Lean Deployment leader EMEA

Who are we?

At Vertiv, we’re on a mission to empower the people that will power the future. From a simple swipe to life-changing medicines, from push notifications to generative AI. We design, manufacture, and service the products and solutions that keep the world connected. With $6.9 billion in sales, a strong customer base and global reach spanning nearly 70 countries, we are uniquely positioned to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people.

We are now looking for aLean Deployment leader EMEA in Cluj-Napoca, Romania!

Own the deployment and embedding of lean methodologies across EMEA - from daily management systems and standard work to kaizen facilitation and value stream optimization. Build lean capability at all organizational levels through structured training, hands-on coaching, gemba-based leadership engagement, and disciplined standard work deployment. Ensure that lean thinking becomes the operational norm across all Spokes within the Hub & Spoke model, not merely a project-based intervention.

Training and certification is one delivery mechanism within a wider lean transformation mandate. This role exists to deploy lean, not merely to teach it.

Why This Role Exists

• Lean tools are applied inconsistently across EMEA - no standard approach to daily management systems, visual management, or flow and pull.

• The Hub & Spoke model requires lean embedded operationally within every Spoke, not confined to project-based LSS activity.

• CI maturity targets (Level 4-5 on People & Capability pillar) require lean culture, not just certification headcounts.

• Training and certification remain critical but represent one component of lean capability alongside coaching, gemba, kaizen facilitation, and standard work deployment.

• A dedicated lean deployment owner is required to maintain momentum, accountability, and consistency as the programme scales through Stand Up → Connect → Scale phases.

Key Responsibilities

Pillar 1: Lean Methodology Deployment

• Own the deployment roadmap for the lean toolkit across EMEA: 5S, Visual Management, Standard Work, Flow & Pull, Kanban, and Daily Management Systems (DMS).

• Align lean deployment sequencing and priorities with the three-phase CI programme (Stand Up → Connect → Scale).

• Partner with Spoke CI Leads to embed lean practices within each Spoke function, ensuring tools are applied with fidelity and not merely surface-level compliance.

• Establish and communicate Leader Standard Work expectations for all CI practitioners within the Hub & Spoke network.

• Define lean deployment metrics and track adoption at Spoke level through periodic assessment and visual reporting.

Pillar 2: Kaizen & Continuous Improvement Facilitation

• Plan, design, and lead kaizen events (rapid improvement workshops) across EMEA Spoke locations, targeting measurable process and performance improvements.

• Coach cross-functional teams on structured kaizen methodology: pre-event preparation, event execution, and post-event sustainability reviews.

• Facilitate Gemba walks with senior leadership, reinforcing lean observation, waste identification, and leader standard work behaviours.

• Build and maintain an annual kaizen calendar aligned to the improvement funnel, Spoke priorities, and business performance cycles.

• Capture and publish kaizen outcomes in a standardised format to drive knowledge sharing and replication across Spokes.

Pillar 3 - Training & Certification Programme

Training is one component of the lean transformation mandate. The certification programme provides the structured knowledge pathway that underpins applied lean deployment across the Spokes.

• Design and own the multi-tier certification programme: Yellow Belt (awareness), Green Belt (project leader), Black Belt (advanced practitioner).

• Define curriculum frameworks, learning objectives, assessment criteria, and certification standards for each level.

• Manage the annual training calendar across in-person, virtual, and blended delivery formats, adapting to Spoke geography and learner availability.

• Track certification pipeline, completion rates, and certification backlog; report progress to CI Director EMEA monthly.

• Ensure training content is directly linked to lean deployment priorities - certification is a means to deployment capability, not an end in itself.

Pillar 4 - Lean Culture & Capability Development

• Conduct structured lean maturity assessments across Spoke functions using a defined maturity model framework, establishing a credible baseline and tracking progression.

• Define and maintain competency frameworks for lean practitioners at each level (YB, GB, BB, CI Lead) to support structured development conversations.

• Build and maintain the lean knowledge library: playbooks, kaizen case studies, standard work templates, lean tool references, and evidence-based best practice.

• Drive the cultural shift toward lean thinking - daily problem solving, waste awareness, respect for people, and continuous improvement as a standard operating behaviour.

• Support leadership development programmes to embed lean behaviours at team leader and middle management level across Spokes.

Qualifications

Must-Have Qualifications

• Certified Black Belt (minimum); Lean practitioner credentials (LEI, Shingo, or equivalent) strongly preferred
• 7+ years of Lean / CI experience in multi-site or complex organisational environments
• Demonstrated experience deploying lean methodologies operationally (not solely delivering training) across multiple sites
• Track record of facilitating kaizen events with documented, measurable outcomes
• Experience establishing daily management systems and visual management in transactional or service environments
• Strong instructional design and facilitation capability for the training and certification component
• Experience in transactional / service lean contexts - not solely manufacturing
• Fluent English required; additional EMEA language advantageous

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with or exposure to Danaher Business System (DBS) or Toyota Production System principles in non-manufacturing contexts
• Lean Enterprise Institute or Shingo Prize affiliation / certification
• Familiarity with digital lean enablers: process mining, digital VSM tools, e-learning platform management
• Change management certification (Prosci, ACMP, or equivalent)
• Coaching qualification or accredited coach training

Travel

Up to 40% EMEA Spoke travel for kaizen & deployment

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS: Safety, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation

• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development

At Vertiv, we offer the stability of a global leader in a growing industry and the opportunity of a startup. We design, manufacture and service the mission-critical infrastructure technologies for vital applications in data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial environments. With $5 billion in sales, a strong customer base and global reach in nearly 70 countries, our move to establish a standalone business enables us to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people.

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to [email protected]. If you are interested in applying or learning more about this role, please visit the company’s career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers