Operations Excellence Leader

Role Summary:

Operations Excellence Leader

Key Responsibilities

1. Technology Transfer (TOT)

• Coordinate the transfer of new technologies and processes from global and regional centers to local manufacturing sites. Possess experience managing complex technology transfers that involve detailed manufacturing procedures.
• Standardize best practices, ensuring successful industrialization of new products and processes.
• Partner with engineering, R&D, and global operations teams to enable smooth product launches.

2. Digitisation & Automation

• Develop and implement a digitisation roadmap for manufacturing, including data analytics, IoT, and digital dashboards.
• Drive automation initiatives across assembly, machining, and testing to improve productivity, safety, and quality.
• Machinery productivity and lifecycle assessment in the plant.
• Evaluate new digital tools and automation technologies, ensuring scalability and ROI.

3. Special Projects

• Lead high-impact, cross-functional projects aligned with business priorities (capacity expansion, layout optimization, greenfield/brownfield initiatives).
• Act as program manager to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.

4. Line & Shopfloor Excellence

• Partner with plant managers to optimize line balancing, throughput, and equipment utilization.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste and improve OEE.
• Drive safety, quality, and productivity culture on the shop floor.

5. Continuous Improvement (CI)

• Build and lead a culture of CI using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.
• Establish performance metrics and ensure regular reviews to track improvements.
• Train and coach teams on problem-solving and structured improvement tools.

Key Requirements

• Bachelors/Masters degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, or related field.

• 20+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, operational excellence, or program leadership, ideally in rolling stock, automotive, aerospace, or medium to heavy engineering.

• Proven track record in complex TOT’s, digitization, automation, and lean transformations.
• Strong project/program management skills with cross-functional leadership experience.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Industry 4.0 tools and certifications preferred.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and change management skills.

Assessment criteria:

1. Strategic & Systems Thinker

• Sees the bigger picture beyond the factory floor — understands how technology transfer, automation, and CI link to business growth and profitability.
• Can balance long-term transformation with short-term delivery.

2. Change Leadership & Influence

• Strong ability to lead people through change (technology adoption, digital tools, automation).
• Skilled in influencing without authority across functions and geographies.
• Builds trust quickly with shopfloor teams and executives alike.

3. Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Naturally challenges the status quo; looks for better, faster, safer ways to work.
• Has a data-driven problem-solving approach but also pragmatic enough to deliver quick wins.

4. Technical Curiosity & Agility

• Keen learner, stays updated on Industry 4.0, digitization, automation, and lean tools.
• Able to assess technology fit for a low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environment.

5. Execution & Program Management Discipline

• Strong at structuring complex projects, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring flawless execution.
• Demonstrates resilience under pressure and drives closure.

6. Cross-Cultural Collaboration

• Must be comfortable working with diverse cultures and driving consistency across geographies.

7. Communication & Storytelling Skills

• Simplifies complex technical topics into clear, actionable insights.
• Inspires teams to adopt change, rather than just enforce it.

8. Entrepreneurial Ownership

• Acts like a business owner, not just a function owner.
• Balances cost, quality, delivery, and innovation with an eye on P&L impact.