Global Lean Manager (m/f/d) | Future Operations Leader

Mann; Hanover Park (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid work model

Professional development

International collaboration

Work-life balance

Job summary

MANN+HUMMEL GmbH is seeking a Global Lean Manager to drive Operational Excellence across the Life Science & Environment division. You will lead lean initiatives, train managers and champions, and collaborate with plant managers worldwide.

The role offers a clear path to an operations leadership position within 2–3 years, with a hybrid work model and international exposure. We value hands-on mindset, strong analytical skills, and willingness to travel 50–75% to global sites across Europe, North

Qualifications

• Education: Engineering degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Production or related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or Continuous Improvement.
• Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence initiatives experience.
• International cross-functional project experience; manufacturing background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement Lean strategy for Life Science & Environment division.
• Drive Operational Excellence initiatives and sustainable performance.
• Develop and deliver trainings; coach managers and Lean champions.
• Establish value stream development across manufacturing sites.
• Standardize and improve Lean principles, methods and tools.
• Lead international workshops and improvement initiatives.
• Conduct Lean assessments at global sites.
• Collaborate with Plant Managers to realize opportunities across network.

Skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving

Data-driven improvements

Facilitate workshops/trainings

MS Office skills

SAP knowledge beneficial

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SAP

Job description

Career Opportunities: Global Lean Manager (m/f/d) | Future Operations Leader (6770)

Requisition ID6770-Posted08/04/2026-2OPGP-LE LEAN LSE-Main / Other (LM)-Ludwigsburg - TC More (4) - Job Country (1)

As worldwide experts in filtration, MANN+HUMMEL develop solutions for vehicles, industrial applications, clean air inside vehicles and the sustainable use of water. With team spirit and an open culture of communication, we are continuously working towards achieving our vision of ‘leadership in filtration’. Become part of our team.

Role Summary

As part of our Global Lean Management Team, you will play a key role in driving Operational Excellence across the Life Science & Environment division of MANN+HUMMEL GmbH and report directly to the Director Global Production LSE.

This position is designed for ambitious talents with leadership potential who aspire to transition into an operational leadership role within our global manufacturing network in the next 2-3 years. Through close collaboration with Plant Managers and Operations Leaders worldwide, you will gain broad exposure to manufacturing operations, global transformation initiatives, and operational leadership.

Your Responsibilities

• Planning and implementing the Lean strategy for the Life Science & Environment division
• Driving Operational Excellence initiatives and ensuring their contribution to sustainable business performance
• Developing and delivering training as well as coaching managers and Lean champions
• Establishing and actively managing value stream development across manufacturing sites
• Standardizing, implementing, and continuously improving Lean principles, methods, and tools
• Leading, facilitating, and following up on international workshops and improvement initiatives
• Conducting Lean and Operational Excellence assessments at manufacturing sites worldwide
• Collaborating closely with Plant Managers and Operations Leaders to identify and realize improvement opportunities across the global production network

Your Profile

• Education: Successfully completed degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Engineering, or a comparable qualification
• Experience:
  • 3-7 years of professional experience in Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or a comparable environment
  • Experience in implementing and driving Lean, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence initiatives
  • Initial experience in managing cross-functional projects in an international environment
  • Experience within a manufacturing environment is highly preferred
• Expertise:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to translate data and operational challenges into sustainable improvement actions
  • Experience facilitating workshops, trainings, or improvement projects
  • Strong MS Office skills; SAP knowledge is beneficial
  • Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from shopfloor to senior leadership
• Personality:
  • Ambitious professional with a strong desire to grow into an Operations leadership role
  • Hands-on mentality and passion for manufacturing environments
  • High level of ownership, resilience, and willingness to challenge the status quo
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Determination and persistence combined with a collaborative mindset
  • Ability to work effectively in multicultural and international environments
• Mobility:
  • High willingness to travel globally (50%-75%)
  • Enthusiasm for working closely with manufacturing sites across Europe, North America, and Asia
  • Openness to future international relocation opportunities within the global LS&E manufacturing network
  • Strong ambition and potential to develop into a Plant, Production, or Operations leadership role within the next 2-3 years

Diversity and inclusion are part of our DNA. We select solely based on the best talent. We therefore welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender, origin, ethnicity, disability, or any other characteristics protected by law.

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Flexible working model: 4 days in the office and 1 day working from home; employees with children under the age of 12 may work 3 days in the office and 2 days from home
• A high degree of autonomy and ownership with room for initiative and decision-making
• Professional development opportunities supported by talent management and learning programs
• Collaboration within an international and diverse organization
• Health, wellness and retirement benefits in accordance with local policies and programs
• Access to employee discount and corporate benefit programs
• An open, collaborative and innovation-driven culture focused on continuous improvement and sustainability
• Work-life balance supported through flexible working arrangements and local leave programs

Are you full of ideas? Are you keen to take on responsibility and really achieve something? Then our doors are open to you. This company lives out its values, gives people the freedom to use their own initiative, and offers many development exciting opportunities and many exciting projects – all of which awaits you here.