.
• Proven track record of leading large‑scale Continuous Improvement deployments across multi‑site and international organizations.
• Strong experience delivering measurable business impact in productivity, quality, cost, delivery, and process performance.
• Demonstrated experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and structured problem‑solving methodologies in manufacturing and/or industrial settings.
• Experience leading cross‑functional improvement programs, facilitating kaizen events, and conducting CI maturity assessments.
• Experience working across geographically dispersed and culturally diverse organizations.
• Experience supporting transformation programs and embedding sustainable operational practices.
• Deep expertise in Continuous Improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, VSM, A3, DMAIC, and structured problem‑solving).
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities with ability to translate complexity into scalable solutions.
• Excellent leadership, facilitation, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong change leadership and influencing skills in matrix organizations.
• Strong capability‑building mindset with experience designing training and CI maturity programs.
• Familiarity with digital enablers, data analytics, and AI‑supported problem‑solving tools is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to operate across cultures and geographies.
• Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• Availability to travel internationally.

What We Offer

• Continuous learning and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career.
• The chance to work with cutting‑edge technologies across exciting, fast‑evolving industries.
• We love our employees.
• A collaborative, high‑performing team environment where your ideas and contributions truly make a difference.
• Collaboration with international teams across diverse markets and regions.
• A values‑driven company culture built on respect, trust, and appreciation.
• Flexible working arrangements with hybrid options to support a healthy work‑life balance.
• Be yourself at Datwyler.
• People make the difference at Datwyler.
• We offer a wide range of career and development opportunities in an international company where you can contribute your skills, ideas and experience.

xysqume Together, we create an environment where people can grow and help shape our future.

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