At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive Lean strategy globally, improving performance and supporting business transformation.
- Company: Hitachi Energy, a leader in sustainable power solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible location, international travel, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on cultural change and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global energy transformation and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Lean/Continuous Improvement, engineering degree, and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
The world of energy is accelerating. Demand for electricity is rising, electrification is gaining momentum, and expectations of the power system continue to evolve. In this context, Hitachi Energy plays a key role in building and evolving the power system — enabling electricity to be abundant, secure, affordable and sustainable for today and future generations.
As part of our Scale to Potential journey, we are strengthening Lean and Continuous Improvement (CI) across our Global Product Group – Grid, Power Quality Solutions & Service (GPQSS). As Lean Master – Continuous Improvement, you will drive the definition, deployment and sustainability of Lean strategy globally. This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on execution, working across a matrix organisation to deliver measurable performance improvements and support business transformation. This is a global role (40–50% travel) requiring strong collaboration across cultures and functions. This is an individual contributor role, without direct management reports.
How you’ll make an impact
- Define and continuously improve the Lean and Continuous Improvement strategy at Global Product Group level
- Deploy strategy using Hoshin Kanri, ensuring alignment between business priorities, CI initiatives and KPIs
- Translate strategy into data‑driven improvement portfolios using Lean‑to‑Scale principles
- Lead Lean maturity and baseline assessments, converting findings into structured transformation plans
- Drive Lean deployment across operations, engineering, project execution and support functions
- Deliver value stream improvements focused on lead time, flow, productivity and cost efficiency
- Facilitate and coach Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen and waste elimination activities
- Act as a change leader, influencing stakeholders without direct authority across a global matrix
- Deliver Lean training and capability building across all organisational levels (shopfloor to senior leadership)
- Build strong partnerships through effective communication, empathy and cross‑cultural collaboration
Your background
- Degree in Engineering or related discipline
- Minimum 10+ years’ relevant experience in Lean / Continuous Improvement within complex, global organisations
- Proven experience in strategy deployment (Hoshin Kanri or similar frameworks)
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification (required)
- Strong analytical and data‑driven mindset with ability to translate insights into action
- Demonstrated experience in coaching, influencing and leading cultural change
- Solid understanding of operational excellence (quality, delivery, cost, productivity)
- Experience within industrial, engineering, project‑based or energy environments
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures
- Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage
Key behaviours
- Proactive and results‑oriented, with a positive, “can‑do” mindset
- Change‑positive, comfortable operating in dynamic environments
- Collaborative team player, willing to support across teams and priorities
- Flexible and adaptable, open to hands‑on involvement where needed
- Strong people‑first approach, building trust and engagement at all levels
What’s in it for you
- Opportunity to contribute to a high‑impact global transformation programme
- Visible role influencing how Lean is embedded and scaled globally
- Exposure to cross‑functional teams and senior stakeholders internationally
- A collaborative environment where diversity and teamwork drive performance
- Ongoing learning, development and career growth opportunities within Hitachi Energy
Additional information
- Location: Global – location is flexible within Europe/ Americas
- Travel: Approximately 40–50% international travel required
Apply now Join us and support how we continuously improve, scale and deliver performance across Hitachi Energy.
Global Continuous Improvement Lean Master - Grid, Power Quality Solutions & Service in Birmingham employer: Hitachi Vantara Corporation
Hitachi Energy is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment that fosters diversity and teamwork. As a Global Continuous Improvement Lean Master, you will have the opportunity to influence high-impact global transformation initiatives while enjoying ongoing learning and career growth opportunities. With a flexible location within Europe or the Americas and a strong focus on employee development, Hitachi Energy is committed to building a sustainable future for generations to come.
Contact Details:
Hitachi Vantara Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Continuous Improvement Lean Master - Grid, Power Quality Solutions & Service in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their Lean and Continuous Improvement strategies, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive Lean initiatives and improve processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Hitachi Energy.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Continuous Improvement Lean Master - Grid, Power Quality Solutions & Service in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Lean Master – Continuous Improvement. Highlight your relevant experience in Lean and Continuous Improvement, especially any strategic leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Hitachi Energy!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about Lean principles and how you can contribute to our global transformation programme. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to drive change and improve processes.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires a strong analytical mindset, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in previous roles. We love seeing how you've translated insights into action, so don’t hold back on those success stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi Vantara Corporation
✨Know Your Lean Principles
Make sure you brush up on your Lean and Continuous Improvement principles before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in previous roles, especially in complex, global organisations. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Data-Driven Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've used data to drive improvements in your past projects. Highlight specific metrics or KPIs you’ve influenced and be ready to explain your analytical process. This will demonstrate your ability to translate insights into actionable strategies, which is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Change Leadership Skills
Since this role involves influencing stakeholders without direct authority, think of instances where you've successfully led change initiatives. Be prepared to discuss your approach to coaching and facilitating teams through transformation, showcasing your people-first mindset and collaborative spirit.
✨Cultural Awareness is Key
Given the global nature of the position, it's important to express your understanding of cross-cultural collaboration. Share experiences where you've worked with diverse teams and how you adapted your communication style to build strong partnerships. This will highlight your flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments.
