Continuous Improvement Specialist 80 – 100% (f/m/d)

Hitachi · Zürich

Apply on the company website

Location:

Job ID:

Date Posted:

Company Name:

Profession (Job Category):

Job Schedule: 

Remote:

Job Description:

The opportunity

Are you passionate about driving operational excellence and creating measurable impact on the shop floor? As Continuous Improvement Manager, you will partner with factory and operations leaders to identify improvement opportunities, remove bottlenecks, and implement Lean Six Sigma initiatives across the value chain. This is a highly visible role where you will coach teams, lead transformational projects, and help shape a culture of continuous improvement across our manufacturing operations.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience in English.

How you’ll make an impact

• Act as a trusted Continuous Improvement advisor and sparring partner for Factory Managers, Operations Managers, and leadership teams, driving data-driven analyses, optimization initiatives, and operational excellence programs
• Work across the entire value chain to identify bottlenecks, remove constraints, improve flow, and maximize overall business performance
• Maintain a strong shop-floor presence through regular Gemba activities, working side-by-side with operators, supervisors, and managers to identify opportunities, solve problems, and sustain improvements where value is created
• Drive and promote Kaizen Events and Rapid Improvement Workshops to accelerate problem-solving, eliminate waste, and deliver fast, sustainable results
• Train, coach, and mentor employees and leaders in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, supporting certification programs and building continuous improvement capabilities throughout the organization
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to map, analyze, redesign, and optimize end-to-end business processes
• Lead the deployment of Lean principles, standardization, best practices, and benchmarking activities across manufacturing sites
• Monitor, track, and communicate improvement program results through KPIs, ensuring sustainable implementation and measurable business impact
• Travel regularly to support factories, conduct workshops, coach teams, and drive improvement initiatives across the organization (minimum 20% travel required)

Your background

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Process Engineering, with proven hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment. Factory experience is mandatory
• Strong understanding and practical application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies (Green Belt required, Black Belt preferred)
• Proven experience leading Kaizen Events, Gemba activities, process mapping, value stream analysis, root cause analysis, and change management initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to identify bottlenecks, remove constraints, and improve end-to-end value stream performance
• Strong communication, facilitation, training, and presentation skills, with experience delivering workshops and Lean Six Sigma certification programs
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills
• Self-driven, hands-on, and comfortable working on the shop floor alongside production teams to deliver sustainable improvements
• Willingness to travel regularly to support factories and improvement initiatives across the region (minimum 20% travel required)
• Fluent in English; German or Swedish is considered an advantage

More about us 

Our flexible working practices help you optimize personal and business performance while creating an environment where all employees can develop their skills and grow. 

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation

Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Background Screening and Security Checks

As part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre-employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws.

For certain roles—particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions—additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position.

The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.

More jobs at Hitachi · Other jobs in Zurich Zurich, Switzerland