Lean Leader, United Kingdom and Ireland

Role overview

This opportunity is for a hands-on Lean and continuous improvement leader to support a major industrial manufacturing organisation’s Model of Excellence (MoE) programme across the UK and Ireland. The role sits within a wider transformation agenda aimed at raising operational excellence, standardising ways of working, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening performance across manufacturing sites.

The position calls for someone who can combine strategic influence with practical delivery. You will work closely with site leaders to build ownership, reinforce accountability, and help embed a culture of continuous improvement. The remit also includes supporting operational alignment and integration across newly acquired businesses in North America.

About the hiring organisation

Pacific International Recruitment is an executive search firm with more than 25 years of experience placing specialists and senior leaders. Headquartered in London, with offices in Düsseldorf and Philadelphia, the firm supports clients and candidates across EMEA, APAC, and the USA.

The recruitment partner is working with a global industrial manufacturing company known for innovative solutions and high-performance products exported worldwide.

What you will do

• Lead the rollout of the Model of Excellence framework across manufacturing locations and ensure it stays aligned with the wider Business Excellence strategy.
• Promote Lean operating principles and behaviours while guiding site transformation plans and priorities.
• Spot waste, inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and process defects, then drive improvement work that lifts productivity, quality, delivery, cost, safety, and people-development outcomes.
• Use Lean Six Sigma methods as the local expert, including Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Daily Management Systems, Standard Work, 5S, Lean Leadership, Problem Solving, and waste reduction.
• Support change management efforts by delivering Lean training and contributing to accreditation and certification initiatives.
• Partner with leaders to strengthen a continuous improvement mindset, manage resistance to change, and communicate the purpose and benefits of MoE across all levels.
• Influence and collaborate effectively within a complex matrix environment.

What the role requires

• Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Expert, or an equivalent qualification.
• A degree in Engineering or Business, or strong practical experience in change management and continuous improvement.
• At least 3–5 years of experience leading Lean or continuous improvement initiatives and implementing Lean transformation programmes.
• Solid working knowledge of Lean deployment tools and methods such as Value Stream Mapping, Daily Management, Kaizen systems, 5S, Lean Leadership, and Standard Work.

Additional information

This is a confidential search. Interested candidates were invited to arrange an initial discussion by email with the contact provided in the source posting.

Equal opportunity statement

The organisation states that diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to its approach. Hiring decisions are made without discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Applications from people of all backgrounds and identities are encouraged.

About the recruiter

Pacific International Executive Search is described as a globally recognised retained executive search firm focused on helping organisations build senior leadership teams and supporting diversity and inclusion in hiring.