Lead Transformation Manager - Americas

Overview: The Lead Transformation Manager is responsible for managing and delivery of TBS (Trivium Business System) objectives as part of the Operational Excellence Program. They are responsible for delivering measurable impact by aligning strategic goals with operational execution. This role involves leading and mobilizing teams, championing change at and above the site level, building trust with stakeholders, and embedding new ways of working that drive continuous improvement.

The Lead Transformation Manager typically travels up to 80% of working time, within their region (Europe or Americas).

Driving Impact:

• Supporting plants in improving EBITDA through concrete projects on plant level by:

• Improving OEE and reducing spoilage

• Gaining control of maintenance, supply chain and quality cost through structured processes

• Identifying waste within the plant processes and providing support/coaching to improve

• Driving all steps of project delivery:

• Conducting diagnostics to identify potential through data analysis, observations, simulation, interviews

• Leading bottom-up project planning to ensure ownership at plant level of the improvement projects

• Leading implementation projects with multidisciplinary teams

• Leading value assurance to connect projects to operational KPIs and P&L impact

• Embedding a culture and structure of continuous improvement in a plant

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead hypothesis-driven diagnostics to identify and quantify performance gaps across all plant functions. This includes OEE analysis and workshops, spoilage reduction analysis, structured shop-floor observations to identify waste and improvement opportunities, VSM workshops, etc.

• Define transformation ambition and value targets in partnership with leadership. Convince the plant management of transformational, step-change improvement potential, with financial impact and focusing on levers that require low investment.

• Lead and support multidisciplinary project teams to ensure the achievement of organizational targets, successful implementation of strategic initiatives leading to 10-20M USD EBITDA impact per year per lead transformation manager.

• Apply and help improve the standards of the Operational Excellence pillar of the Trivium Business System, which is built on best practices from manufacturing, quality, maintenance, supply chain, organization and performance management. Do targeted innovations to identify the next level of operational improvement.

• Collect, analyse, stratify, and implement best practices across the division, with an emphasis on main cost drivers.

People leadership

• Lead and coordinate the execution of key strategic initiatives across divisions.

• Lead and apprentice transformation managers and Continuous Improvement (CI) specialists and managers to drive transformational improvement programs, including project management, change management, performance management, capability building, coaching.

• Build capabilities of CI managers, plant managers, plant management team, and transformation managers through training and coaching, including TBS toolbox trainings, shop-floor coaching, and GB/BB training

• Engage with functional experts, regional and global counterparts to maximize the cross-implementation of best practices.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead executive governance and steerco forums with concise, fact-based materials that clarify priorities, value delivery, risks, decisions required, and trade-offs.

• Build peer-to-peer trust relationships with plant managers and Operations Directors to help them grow.

• Ensure all levels of the business are communicated and informed of project/initiative status in a timely manner through Steerco and monthly reporting

• Work closely with Divisional management and local plant management teams to ensure the voice of the customer is being met in regard to TBS

• Collaborate with key functional stakeholders, such as Procurement, Sustainability, Finance, Engineering, to ensure successful implementation of strategic initiatives across EAA

• Support problem resolutions from plants with a structured approach utilising TBS toolbox

Project Management

• Lead and manage projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Utilize project management methodologies and tools to track progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Seasoned (+10 years) operations leader with extensive experience in improving production, quality, engineering and maintenance. In-depth knowledge and experience of lean operations / Six Sigma / Black belt required.

• Knowledge of industry best practices of continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma)

• Top-tier consulting experience (Engagement manager / senior manager or director) is a plus

• Experience and affinity with 2-3 cutting edge trends in operations, e.g. agentic AI, advanced analytics, systems thinking, digital twin and simulation, robotics, process mining, etc.

• Business-minded, with understanding of how operational improvement translates to financial value, and ability to prioritize based on financial impact

• Analytical and conceptual strength, ability to quantify and to translate strategy to concrete action

• Track record and references for driving large scale shop floor transformations – project management, implementation controlling and results driven

• Excellent communication both on executive level as on shop-floor level, with outstanding interpersonal skills. People leader, experienced trainer and facilitator

• Skilled in organizational development, personnel management, budget and resource development, and strategic planning

• Ability to work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving towards clarity and solutions

• Possess personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to corporate mission