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Continuous Improvement Manager, R&D and Product Management
·Germany
HybridFull-timeAppliancesElectrical ManufacturingElectronics Manufacturing
Lead deployment of lean tools across global R&D and Product Management to accelerate innovation. Facilitate Kaizen, coach teams, drive process improvement. Requires 3+ years operational excellence in R&D/product development. Hybrid remote with travel to Switzerland and US.
Responsibilities
- Deploy VES tools (APD, CD, PPG, etc.) to accelerate innovation outcomes.
- Partner with R&D and Product Management leadership to prioritize high-impact improvements.
- Facilitate Kaizen events, VSM/VPM workshops to reduce NPD cycle times.
- Coach cross-functional teams on continuous improvement principles and tools.
- Drive adoption of root cause analysis to resolve development bottlenecks.
- Establish visual management systems and daily management cadence for transparency.
- Define, track, and communicate key innovation performance metrics.
- Champion cross-functional alignment between Operational Excellence and R&D/Product Management.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business, or related field.
- 3-5+ years of operational excellence/continuous improvement experience in R&D or product development.
- Ability to travel 25% across EMEA and USA.
- Fluency in English.
Nice to have
- Preferred fluency in Swiss German.
- Experience facilitating Kaizen events in software/firmware environments.
- Exposure to AI and digital tools for innovation.
- Experience with VES, DBS, or equivalent lean/continuous improvement system.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
Benefits
- Skill-building opportunities
- On-the-job learning
- Coaching and training