Regional Continuous Improvement Manager

A leading global manufacturer is seeking a Regional Continuous Improvement Manager to champion operational excellence across multiple high-mix, low-volume sites in Penang.

This pivotal role offers you the opportunity to shape and nurture a culture of continuous improvement from the manufacturing floor to the leadership team, directly impacting safety, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency targets. You will be empowered to lead cross-functional improvement initiatives, coach teams in Lean principles, and align strategies with broader business objectives. With a strong focus on collaboration and employee engagement, this position provides significant scope for professional growth and influence within a supportive environment. Flexible working opportunities and ongoing training are integral to the organisation’s commitment to your development.

• You will play a key role in driving operational excellence by implementing Lean tools and methodologies across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring measurable improvements in safety, quality, and efficiency.
• The organisation values collaborative leadership and offers extensive training opportunities to help you develop internal capabilities through coaching and mentoring at all levels.
• Enjoy flexible working arrangements and the chance to work closely with site general managers, contributing directly to strategic growth and customer satisfaction while sharing best practices across the network.

What you'll do:

As a Regional Continuous Improvement Manager, you will immerse yourself in the day-to-day operations of several high-mix, low-volume manufacturing sites. Your primary focus will be on nurturing a culture of continuous improvement by teaching Lean principles and tools that drive measurable enhancements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency. You will spend most of your time on the manufacturing floor—coaching employees, highlighting process wastes, and facilitating collaborative problem-solving sessions. By coordinating Kaizen events and guiding value streams in waste elimination efforts, you will foster an environment where every team member feels supported in their pursuit of operational excellence. Your ability to interpret complex business challenges using advanced Lean tools will enable you to deliver innovative solutions that align with the company’s strategic objectives. Success in this role requires you to manage project pipelines effectively while sharing best practices across sites and keeping leadership informed about progress towards business goals.

• Collaborate with all levels of the organisation to teach and embed continuous improvement tools that enhance safety performance, eliminate waste, improve process efficiency, and increase employee engagement.
• Provide guidance and support to site continuous improvement resources, fostering a nurturing environment where teams can thrive together.
• Advise value streams on identifying and eliminating waste in processes and practices, ensuring sustainable improvements are achieved.
• Facilitate frequent use of Lean tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Setup Reduction, Problem Solving, Risk Assessments, Mistake Proofing, TPM, and more.
• Coordinate and lead Kaizen events that bring together cross-functional teams to solve complex business challenges collaboratively.
• Interpret intricate business problems using data-driven analysis to identify solutions that deliver lasting results.
• Manage project development and implementation efforts that support continuous improvement goals across multiple sites.
• Work closely with other continuous improvement and operational resources to ensure best practices are shared throughout the organisation.
• Provide regular project updates to leadership teams to maintain alignment with overarching business objectives.

What you bring:

To excel as a Regional Continuous Improvement Manager you will bring proven expertise from industrial manufacturing environments coupled with deep knowledge of Lean principles. Your background should include substantial experience leading functional teams or projects focused on operational excellence—ideally within sectors such as automotive or aerospace where reliability is paramount. You have successfully implemented Lean Management Systems across multiple sites and demonstrated your ability to deploy advanced tools like Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S methodologies and cellular manufacturing solutions. Your certification in Lean methodology underscores your commitment to best practice standards. Beyond technical skills you possess outstanding communication abilities enabling you to motivate diverse teams while presenting complex concepts simply. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications supports your capacity for detailed reporting. Above all your empathetic approach fosters trust among colleagues as you coach them towards higher performance—making you an invaluable asset in nurturing collaborative improvement cultures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field or equivalent experience is required for this role.
• At least 5 years’ experience working within an industrial manufacturing setting is essential for success.
• A minimum of 7 years’ progressive experience in continuous improvement or operational excellence roles is expected; including at least 3 years managing teams or projects.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience implementing Lean Management Systems, material flow processes, production level loading, daily tiered accountability systems, leader standard work routines, and process confirmation techniques.
• Proven track record leading Kaizen events as well as deploying Value Stream Mapping (VSM), 5S methodologies, Standard Work protocols, Visual Management systems, Pull Systems, and cellular manufacturing implementations.
• Experience within automotive, aerospace, defence or high-reliability manufacturing sectors (such as medical device or space) is strongly preferred; exposure to high-mix, low-volume operations is advantageous.
• Certification in Lean methodology or equivalent is required; additional training credentials are highly valued.
• Excellent communication skills are vital for presenting concepts clearly and motivating teams; proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint is necessary for reporting purposes.
• Ability to lead cross-functional projects collaboratively while negotiating consensus among stakeholders is crucial for achieving sustainable results.
• Strong interpersonal skills including relationship management abilities are needed for building trust within teams; commitment to employee development through coaching is highly regarded.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to operational excellence through collaborative leadership and employee empowerment. The company prioritises flexible working opportunities so you can balance professional responsibilities with personal needs. Training programmes are designed not only for skill enhancement but also for nurturing interpersonal relationships—ensuring every team member feels supported throughout their career journey. The workplace culture emphasises sharing best practices across sites which creates a sense of community among employees striving together towards common goals. Leadership is approachable and responsive; they value input from all levels when shaping strategies that impact both customer satisfaction and competitive positioning. If you seek an environment where your contributions are recognised—and where ongoing development is encouraged—you’ll find this organisation offers everything needed for long-term success.

What's next:

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact by nurturing operational excellence across multiple sites—apply now!

Apply today by clicking on the link provided or email me at TengHong.Khoo@robertwalters.com.my to discuss this new opportunity!

Do note that we will only be in touch if your application is shortlisted.

Agensi Pekerjaan Robert Walters Sdn Bhd
Business Registration Number : 729828-T
Licence Number : JTKSM 423C