Regional Continuous Improvement Leader - Decorative Paints EMEA

We supply the sustainable and innovative paints and coatings that our customers, communities – and the environment – are increasingly relying on. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering paints company that’s committed to science-based targets and is taking genuine action to address globally relevant challenges and protect future generations.

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Job Purpose

Akzonobel has been focusing on continuous improvement since several years. We are now about to accelearte starting an important transformation in several regions.

In order to support this acceleration, we are looking for an experienced Continuous Improvement Leader in EMEA for our Decorative Paints business.

The Regional Manufacturing CI Leader acts as the business partner for a specified region working directly with the Senior leadership to deliver performance goals, drive manufacturing process maturity and implement a culture of continuous improvement.

In addition, he/she leads improvement programs for a designated technology area across the Global in a Technology Performance Team.

Key Objectives

Guide the regional teams to develop a CI culture in the AkzoNobel manufacturing sites

Active coaching of ISC regional and site leadership as well as site CI teams to drive operational performance and CI behaviors

Ensure global and functional alignment on CI direction & targets

Functional leadership of the CI team in the region

Support the global COE team in shaping evolution of the system of ALPS (AkzoNobel Leading Performance System)

Partner with the ISC Regional Leadership Team to build the CI improvement plan.

Responsibilities

People and Culture

Actively leading the on-site deployment of ALPS (AkzoNobel Leading Performance System): preparation, implementation, monitoring and sustaining the deployment of manufacturing processes, CI/Lean methodologies, and developing the desired CI culture on sites.

Developing the CI capabilities of site CI managers, leading the regional CI community in efficient best practice sharing & adoption.

Processes

Collaboration with the Operational Performance Team on ALPS process model & support to sites within the region

Support the development of the system of ALPS, within the GPO framework to ensure alignment globally and across the regions.

Performance

Benchmarking of ALPS process maturity and operational performance metrics across sites, with effective best practice sharing and target setting

Guiding the development and execution of the Regional annual plan to achieve performance targets

Shape the regional 2-5year improvement plans together with the Regional Leadership Team,

Team management

Manage CI Experts and Cluster CI (ad-interim) in the region

Ensure alignment with Cluster strategy leveraging CI methodology and tools to deliver targeted Objectives

MAKE (Manufacturing) COE Expert

Contribute to COE MAKE activities – update of SC Prime, ALPS standards, etc.

Support global initiative – TPT or other global programs/projects

Support BPMs to ensure standards and solutions developed centrally are aligned to regional reality and implemented according to guidelines in alignment with regional priorities

Education & Experience

Minimum of Degree in Technical discipline.

At least 7/8 years expert in similar position

Manufacturing management

Supply chain mangement – either planning or logistics preferred.

CI Expert or CI Master (min. Black Belt with desire to achieve higher qualification)

Knowledge of end-to-end value chain

Experience with deploying CI processes

Experienced in cultural change

High level of English

Willingness to travel (25-30%)

Able to lead/facilitate groups

Networker: internal, external, cross functional

Focused on results

Good problem solving skills

Digital champion

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 38030