Lean Manager

VAT Group; Batu Kawan; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

VAT Group is seeking a strategic Lean Manager in Batu Kawan, Malaysia, to champion continuous improvement across manufacturing operations. The role involves leading structured initiatives (Kaizen, VSM, flow optimization, waste elimination), connecting data to action, and embedding sustainable Lean practices into daily work.

You will mentor operators and leaders, build a Green Belt project pipeline, and collaborate with digital, analytics, and industrial engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Experience leading structured improvement initiatives (Kaizen, VSM, flow optimization, waste elimination).
• Coach and develop operators, specialists, and leaders in Lean methods and problem-solving.
• Ability to translate site performance data into prioritized improvement actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead Continuous Improvement execution and impact delivery across operations.
• Drive measurable improvements in productivity, lead time, quality, and cost.
• Act as main Lean contact at site, supporting deployment of Lean principles and tools.
• Establish and sustain daily performance management routines (tiered meetings, Gemba, visual management).
• Support development of Green Belt project pipeline and CI capabilities.

Skills

Lean management

Kaizen

VSM

DMAIC

8D

A3

5S

Gemba

Job description

BE GREAT TOGETHER WITH US.

Location:
Batu Kawan, MY
Employment Type: Permanent

BE GREAT TOGETHER WITH US.

Innovation, Efficiency and Ambition: this is what VAT has stood for over 50 years.

With this passion, VAT has grown to become the leading international developer, manufacturer and supplier of high-performance high-end vacuum valves and vacuum sealing technology, employing over 2000 people worldwide. The headquarters are located in Haag (Switzerland), the production centers in Switzerland, Malaysia, Romania and Taiwan.

We are seeking a strategic and results-driven Lean Manager to champion continuous improvement across our operations.

Your Responsibilities Include, But Not Limited To

• Continuous Improvement Execution & Impact Delivery
• Lead and deliver structured improvement initiatives (Kaizen, VSM, flow optimization, waste elimination)
• Translate site performance data into prioritized improvement actions
• Drive measurable impact on productivity, lead time, quality, and cost
• Ensure initiatives deliver sustainable results and are embedded into daily operation
• Lean Deployment & Shopfloor Integration
• Act as the main Lean contact at site, supporting deployment of Lean principles and tools
• Establish and sustain daily performance management routines (tiered meetings, Gemba, visual management)
• Connect shopfloor performance to structured problem solving and escalation routines
• Support implementation of stable processes (standard work, flow, takt, SMED, 5S)
• Digital-to-Shopfloor Value Realization
• Translate digital dashboards and analytics into actionable shopfloor improvements
• Ensure a closed-loop process: data → action → execution → KPI validation → sustainment
• Work closely with digital, analytics, and industrial engineering teams
• Capability Building
• Coach and develop operators, specialists, and leaders in Lean methods and problem-solving
• Support development of Green Belt project pipeline and CI capabilities
• Act as facilitator for structured problem solving (A3, DMAIC, 8D)
• Governance & Performance Tracking
• Monitor and report Lean performance and project impact (aligned to DarWin / site targets)
• Ensure prioritization of initiatives based on business impact
• Support Lean assessments and ensure adherence to Lean standards.
• Cross-Site Collaboration
• Share and implement best practices across CH, RO, MY
• Contribute to harmonized Lean systems and standards across sites
• Collaborate with GIE, Operations Excellence, Quality, SCM, Production leaders
• Scope & Organizational Context
• The Lean Manager is accountable for local execution and impact delivery, while methods, standards, and governance are defined by Global Industrial Engineering.
• May coordinate or guide local CI resources (e.g. technicians, engineers), depending on site maturity
• Works under functional guidance of Global Continuous Improvement leadership, while operating within local site structure
• Accountable for local execution and impact, in alignment with global Lean governance
• Key Performance Indicators
• Measurable improvement delivered (productivity, cost, quality, lead time)
• Continuous Improvement pipeline value of projects and successful project execution rate (measurable impact on Cash Flow, P&L, and Cost Avoidance)
• % of initiatives delivering validated and sustainable impact
• Lean maturity improvement (assessment results from externally moderated facilitators e.g. UMS, Kaizen Institute)
• Development of site CI capabilities (Green Belt pipeline of projects)

VAT is an equal opportunity employer. We see ourselves as a responsible and far-sighted employer that offers not only jobs, but also career and personal development opportunities through various training programs. We recognize the value of employee diversity and provide equal employment opportunity for all qualified application that contributes to innovation, improves customer orientation and employee satisfaction. One-step in this direction is to ensure that people are recognized and fairly compensated for their contributions to the company. In 2021, VAT received the Fair-ON-Pay+ certificate as an acknowledgement for our commitment in ensuring equal pay for equal work between men and women.