Step out of your comfort zone, excel and redefine the limits of what is possible. That's just what our employees are doing every single day – in order to set the pace through our innovations and enable outstanding achievements. After all, behind every successful company are many great fascinating people.

In a spacious modern setting full of opportunities for further development, ZEISS employees work in a place where expert knowledge and team spirit reign supreme. All of this is supported by a special ownership structure and the long-term goal of the Carl Zeiss Foundation: to bring science and society into the future together.

Join us today. Inspire people tomorrow.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application silence of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.

Apply now! It takes less than 10 minutes.

As part of the new Operations Excellence and Strategy team, the Lean Operations Expert is responsible for developing and maintaining lean methods and tools for the ZEISS Operations Network. This role provides methodologies, expertise, and training to build and enhance operational excellence across sites. The Lean Expert supports sites and functions in the development and effective realization of their Lean Excellence agenda, coordinates best practices supported pilot implementations, and leads cross-site/ cross-functional optimization projects. This position is integral in defining the strategic direction in collaboration with Operations leaders and site representatives, ensuring regular updates and the establishment of governance and reporting structures, including operational KPIs. In addition, the lean expert supports the development of a thriving Lean Experts community across sites and functions, effectively supporting the establishment of a continuous improvement culture. Develop and maintain improved lean methods and tools such as SFM, Gemba, Value Stream Mapping & Design, 5S, KPI & Performance Management, waste analyses, and problem-solving methodologies

Coordinate best practices, pilot implementations, and cross-site/ cross-functional optimization projects including moderations

Conduct internal operational excellence assessments and follow the development of improvement measures

Develop communication strategies to promote lean initiatives, highlight achievements, and encourage participation in lean activities

Design and deliver training programs to build lean capabilities across the organization, ensuring effective deployment of lean methods & tools

Support the development of clear roles and responsibilities from shopfloor to supporting processes

Establish governance and reporting structures, including operational KPIs, supporting the monitoring of lean initiatives and performance metrics

Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, operations management, business administration, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred

Extensive years of experience in lean management, operations excellence, or a similar role as expert within industry

Deep understanding of lean and tools, search as Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping & Design, Lean Six Sigma, Shopfloor Management, Gemba, Waste analysis and problem solving approaches

Proven track record of successful implementation of lean methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and utilize data to drive decision making

Strong project management and stakeholder management expertise

Experience in workshop moderation and training delivery

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to cooperate with cross-functional teams

Experience in Medical Devices & Medical Equipment Operations preferred

Exceptional English and excellent German communication skills, both spoken and written

Willingness to travel up to 25%

JOBV1_EN