Skills

Communication Leadership Problem Solving Data Analysis Stakeholder Management Problem-solving Training Coaching benchmarking Project Management

Job Specifications

Job Title - Operational Excellence / Continuous Improvement Manager ( Multi-site )

Location – France, Paris ( Other EU locations considered ) 50% travel required

A global Tier 1 automotive manufacturer is seeking an experienced Operational Excellence / Continuous Improvement Manager to drive performance improvement and operational transformation across multiple manufacturing sites.

This role will play a key part in deploying operational excellence strategies, embedding Lean manufacturing principles, and delivering measurable cost, efficiency and productivity improvements across the organisation.

The successful candidate will work closely with plant leadership teams, operational stakeholders and central operational excellence teams to implement best practices, standardise processes and support the development of a continuous improvement culture throughout the business.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement a regional operational excellence roadmap aligned with the company’s global manufacturing strategy.
Lead and deploy continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing sites to improve operational performance, efficiency and cost competitiveness.
Implement Lean manufacturing methodologies and tools including value stream mapping, line balancing, flow optimisation and daily performance management.
Drive initiatives aimed at improving key operational metrics including productivity, quality, safety and cost performance.
Support plants in identifying operational challenges and translate them into practical improvement projects delivering measurable P&L impact.
Lead the rollout of structured improvement programs including cost deployment, performance management systems and manufacturing optimisation initiatives.
Facilitate benchmarking exercises to identify best practices internally and externally and ensure their effective deployment across sites.
Work closely with plant leadership teams to ensure alignment between operational strategy and continuous improvement activities.
Support the development of operational excellence capabilities across the organisation, including training, coaching and capability development.
Facilitate workshops, training sessions and improvement events to strengthen Lean culture and knowledge across sites.
Contribute to the development and implementation of improvement roadmaps and continuous improvement plans for manufacturing locations.
Identify opportunities to enhance manufacturing processes, production flow, layout and line design to improve overall operational performance.
Monitor and track improvement initiatives, ensuring projects deliver measurable and sustainable business impact.

Candidate Profile

Experience working within multi-site or international manufacturing organisations.
7–10+ years of experience within manufacturing environments, ideally within the automotive or industrial sector.
Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations or a related technical discipline.
Strong experience in Operational Excellence, Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Demonstrated success delivering cost reduction, efficiency improvements and operational transformation programs.
Experience working within multi-site or international manufacturing organisations.
Strong analytical capabilities with the ability to interpret operational data and translate insights into improvement actions.
Proven experience influencing plant leadership teams and driving change across complex manufacturing environments.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage cross-functional teams.
Strong project management capabilities with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Key Competencies

Lean Manufacturing & Operational Excellence
Continuous Improvement Strategy
Manufacturing Performance Improvement
Value Stream Mapping & Flow Optimisation
Cost Deployment & Productivity Improvement
Operational Transformation
Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership
Data Analysis & Problem Solving
Training, Coaching & Capability Development

Personal Attributes

Strategic yet hands-on operational mindset
Strong leadership and influencing capabilities
Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
High level of initiative and problem-solving capability
Passion for driving sustainable operational improvements

About the Company

Penta Search Group Inc. is a recruitment consultancy focusing on global and regional supply chains: helping clients source, select and secure the talent they need to succeed. Operating across North America and Europe, we bring a unique blend of recruitment expertise, market knowledge and unrivaled client service to this highly-skilled and specialist field. With deep understanding of supply chain functions and essential industry sectors, and a global candidate network nurtured over many years, we provide rapid and high-quali... Know more