Global Director, Lean Transformation

Lean Directors are senior-level experts responsible for architecting and driving Lean transformation across the enterprise. They possess deep and extensive experience (e.g., Lean Master, Master Black Belt, or equivalent) and are fluent in both operational and transactional Lean systems. Their role is to embed Lean thinking into the organization’s DNA, ensuring alignment between strategy, execution, and culture. This role is accountable for embedding a culture of operational excellence, waste elimination, innovation, and sustainable performance improvement across GPS manufacturing sites.

Key Responsibilities:

Lean Strategy & Deployment

• Support the development and execution of Lean initiatives aligned with business objectives and key value streams.

• Apply Lean principles in planning processes, including basic Policy Deployment and Value Stream Mapping, to prioritize critical improvement areas.

• Conduct Lean maturity assessments and audits within assigned plants to ensure consistency and progress.

• Assist in identifying and developing Lean change agents at the plant level and allocate resources to support improvement projects.

• Promote a collaborative team environment focused on problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Core Lean Activities

• Partner with Engineering and Operations to incorporate Lean thinking into product and process improvements.

• Implement and sustain Daily Management Systems (DMS) with visual controls and Leader Standard Work to drive performance.

• Lead and facilitate Kaizen events and Rapid Improvement workshops focused on plant-level processes.

• Apply Lean and basic Six Sigma tools (e.g., DMAIC, SPC) to reduce variation and improve quality.

• Support the use of digital tools for performance tracking and visual management where applicable.

• Extend Lean practices to support functions (e.g., Supply Chain, Maintenance) to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.

Culture & Capability Building

• Model Lean leadership behaviors and coach teams to adopt proactive problem-solving.

• Deliver hands-on training and mentoring to build Lean capability within the plant.

• Develop a pipeline of Lean practitioners through structured learning and on-the-job experience.

Performance Management

• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost through Lean projects.

• Identify waste and improvement opportunities, track results, and share success stories to reinforce Lean culture.

• Support best practice sharing across plants and contribute to continuous improvement networks.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to align Lean priorities with operational goals.

• Participate in internal benchmarking and improvement forums to stay current on Lean practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Quality, Engineering, or a related field.

• Minimum 10-15 years of experience in Continuous Improvement across multiple business domains.

• Significant experience leading business transformation projects - track record of delivering tangible, recognized business & customer results.

• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role.

• Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and Toyota Production System (TPS) methodologies.

• Proven success in leading large-scale Lean transformations across multi-site operations.

• Strong financial acumen with experience managing P&L and capital projects.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and change management skills.

Personal Attributes:

• Visionary and strategic thinker with a passion for operational excellence.

• Influential leader who inspires trust, drives accountability, and builds high-performing teams.

• Resilient and adaptable, with a continuous improvement mindset and a bias for action.

• Travel Requirements: 50-75%.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $158,000 - $222,000. Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance.  This position includes a competitive benefits package. For details, please visit the Employee Benefits tab on our main careers page at https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/careers

Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.