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

MANN+HUMMEL; Hanover Township (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Flexible working model

Professional development opportunities

International exposure

Autonomy and ownership

Job summary

MANN+HUMMEL is seeking an ambitious Lean & Operational Excellence professional to drive performance across its Life Science & Environment division. You will report to the Director Global Production LSE and collaborate with plant managers and leaders worldwide to implement transformation initiatives.

Expect leadership growth into an operations leadership role within the global manufacturing network over 2–3 years, with substantial travel and hands-on mentorship in lean and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a comparable qualification.
• 3-7 years in Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Continuous Improvement or equivalent.
• Experience driving Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma or Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Initial cross-functional project management experience in an international environment.
• Manufacturing environment experience preferred.

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 with Plant Managers and Operations Leaders to identify and realize improvement opportunities.

Skills

Lean Management

Operational Excellence

Data analysis

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

MS Office

SAP knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Industrial Engineering or Production/Engineering-related qualification

Tools

SAP

MS Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description 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.

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
• Language Skills: Fluent in English
• 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.

Please note that, for data protection reasons, we cannot accept applications via email. Kindly use our online application form instead.

Social Benefits

• 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