Description
About the Role
We are looking for a Senior Manager – Lean / Agile Enablement Lead to build and scale process excellence capability across our Hire-to-Retire (H2R) and compliance transformation initiatives.
This role will define how transformation work is delivered globally — establishing Lean methods, playbooks, and standards, and coaching teams to apply them effectively. You will work closely with the Process Architect, Value Stream Leads, and global stakeholders to ensure a consistent, high-quality approach to process mapping, redesign, and continuous improvement.
This is a senior, hands-on role suited to someone who has led Lean or process excellence initiatives and is comfortable both coaching others and stepping in to lead high-impact improvement efforts where needed.
Key Responsibilities
Lean Leadership & Methodology:
Define and embed Lean and Agile approaches for process improvement across the organisation.
Translate Lean principles into practical, scalable ways of working.
Act as the subject matter expert for process excellence and continuous improvement.
Playbooks, Standards & Tools:
Develop and maintain global playbooks, templates, and tools for process mapping and redesign.
Standardise approaches to current-state analysis and future-state design.
Ensure alignment with global process architecture and frameworks (e.g. APQC).
Establish and promote consistent use of Lean tools and techniques.
Coaching & Capability Building
Coach Value Stream Leads and teams on Lean principles, facilitation, and structured problem-solving.
Build capability across regions to enable teams to independently deliver high-quality transformation work.
Provide guidance on applying Lean tools in real operational contexts.
Hands-On Transformation Support:
Partner with Value Stream Leads on complex or high-impact redesign efforts.
Lead or support Kaizen events, value stream mapping sessions, and problem-solving workshops where required.
Step in to drive progress on critical initiatives when additional expertise is needed.
Continuous Improvement Culture
Champion a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Embed structured problem-solving approaches across the organisation.
Drive sustainable improvements rather than one-off changes.
Lean Tools & Methods (Expected Proficiency)
Candidates should demonstrate strong practical experience with:
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
Kaizen facilitation
PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act)
Root cause analysis (e.g. 5 Whys, Fishbone)
Process standardisation and simplification
Continuous improvement methodologies
What This Role Does Not Do
Does not own individual processes or value streams
Does not manage projects directly
Focuses on enabling and elevating capability, with selective hands-on involvement
Required Qualifications
Significant experience as a Lean practitioner or Lean leader
Proven track record delivering process improvement or transformation initiatives
Strong facilitation and coaching skills
Experience working in complex, cross-functional environments
Ability to translate frameworks into practical application
Desirable Experience
Experience building or leading process excellence / continuous improvement functions
Exposure to HR, shared services, or operational environments
Familiarity with frameworks such as APQC
Lean certifications (e.g. Six Sigma Black Belt) are a plus
Experience in global or multi-regional organisations
What Success Looks Like
Consistent, high-quality process mapping and redesign across value streams
Strong uplift in team capability and confidence in Lean delivery
Standardised tools and methods adopted globally
Effective delivery of high-impact improvement initiatives (including Kaizens)
Improved efficiency and scalability of transformation work
Preferred Background
Experience working within a Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence, or Simplification function
Proven track record embedding Lean capability within shared services, HR operations, or similar environments
Experience operating in transformation programmes or large-scale process improvement initiatives
Background in consulting or in-house transformation teams is advantageous
Why Join
You will play a key role in shaping how transformation is delivered globally, building the capability that enables scalable, sustainable improvements across processes, systems, and teams.