The Opportunity

The world of energy is accelerating. Demand for electricity is rising, electrification is gaining momentum, and expectations of the power system continue to evolve. In this context, Hitachi Energy plays a key role in building and evolving the power system — enabling electricity to be abundant, secure, affordable and sustainable for today and future generations

As part of our Scale to Potential journey, we are strengthening Lean and Continuous Improvement (CI) across our Global Product Group – Grid, Power Quality Solutions & Service (GPQSS).

As Lean Master – Continuous Improvement, you will drive the definition, deployment and sustainability of Lean strategy globally. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution, working across a matrix organisation to deliver measurable performance improvements and support business transformation.

This is a global role (40–50% travel) requiring strong collaboration across cultures and functions. This is an individual contributor role, without direct management reports.

How you’ll make an impact

• Define and continuously improve the Lean and Continuous Improvement strategy at Global Product Group level
• Deploy strategy using Hoshin Kanri, ensuring alignment between business priorities, CI initiatives and KPIs
• Translate strategy into data-driven improvement portfolios using Lean-to-Scale principles
• Lead Lean maturity and baseline assessments, converting findings into structured transformation plans
• Drive Lean deployment across operations, engineering, project execution and support functions
• Deliver value stream improvements focused on lead time, flow, productivity and cost efficiency
• Facilitate and coach Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen and waste elimination activities
• Act as a change leader, influencing stakeholders without direct authority across a global matrix
• Deliver Lean training and capability building across all organisational levels (shopfloor to senior leadership)
• Build strong partnerships through effective communication, empathy and cross-cultural collaboration

Your background

• Degree in Engineering or related discipline
• Minimum 10+ years’ relevant experience in Lean / Continuous Improvement within complex, global organisations
• Proven experience in strategy deployment (Hoshin Kanri or similar frameworks)
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification (required)
• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset with ability to translate insights into action
• Demonstrated experience in coaching, influencing and leading cultural change
• Solid understanding of operational excellence (quality, delivery, cost, productivity)
• Experience within industrial, engineering, project-based or energy environments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage

Key behaviours

• Proactive and results-oriented, with a positive, “can-do” mindset
• Change-positive, comfortable operating in dynamic environments
• Collaborative team player, willing to support across teams and priorities
• Flexible and adaptable, open to hands-on involvement where needed
• Strong people-first approach, building trust and engagement at all levels

What’s in it for you

• Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact global transformation programme
• Visible role influencing how Lean is embedded and scaled globally
• Exposure to cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders internationally
• A collaborative environment where diversity and teamwork drive performance
• Ongoing learning, development and career growth opportunities within Hitachi Energy

Additional information

• Location: Global - location is flexible within Europe/ Americas
• Travel: Approximately 40–50% international travel required

Apply now

Join us and support how we continuously improve, scale and deliver performance across Hitachi Energy.